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This is Finn. His human stopped scratching his back, so he had to take matters into his own hands...

Smile 26 1 18

<title>Daily Smile: Sunday, January 18, 2026</title>

Daily Smile: Sunday, January 18, 2026

 This is Finn. His human stopped scratching his back, so he had to take matters into his own hands...

[{"type":"text","text":"Baloney search and rescue mission..."}]

Smile 26 1 17

<title>Daily Smile: Saturday, January 17, 2026</title>

Baloney search and rescue mission...

Daily Smile: Saturday, January 17, 2026

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Whether you prefer dining out or staying in — or just want specialty desserts — here are delicious ways to celebrate Feb. 14.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Aloha Brew Coffee Bar"}]

: This coffee business’s Valentine’s menu just launched. Drinks are available in heart-shaped cups with flavors like Sweet Thang (white chocolate, Thai walls and vanilla cold foam), I Love You Like a Mango (mango black tea with optional pineapple juice), Perfect Match-A (strawberry matcha), chocolate-dipped strawberry (strawberry with chocolate cold foam), Honey Bebeh (honey, brown sugar and coconut cold foam), Passion Love (black tea, liliko

i cold foam and optional pineapple juice), Going Bananas for You (banana, mocha walls and Cookie Butter cold foam) and banana split (banana, chocolate walls and strawberry cold foam). 

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

: This special Valentine’s dinner costs $125 per person. The menu includes:

: 5 or 7 p.m. Feb. 14; early bird special ($115) if seated between 4 and 5 p.m. 

olani Hotel Waikīkī Beach, 150 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu 

: The Valentine’s Day prix fixe ($100 per guest) features a four-course menu. It includes:

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

: The dessert shop is offering a variety of themed treats for Valentine’s Day. Specialty desserts include strawberry shortcake ($65), strawberry basque ($40), strawberry roll cake ($30), raspberry opera cake ($45-$55, depending on size), chocolate-covered strawberries ($25-$45, depending on number of pieces; $5.50 each), cake pops ($5.50), four-piece financier sets ($16), espresso cup sets ($8.50) and more. Certain desserts like the raspberry mousse ($7.50), raspberry opera cake ($8.50) and choco tarte ($8.50) are also available in individual sizes. 

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

: This Valentine’s Day special tasting menu ($110 per person) is available on Feb. 13 and 14, but on Feb. 13, diners have the option to order off the a la carte menu, as well.

[{"type":"text","text":"The tasting menu includes:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Plumeria Beach House"}]

: This Valentine’s Day dinner buffet costs $125 per adult and $55 per child. The restaurant’s a la carte menu will not be available during this time. 

kahalaresort.com/dining/Plumeria-Beach-House/

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Star of Honolulu"}]

: The Pacific Star Sunset Buffet & Show Cruise ($128.88 per adult, $76.96 per child) includes a welcome Mai Tai, Pacific Rim dinner buffet, Moku Ola show and sunset views.

The buffet menu includes Alaea salt crusted USDA prime roast beef, fish of the day with coconut curry sauce, barbecue chicken, local macaroni salad, Big Island mixed greens with sweet bread croutons and citrus vinaigrette, homemade pineapple banana bread, coconut cake, guava chiffon cake and more. 

starofhonolulu.com/holiday-cruises-oahu-hawaii-valentines-day-cruise-pacific-star-dinner

: Stripsteak’s Valentine’s Day menu costs $139 per person. The three-course menu includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The Buffet at Hyatt"}]

: Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort & Spa, 

’s Valentine’s dinner buffet costs $125 per person (50% off for children ages 6 to 12 years old, children ages 5 and under have free admission). Buffet highlights include a carving station with garlic and herb crusted prime rib and grilled rack of lamb; seafood and sushi (Goosepoint oysters, Alaskan snow crab legs, ‘ahi poke, ‘ahi sashimi, made-to-order temaki handrolls and more); teppan station (kalbi short ribs, washugyu beef bulgogi and baked oysters); hot food station (Hyatt signature Korean fried chicken, roasted Hawaiian kampachi, lechon pork belly and more); and assorted desserts (soft serve ice cream with toppings, chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate fountain with assorted fruits and brownies, mini red velvet cupcakes, tiramisu and more).

