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I’m such a helper! I monitor the peaceful transfer of dog food from the big bag to the small bag...

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<title>Daily Smile: Monday, January 12, 2026</title>

Daily Smile: Monday, January 12, 2026

 I’m such a helper! I monitor the peaceful transfer of dog food from the big bag to the small bag...

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Girls’ Day, or Hinamatsuri, is coming up Tuesday, March 3.

Whether you’re looking for mochi or other limited-time treats, the following are sure to please the girls in your life:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"A Cake Life"}]

: These Sakura sugar cookies ($7) are available for a limited time. 

: Available for purchase and pick-up until March 3

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Choco le‘a"}]

: This dessert shop’s March specials include:

: Available for pre-order; treats will be in store starting Feb. 27 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Fujiya Hawaiʻi"}]

: Fujiya Hawaiʻi is offering a variety of treats for Girls’ Day. Choose from:

: Pick-ups and walk-ins available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 2; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 3

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hokulani Bake Shop"}]

: The dessert shop will offer Sakura-shaped cookie and a four-pack of cupcakes ($23). Cupcake flavors include red velvet, vanilla buttercream, guava and chocolate buttercream; no substitutions on flavors are accepted.  

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Kulu Kulu"}]

: Eaton Square, 438 Hobron Lane Ste. 102, Honolulu

: This Girls’ Day strawberry shortcake ($44.50) is designed to serve four to six people. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"La Palme D’or"}]

: Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu

: The dessert shop is offering specialty cakes with seasonal decorations for Girl’s Day. Choose from strawberry shortcake (6-inch cake $58, 7-inch cake $70, 8-inch cake $90) and raspberry mousse cakes (7-inch cake $65). 

: This online business is offering a three-pack strawberry set ($8), Sakura sweet box ($15) and assorted sweet set ($3). All treats are available in dark or white chocolate or matcha flavors. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Yohei Sushi"}]

: 1111 Dillingham Blvd. No. 101, Honolulu

: The eatery is featuring a Girl’s Day special ($65). The special menu highlights sushi — featuring 12 pieces of seasonal fish — along with dishes inspired by pearls, peach blossoms and Nobori lanterns. 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Girls Day roundup Fujiya Hawaii 022426

<title>Where to find treats for Girls’ Day 2026</title>

Whether you’re looking for mochi or specialty desserts, we’ve got you covered.

Where to find treats for Girls’ Day 2026

Business & Tourism

The business’s second store is located in Kāhala — specifically Kāhala Korner, the same plaza where 

The new store — which is in the former Subway space — will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Due to its size, this location is more conducive to takeout.

While this store is smaller than the business’s Downtown Honolulu location, it includes some of its most popular features.

Customers can take advantage of the store’s smoothie machine and DIY ramen machine. Smoothies ($4.99 each) come in flavors like acai; strawberry and banana; and blueberry, strawberry and banana.

Customers can also choose from the extensive ramen selection, then use the machines to cook their ramen.

The store also features a large selection of grab-and-go hot and cold foods.

Hot foods include fried mandoo ($3.39), potato corndogs ($3.49), and tornado potatoes ($3.49). The latter — which features a crispy, spiral-cut potato on a stick — is a customer favorite.

Cold options include sweet and savory sandwiches, musubi, and kimbap.

Similar to its Downtown Honolulu location, this store offers a variety of assorted snacks and customizable drinks.

Customers can also find CU Hawaiʻi  x Sig Zane merch, along with popular Korean skincare products.

CU Hawaii Kahala sign 022526

<title>CU Hawaiʻi opens in Kāhala</title>

The Korean convenience store just opened its second location in Kāhala Korner, the same plaza as Kapa Hale and Olive Tree Café. The store opened in the former Subway space, and while not as big as the brand’s Downtown Honolulu location, it includes some of its most popular features.

CU Hawaiʻi opens in Kāhala

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

Ready to celebrate the weekend? This weekend, there are opportunities to run, practice yoga, and listen to new music from Bruno Mars. You can also immerse yourself in culture with the new Kaula Lūʻau at Ko Olina and the Black Business & Culture Expo in Kapolei, plus continued 

 Here are some of the events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Friday, Feb. 27"}]

A new immersive cultural performance that is a partnership between Hawaiian Council and Ko Olina Resort will debut on Friday, Feb. 27, at Ocean’s Edge at Ko Olina Resort in West Oʻahu. Kūhiō Lewis, president and CEO of Hawaiian Council, shares how 

the idea for the production started with a lunch meeting

Tickets start at $119 for adult standard and $249 for VIP.

 There are discounts for kamaʻāina, active-duty military and seniors. Tickets for shows through March 31 can be purchased for 50% off using the code: FIRSTWAVE 50. For more information, go to: 

Head to the Honolulu Museum of Art to celebrate Lunar New Year by playing mahjong with the Bad Luck Club, exploring centuries of Chinese art, and eating biang biang noodles made by Guest Chef Andrew Pressler. There will be a lion dance and live music. The event runs from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. General admission is $28. Members and keiki receive discounted admission. 

Ready to get rid of some pre-race jitters ahead of the King’s Runner 10K? Meet a brand ambassador for a shake-out 5K run and win some prizes, plus improve your confidence ahead of the race on Sunday. Meet at 5:30 p.m. in front of the stairs at Kakaʻako Waterfront Park. Free. 

, who graduated from Roosevelt High School on O’ahu as 

, plans to release his newest album, “The Romantic,” on Feb. 27. Bruno Mars recently helped his nephews, 

 which was part of the soundtrack for Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch.” Listen to Bruno Mars' new music on 

In celebration of the new album release, The Lei Stand at Romer House Waikīkī will hold a Bruno Mars look-alike contest. Contestants are encouraged to dress as any era of Bruno Mars from his early throwback suits to his Silk Sonic-inspired style. There will be themed drinks, food, a live DJ and special surprise guests. Prizes include a $500 gift card to The Lei Stand Waikīkī. The event starts at 8 p.m. Contestants and attendees must be at least 21 years old. Free. 

Aloha State Daily found some of Bruno Mars’ yearbook photos from his junior and senior years at Roosevelt.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Saturday, Feb. 28"}]

Five candidates for the 2026 Lei Court will display their lei-making abilities, hula performances and poise and personality, speaking in English and ʻŌleleo Hawaiʻi from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mission Memorial Auditorium. The winners of the contest will be announced in mid-March. The Lei Court will preside over the 98th Annual Lei Day Celebration festivities, which will take place on Friday, May 1, at Kapiʻolani Regional Park. 

Put on by the Hawaiʻi Black Chamber of Commerce, this family friendly event includes food and craft vendors and live music in honor of Black History Month. Stop by the Kapolei Heritage Center between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Attendees can enjoy opportunities to connect with local entrepreneurs, artists and professionals. Admission is free for keiki and $5 for adults, if purchased in advance. Tickets at the door are $10. 

Enjoy the Explore Asia Fest at Palama Settlement or catch calligraphy demonstrations at the Royal Hawaiian Center. These are just a few of the events happening in honor of Lunar New Year. Check out Aloha State Daily's guide for 

What to do for Lunar New Year on Oʻahu: parades, lion dances, and more.

Catch this show from Honolulu Theatre for Youth, which shares one young woman’s journey to find her place in her culture and features hula, oli and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. The production is by Lokomaika‘i Lipscomb, Marques Hanalei Marzan, and Annie Cusick Wood. It is back by popular demand after a tour in Italy and Portugal. The event has performances at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28; 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 1; and 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14. General admission is $30 for adults and $15 for keiki. Admission for seniors and military is $25. 

Ready to stay indoors and pick up a new craft during a day with 

? Learn to crochet a Puakenikeni lei through this workshop at HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts at the Market City Shopping Center in Honolulu. Students taking this class must have a basic understanding of how to crochet as making a flower requires knowledge of multiple stitches. Students will learn how to make flowers but will not complete a lei during the workshop as the process of making a single flower can take a seasoned crocheter at least 15 minutes. Open to students who are 18 years old or older. Tickets for the intermediate class are $35, plus fees and taxes. The class is offered Saturday and Sunday. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sunday, March 1"}]

 The race starts and finishes at Thomas Square in Honolulu. Participants take home a race shirt, finisher medal and on-course and post-race refreshments, plus bragging rights! The race starts at 6:45 a.m. Online registration is closed but runners can do late registrations at the packet pick-up, where runners get their bibs, at Salt at Our Kakaʻako (691 Auahi Street in Honolulu). 