There is a 90-minute dining time limit, and this holiday menu is not combinable with the eatery’s kamaʻāina discount and other promotions. 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Valentines Day 2026 part 1 La Palme Dor 011526

<title>Where to eat on Valentine’s Day 2026: part 1</title>

From prix fixe menus to specialty desserts, check out these options for Feb. 14.

Where to eat on Valentine’s Day 2026: part 1

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

Hunter Erickson stayed calm during the chaos, delivering the most memorable moment of the University of Hawai‘i men's basketball team's season so far on Saturday. 

Down by one point against UC Irvine, the Rainbow Warriors called their final timeout with 9.1 seconds remaining. A broken play left the 'Bows stuck until their trusty senior guard got the ball with two seconds remaining. 

Erickson took two dribbles to his right and swished a fadeaway jumper from near the free throw line as time expired, lifting the Rainbow Warriors to a 67-66 win over the Anteaters in the 

final matchup between the teams at the Stan Sheriff Center with UH as a Big West Conference member

[{"type":"text","text":"\"Once it left my hands, it felt good,\" Erickson said after the game."}]

As discombobulated as the 'Bows may have looked in the final seconds, Erickson says it's a shot he's practiced thoroughly over the years.

"More times than I can possibly remember, honestly," he said. "Luckily, I was able to get to the spot. That's a shot that I practice a lot, that mid-range, pull-up fadeaway. Obviously not the go-to shot during the game but at the end of the day, when teams are playing good defense, that's a shot you can always get off no matter what."

4,895 on Saturday night featured Erickson's in-laws, AAU coach and friends from high school. 

"That makes it really cool," Erickson said of his game-winner. "All the emotions, amazing. I couldn't even hear myself talking. It was awesome. That's the kind of crowd you live to play for."

Erickson has been the ultimate all-around player for the Rainbow Warriors. The 6-foot-3 BYU transfer had seven points, five rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal, playing 35 minutes against UC Irvine. He's started all 15 games for the Rainbow Warriors, averaging 8.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists. His duties often include guarding the opposing team's top guard, as well as playing spot minutes at point guard when regular starter Aaron Hunkin-Claytor is on the bench. 

"Hunter's my guy," standout UH center Isaac Johnson said. "That's my golf buddy, my AAU teammate from back in the day. He's a great dude, and so I think he himself didn't have the best game, and for him to just stay in it and stay locked in to that moment, that shows what kind of a guy he is, what type of player he is. He's an amazing dude."

Added head coach Eran Ganot: "You know why Hunter makes that shot? Because he's incredible person. He 

, which is a tough one. And he's ready to take the next one, which was a tough one, but it's a moment for him and the team will never forget it."

The Rainbow Warriors improved to 12-3 overall and 4-1 in Big West play, establishing themselves as an early contender in 2026 after missing the eight-team conference tournament in 2025.

Though the 'Bows enjoyed the win on Saturday, they were back in the practice gym on Monday ahead of its road trip to Coastal California. Hawai‘i will play at Cal Poly on Thursday and at UC Santa Barbara on Saturday. 

"I think momentum wise, that's a huge deal," Johnson said on Monday. "We drew up a play, the play didn't go to plan. And basketball players make basketball plays. Hunter Erickson was electric. I was talking to 

 this morning, and he was saying he couldn't fall asleep until 3 in the morning, it was pretty fun. We're amped. And that's one of those things that can just sway a season a little bit going forward. 

"We need to use that momentum but not be hung up on that moment. It was great that it happened and it's done now. We paid rent that day. We got rent to pay coming up."

Hawaii men's basketball 011026

<title>Erickson's buzzer-beater vaults UH men's basketball into Big West contention</title>

After earning their signature win of the season thus far, the Rainbow Warriors head back to California with a confidence boost.

Erickson's buzzer-beater vaults UH men's basketball into Big West contention

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

From a new food hall to a free museum exhibit featuring portraits normally displayed on Maui, there is plenty to do on Oʻahu. 