Quiet your mind and stretch your body with this outdoor yoga class with Over the Rainbow Yoga along Oʻahu’s coast. Listen to the ocean and stand beneath palm trees as you practice. General admission is usually $23, plus taxes and fees. There is a buy-one, get-one deal where two tickets for the price of normal admission. 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Kaula Lūʻau

<title>Kaula Lūʻau, new Bruno Mars music, and more: your guide to the weekend</title>

Ready to plan the weekend? Aloha State Daily can help. From the Kaula Lūʻau, launched by Hawaiian Council and Ko Olina Resort, to new music from Bruno Mars, there are lots of events happening on Oʻahu this week.

Kaula Lūʻau, new Bruno Mars music, and more: your guide to the weekend

Kaula Lūʻau, a new theatrical lūʻau celebrating one woman’s family lineage, opens this Friday, Feb. 27, at Ocean’s Edge at Ko Olina Resort in West Oʻahu. It is produced by Hawaiian Council and led by a Native Hawaiian creative team that includes Kipe Ebana, 

, Tiana Nonosina and Kayla Faʻamaligi. The performances will take place in a space next to Ulua Lagoon 4 and Ko Olina Marina, less than two miles from the recently closed 

“Everything about it from its design to who's producing it, who wrote the story, to the organization that's behind it — it's all Native Hawaiian led,” Kūhiō Lewis, president and CEO of Hawaiian Council, told Aloha State Daily. “It's rare that Native Hawaiians get to —  from start to finish — create and produce something like this. We’re excited to tell our own story.”

, is a Kapolei-based nonprofit that focuses its programs on business incubation, housing, policy, tourism and workforce development to support Native Hawaiians. Through a partnership with Ko Olina Resort — which includes Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa; Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina; Beach Villas at Ko Olina; Ko Olina Golf Club; Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club; and Ko Olina Marina — 

 will have use of the land for the lūʻau, the marina that supports the lūʻau, and a parking area for 18 months free of rent, Lewis said. Proceeds from operations during that time will support the council’s work.

The space will see the activation of two stage productions in 2026: Kaula Lūʻau, starting this week, and 

the musical “Hawaiian Goddess: The Epic Tale of Hiʻiaka,”

 which is set to debut in December. The musical is a partnership between Hawaiian Council and WitzEnd Productions, founded by Broadway producer 

. “Hawaiian Goddess: The Epic Tale of Hiʻiaka” stars 

 as Pele and had its world premiere at the Native Hawaiian Convention in October of 2025.  

“In addition to the lūʻau, there is a partnership with [Native Hawaiian-owned] Hawaiʻi Nautical, which is a boat operator out of Ko Olina, so people can go on a sunset cruise and then come back for the lūʻau,” Lewis said.

Kaula Lū‘au provides jobs to a number of employees of Paradise Cove Lū‘au, which operated in Ko Olina for more than four decades before it 

. The new lūʻau has 27 cast members, 16 of which came from the Paradise Cove Lū‘au, Lewis said. About a dozen additional former employees of Paradise Cove Lū‘au will be joining Kaula Lūʻau as hosts, bussers and lei greeters, he added.

The costumes for Kaula Lūʻau were designed by Native Hawaiian designers: 

, of the brand Manaola, and Kiniokahokuloa Zamor

Kaula Lū‘au shares the story of Mahina, a young Native Hawaiian woman as she seeks to understand herself through stories passed down by her grandmother.

“The other thing is this is not your typical lūʻau,” Lewis added. “This is a theatrical lū‘au where there's a storyline of Mahina and her grandmother. Grandma shares Mahina's genealogy ... so as she's telling Mahina, your ancestors came from Tahiti, they came from Samoa — that's when the different acts come out. But of course, it's grounded in the Hawaiian culture where she lives today.”

There is singing. And a projector that makes some stars appear.

“When grandma tells her about the stars, the stars appear,” Lewis said. “And when Mahina points to the stars, it flickers.”

The idea for Kaula Lū‘au came up over lunch. Honolulu-based developer 

 is CEO and president of The Resort Group, which acquired 

Ko Olina Resort as the company’s flagship development on Oʻahu

 in 1997. Stone invited Lewis to discuss opportunities at the resort.

“He sees my name in the paper and reads about us so he invited me to lunch,” Lewis said. “He was telling me about how he wanted his resort to be more culture-based, more connected to Hawaiʻi, especially the West Side, where majority of Hawaiians live.”

Stone proposed some shacks along the lagoon where practitioners could lead weaving and other activities, but Lewis countered with a desire for Native Hawaiians to tell their own stories, he said.

“I looked at him, [and] said, ʻJeff, we don't need to go back to grass shacks.’” Lewis said. “I said, ʻI want to be the operator of a hotel. I want to be able to tell our own stories. I want land. That's what Hawaiians need. We don't need grass shacks.ʻ He was so enamored by my comment. He paused and he just was like: ʻWow.’ He goes: ‘Nobody's ever told me straight like that.’”

What followed was a partnership between Hawaiian Council and Ko Olina Resort.

“What you're seeing is what came from that conversation,” Lewis said. “He has given us everything we've asked for to be able to produce, to be able to do all the things that I've been wanting to do for years. And so, this is the power when you can connect with people that have the ability to support.”

The economic impact of the new lūʻau includes more than $5 million in contracts with local vendors and contractors, including a nearly $3 million catering contract with the Native Hawaiian-owned restaurant, Moani. There will also be local vendors and artisans from Nā Mea Hawaiʻi selling their products as part of the on-site experience.

The launch of Kaula Lūʻau will create 166 jobs, according to Hawaiian Council. When the musical opens in December, that number will increase to 342 jobs.

“There's so much power in us telling our stories,” Lewis said. “When you think about it, for generations, others have told our story, and so for us to take that back and for us to be able to be part of that storytelling, as well as the economics that support storytelling, is very powerful, for me. I also think it's educational. People come to Hawaiʻi because they want to feel special. They want to be a part of this culture that they fell in love with at some point in time. And I want to give it to them.”

Hawaiian Council has provided the cultural support for the lūʻau with its director of entertainment, cultural practicioners, senior advisor and more contributing to the production. The in-kind support from the council for this production “probably exceeds half a million dollars,” Lewis said. Ko Olina Resort’s in-kind contributions are close to $10 million, he added. That includes use of the land, the resources to start up, marketing support, and collaboration with hotels in the Ko Olina Resort area.

“It's very, very powerful,” he said. “And this lūʻau is only a small part of a much bigger vision that we have for the future of Ko Olina.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Lewis declined to share more details."}]

“But I can tell you that it's transformational,” he said. “And when you reimagine, and you re-envision a resort area over 500 acres and you think about: how do you make that Hawaiian? Because that's what visitors want. It's very transformational. It's a big investment, not just financially, but a commitment to a culture of people, and that's what's happening right now.”

Tickets start at $119 for adult standard and $249 for adult VIP, with kamaʻāina discounts for Hawaiʻi residents who use the code: HILOCAL30. There are also discounts for active-duty military, MAHALO20, and seniors, KAPUNA10. Tickets for shows through March 31, can be purchased for 50% off using the code: FIRSTWAVE 50. For more information, go to: 

Stephanie Salmons contributed to this story. 

<title>Kaula Lūʻau launches in Ko Olina this week</title>

A new immersive cultural performance that is a partnership between Hawaiian Council and Ko Olina Resort will debut on Friday, Feb. 27, in West Oʻahu. Kūhiō Lewis, president and CEO of Hawaiian Council, shares how the idea for the production started with a lunch meeting.

Kaula Lūʻau launches in Ko Olina this week

Last month, the James Beard Foundation and Platform by James Beard Foundation hosted “A Modern-Day 

 that honored the flavors of the Islands — in New York City.