Here are some of the events happening this weekend: 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Saturday, Jan. 17"}]

The Sony Open returns to the Islands this week with the Third Round Sony Open in Hawaiʻi on Saturday, Jan. 17, and the Final Round Sony Open in Hawaiʻi on Sunday, Jan. 18. The event brings together 120 of the world’s top golfers at the Waiʻalae Country Club. Tournament-generated charity proceeds now reach 

 and go to local nonprofits, according to its website. 

This visiting special exhibit, which opened Jan. 2 at Capitol Modern, the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, in Downtown Honolulu, includes a selection of 40 portraits from the Schaefer Portrait Challenge. The exhibit features artists living on five islands: Maui, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi and Lānaʻi. The portraits were previously on display at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center’s Schaefer International Gallery.This exhibit also includes some portraits from

 the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ Art in Public Places Collection. 

Capitol Modern is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. 

The new food hall at The Park on Keʻeaumoku, Midtown Eats, is celebrating its grand opening from 10 a.m. to midnight. The space features a dozen restaurants with local and international flavors. ASD’s Food & Dining Reporter 

 invitees from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Center Court at Ka Makana Aliʻi. There will be live music. 

Billabong x Andy Irons Signature Collection. 

Billabong is hosting a gathering to launch its first Billabong x Andy Irons Signature Collection. The collection is a tribute to Irons, who was born on Kauaʻi and went on to become a three-time world champion surfer. Proceeds from the collection benefit the Andy Irons Foundation, which continues his legacy by supporting mental health for youth in addition to addiction recovery and community-based programs across Hawaiʻi. The event, which starts at 5 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m., brings together his friends, family and other surfers at the Center for Radical Education in Haleʻiwa. There will be surf films, live music and catered food, as well as Andy Irons memorabilia and photography. In attendance will be Shane Dorian, Seth Moniz, Joel Parkinson, Mark “Occy” Occhilupo, Laura Enever, and more. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sunday, Jan. 18"}]

for the HURT100, the annual 100-mile endurance run through the rain forest about the City of Honolulu, which is organized by the Hawaiian Ultra Running Team.

Hikers that day can also cheer on the runners they see along the route. Volunteers are still needed. 

 These are some of the restaurants opening in 2026. 

 to see which other spots are ready for business or opening soon.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Monday, Jan. 19"}]

The parade is expected to have about 700 marchers, 30 vehicles, four floats and two bands. It starts at Ala Moana Regional Park and proceeds along Ala Moana Blvd. to Kalakaua Ave. and then Monsarrat Ave., ending at the parking lot for the 

Want to know what is coming up in Hawaiʻi sports? Check out this 

 from Aloha State Daily’s Sports Reporter 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Midtown Eats Sadies BBQ 010826

<title>What to do on Oʻahu for the three-day weekend</title>

Ready to make plans for the long weekend? We have your guide to fun on Oʻahu for Saturday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 19. From new food spots to a free parade in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., there are many events happening in the next few days.

What to do on Oʻahu for the three-day weekend

[{"type":"text","text":"There’s a new all-you-can-eat sushi spot in Honolulu."}]

Sumo AYCE Sushi recently opened in Azure Ala Moana. It’s located in the former space of Debu (the new restaurant sign isn't up yet). The all-you-can-eat experience costs $26.95 per person during lunch (Mondays to Thursdays) and $36.95 for the all-day menu.

The eatery is originally from Las Vegas; this is its first Hawai

i store. Since it’s in its soft opening, only walk-ins are accepted (no reservations).

The restaurant is currently open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last seating at 9 p.m.; last call for the kitchen is at 9:45 p.m.). There’s a 90-minute time limit for the all-you-can-eat experience. If customers leave leftover rice, they will be charged.

Customers also have the option to order a la carte, if they don’t feel like doing AYCE. All members of the same dining party must choose the same experience (either all-you-can-eat or a la carte). 

The menu features a variety of nigiri, appetizers, sushi rolls and all-day specials like salmon carpaccio, lobster garlic bread, poke nachos and more.

On the AYCE menu, certain dishes — like uni nigiri, ama ebi nigiri and salmon cut center steak — can only be ordered once.

Recommended appetizers include KFC — Korean fried chicken with Korean sweet and spicy sauce — chicken karaage and crispy rice. The latter features crispy rice topped with spicy tuna, jalapeno, garlic ponzu, spicy mayo and eel sauce.