Executive chef Shaymus Alwin of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, and chef de cuisine Adrian Solorzano of The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, created dishes that boasted a contemporary expression of Hawaiʻi’s culinary heritage.

” menus will be available at Azure restaurant at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, and Beachhouse at the Moana from Feb. 25 to March 8.

“Bringing this celebrated experience home underscores the Moana Surfrider’s role as a cultural and culinary landmark for 125 years,” states Thomas Foti, Moana Surfrider general manager. “In collaborating with the James Beard Foundation, we are showcasing the incredible evolution of Hawai

i’s foodways on a global stage. We can’t wait for our local community and guests to taste the same menu that captivated New York.”

Solorzano’s three-course Modern-Day Lūʻau menu ($125 per person) will be available in addition to the restaurant’s regular three- and four-course tasting menus from Feb. 25 to March 1. Cocktail pairings for the Modern-Day Lūʻau menu will also be available.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"The specialty menu includes:"}]

Alwin’s Modern-Day Lūʻau dishes will be featured on Azure Restaurant’s four- ($125 per person) and five-course ($145 per person) menus — with optional wine pairings — from March 4 to 8.

“Bringing the spirit of Waikīkī to the James Beard Foundation’s Platform is a monumental milestone for our historic properties,” states Nicole Okuna, general manager of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. “This collaboration is more than just a dinner; it is a celebration of the deep cultural roots and culinary innovation that define the Pink Palace of the Pacific and the First Lady of Waikīkī.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Specialty dishes include:"}]

Reservations for both dinners can be made via 

Modern Day luau duck 022026

<title>James Beard Foundation collaboration dinner coming to Waikīkī</title>

Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, and Azure Restaurant at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, are featuring dinner menus from a sold-out James Beard Foundation event last month in New York City. These “Modern-Day Lūʻau” experiences will be available in Honolulu for a limited time.

James Beard Foundation collaboration dinner coming to Waikīkī

A new Vietnamese cafe recently opened in Kakaʻako.

 — behind Down to Earth Kakaʻako — in the former space of Hibachi Honolulu, 

 offers a variety of Vietnamese dishes designed for easy grab-and-go.

“We have different types of rolls, and ‘roll’ is ‘on the go,’” says business owner Tam Tran, of the new cafe’s name.

The menu features Vietnamese coffees, spring and summer rolls, banh mi sandwiches and various plates. Most of the drinks feature a Vietnamese coffee base, according to Tran, who says customers can choose from different flavors of foam. Options include ube foam, salted foam and pandan latte ($7.50 each).

Non-caffeinated options, like choco cloud milk and Oreo pink cloud milk ($6.25 each) are designed for kids.

As part of its opening special, the cafe is currently offering 50% off any drink with the purchase of any food item.

Customers can choose from a variety of summer rolls (featuring a rice paper wrap) and deep-fried spring rolls. Spring rolls are usually filled with vermicelli, carrots, taro, onions and a protein of your choice, while summer rolls are stuffed with vermicelli, lettuce, basil, chives and a protein of choice.

A unique option is the cafe’s hidden crunch rolls (12 pieces for $17), which are spring rolls wrapped in summer rolls. They come with a sweet n’ chili sauce for dipping.

“You get everything in one bite; a lot of people tried it (during our first day of soft opening) and liked it,” Tran says.

Of the various sandwiches the cafe offers, Tran recommends the special banh mi ($13.25). It’s stuffed with pork, mayo, veggies and housemade pate.

“Our homemade pate is made from scratch,” she says.

The cafe is currently open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays to Mondays (closed Tuesdays). Customer parking is available at Shops at Keauhou Lane.

Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays to Mondays

Rollin Rolls Cafe owner 021926

<title>New Vietnamese cafe opens in Kakaʻako</title>

Rollin’ Rolls Cafe opened recently in the former space of Hibachi Honolulu, next to Mad Pie in Kakaʻako. The biz offers a variety of spring and summer rolls, banh mi sandwiches and Vietnamese coffees.

Daily Smile: Monday, January 12, 2026

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Daily Smile: Monday, January 12, 2026

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