Popular nigiri so far include seared salmon and yuzu yellowtail nigiri. Classic nigiri options include tuna, shrimp, yellowtail and more.

Choose from unique options like corn cheese garlic bread, bulgogi garlic bread and lobster garlic bread. The latter features soft garlic bread topped with crab, lobster, mozzarella cheese, eel sauce, spicy mayo and scallions.

While filling up on carbs is not usually recommended for AYCE experiences, these breads are trying at least once and are easy to share.

Customers can choose from a variety of four-piece and eight-piece sushi rolls; there are more than 40 options. Popular options include the Chanel roll (shrimp tempura, spicy crab and avocado topped with tuna and salmon); Lisa Lisa roll (shrimp tempura, avocado, crab and cream cheese topped with tempura crunch and eel sauce); and the lemon salmon roll (crab and avocado topped with salmon, lemon and ponzu).

End with desserts like honeydew or ube Melona bars, or vanilla mochi ice cream.

Customer parking is available at Azure Ala Moana; look for the designated retail parking stalls within the structure.

Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last seating at 9 p.m.)

Sumo AYCE Sushi dinner spread 122925

<title>New all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens in Honolulu</title>

Sumo AYCE Sushi just opened in Azure Ala Moana. The eatery — originally from Las Vegas — offers an extensive all-you-can-eat menu, along with an a la carte menu.

New all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens in Honolulu

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Within the next six months, Jed Gaines expects to take Read Aloud America’s family literacy program global, after two decades of trialing it across the Islands.

“We’re working with some great people overseas who helped build this Toolkit, which has taken over a year,” 

he told Aloha State Daily. “We’ve actually had the first draft edited and finalized, so it’s just fine-tuning everything and getting it together.”

Gaines said that The Read Aloud Program Toolkit will first be implemented in a local school to run as a pilot program. “And once they test it, then we could determine what needs to be changed, added or deleted,” he noted. “I see schools running it on their own. We’ll be there as a support system.”

The overall goal remains the same: to focus on family, and the communication and bonding that occurs through reading aloud.

He added that the Toolkit will include tips for family connection. “If you can get parents to shut down screens during dinner, so that families can talk, get to know each other and share love together, then we’re going to have a different society,” Gaines said. “Until we change the home, you’re never going to change our schools, communities, our nation or world. You’ve really got to get families to talk story, and the key is the parents.”

The Read Aloud Program offers immersive reading sessions for public school students and their families, as well as opportunities to enjoy entertainment, games and food. The program first launched in 1999 at Barber’s Point Elementary School serving 200 people. Attendance increases and a state grant in 2006 helped boost the program.

“Up until Covid-19, we had reached more than 350,000 adults and children. So why were they coming to these programs at such numbers? It

’s because they were having fun, and if you have fun, you’re going to learn.”

As gatherings ceased during the pandemic, Read Aloud America continued sharing it reading resources and lists, while pivoting to what's next.

For Gaines, the most rewarding part of this work is engaging with the families and seeing the impact. He shared the sentiment of a parent who had attended every session in a series and told him, “Jed, this is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to my family.”

Gaines admits he didn’t learn to read until 7th grade. He says school was difficult for him, being dyslectic, though he we went on to attend college and grew fond of the hobby while in the U.S. Navy.

“The carrier had a library. I became a reader on my own and self-educated myself, basically,” he said. “I’m an avid reader today. That’s my escape.”

In the early ’70s, he moved from New York to Hawai’i and began cleaning apartments professionally, running the business Apartment Appearance for over 25 years. During that time, in 1995, Gaines created nonprofit Read Aloud America, whose mission is: “Through the fun of reading and being read to, parents can promote literacy, bond families, and build communities of lifetime readers and learners.”

He has passed the gift of reading to his children and grandchildren. When asked what he’s currently reading, Gaines said, “Strangers in Time” by 

David Baldacci; “The Widow” by John Grisham; “

 by Clare Leslie Hall; and “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls.

For kids' book authors, he recommends Jerry Spinell

Daily Smile: Sunday, January 18, 2026

ASD Staff

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Daily Smile: Sunday, January 18, 2026

Authors

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