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[{"type":"text","text":"It really doesn't get more terrifying than this..."}]

Smile 26 3 14

<title>Daily Smile: Saturday, March 14, 2026</title>

It really doesn't get more terrifying than this...

Daily Smile: Saturday, March 14, 2026

 It really doesn&#039;t get more terrifying than this...

[{"type":"text","text":"A bus filled with doggos? Yes please!"}]

Smile 26 10 24

<title>Daily Smile: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026</title>

A bus filled with doggos? Yes please!

Daily Smile: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026

De Soto 2025

DeSoto Brown

Hawai‘i History

Columnists

What happened to Waikīkī? Specifically, what happened to Waikīkī during its greatest period of change that began in the 1950s? Let’s look at these “then & now” comparisons of Waikīkī views to see very clearly how different things look today.

Why did Waikīkī change so much in the last 70 years? The growth of tourism, of course, was responsible. Speaking economically, it’s extremely fortunate that tourism did increase so dramatically during this period as it served to fill in the gap created as large-scale agriculture (sugar and pineapple) either contracted dramatically, or died altogether. These had been the foundation of the economy of the Hawaiian Islands but were outcompeted by other tropical countries, where workers were paid considerably less and thus their agricultural products were cheaper as well. This has been, and continues to be, the reason for the loss of domestic production in the United States and indeed worldwide.

When did Waikīkī's major changes begin? This is easy to pinpoint: it was the year 1955. That was when four new 10-story buildings were completed here; the Waikīkī Biltmore Hotel, the Princess Ka‘iulani Hotel, the Reef Hotel, and the Rosalei apartments. As insignificant as this would seem today, it marked a shift away from downtown as the focus of new construction, as well as starting Honolulu on its vertical growth.

We can also single out the shift in transportation for Waikīkī's increase in density, which was the replacement of cruise ships by airplanes for increasing numbers of tourists after World War II. While air travel grew significantly during the 1950s it was really the introduction of jets that kicked off the explosion. The first jets arrived in Hawai‘i in 1959, cutting hours from the trip from the west coast, carrying far more passengers on each flight compared to propeller planes and — most significantly — reducing air fares. Waikīkī couldn’t help but grow to accommodate all these new people. A major milestone was unexpectedly realized in late 1967 when the one-millionth tourist arrived for that year, ahead of what economists had predicted. There would be no looking back.

A change you might notice in these various pairs of Waikīkī views is the great increase in growing green vegetation today. This has been true in many parts of Honolulu and because trees increase so slowly in size, we don’t notice how large they’ve become until we see an older photo to be able to spot the difference. Kalākaua Avenue has benefitted from more than one improvement project since the 1960s, to where today’s sidewalks are paved with hand-set stones, many with inscriptions in Hawaiian. Shady shower trees along with grass and various shrubs greatly enhance the district’s appearance, and maintenance workers are on the job each day to sweep and clean. Waikīkī creates the biggest part of the income from tourism and its importance in keeping this income steady was recognized years ago — so this necessary work goes on.

By the late 1970s much of Waikīkī looked as it does today, because while more towers have certainly been constructed since then, much of what we know now was in place. Although Waikīkī has been a crowded and densely urbanized district for decades, and has been criticized for that, it must be said that a great many visitors enjoy this vitality and the over-abundance of things to see and do. And even while Waikīkī is undeniably a city of itself, it is still located on the magnificently blue Pacific Ocean, with the Ko‘olau Mountains as one backdrop and Diamond Head as another, with the trade winds often blowing through it. And love it or hate it, we owe our economy to it, and had therefore better make sure it continues to function as smoothly as possible.

1 Kuhio Ave 64 16x9

<title>What happened to Waikīkī?</title>

Back in the Statehood era, you could see Punchbowl from Kalākaua Avenue and Diamond Head from Kūhiō Avenue. ASD history columnist DeSoto Brown pairs then-and-now photos to show the dramatic changes from a low-rise Waikīkī to today's bustling mini-metropolis.

What happened to Waikīkī?

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

[{"type":"text","text":"There’s a new Mexican restaurant open in Honolulu."}]

 recently opened in Puck’s Alley, close to the University of Hawai

i at Mānoa. The restaurant’s original location is in ‘Ewa Beach.

The menu is the same as the one at the ‘Ewa Beach location. Customers can choose from tacos, quesadillas, burritos, birria dishes, enchiladas, nachos, chimichangas and more. There’s indoor seating, but the restaurant is popular for takeout.

Customers who dine in will receive complimentary chips and housemade salsa.

Speaking of chips — the eatery’s nachos are a popular appetizer. Choose from options like supreme nachos ($20.95) with carne asada and shrimp or Frida’s nachos ($19.95), which come with carne asada and chorizo.

Nachos usually come with toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, beans and cheese.

i offers a wide variety of burritos to choose from, including California burritos ($19.95), shrimp burritos ($21.95), and chile verde burrito plates ($22.95). The Diego grande ($23.95) is recommended for diners who want a little of everything, as this burrito is stuffed with carne asada, chicken, chorizo, rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream and cheese. It’s topped with green and red enchilada sauces.

Meat choices for the eatery’s taco plates and burritos include carne asada, chicken, pork, pastor, chorizo, ground beef and more. Corn taco plates ($18.95) comprise three tacos with your choice of meat; tacos are topped with onions and cilantro, and are served with rice and beans.

More traditional dishes range from tamales with red enchilada sauce ($16.95) and chile relleno ($16.95) to Frida’s fajitas ($29.95). The latter features a mix of carne asada, chicken, shrimp and chorizo grilled with onions and bell peppers; fajitas are served with tortillas, lettuce, guacamole and pico de gallo.

The restaurant offers indoor customer seating and is popular for takeout. Customer parking is available in the Puck’s Alley lot.

Open daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays

Customer parking available in the Puck’s Alley lot

Fridas Honolulu staff with taco plate 101326

<title>Frida’s Hawaiʻi is now open in Honolulu</title>

The Mexican restaurant, whose original location is in ‘Ewa Beach, recently opened in Puck’s Alley, close to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The restaurant — open for dine-in and takeout — features an extensive menu; signature dishes include supreme nachos, super burritos and birria tacos.

Frida’s Hawaiʻi is now open in Honolulu

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

Ready to get in a Halloween mood? Aloha State Daily compiled a list of 31 things to do this month, in honor of the 31 days of October. 

From haunted houses to themed drinks, there are lots of opportunities to celebrate spooky season. Check the list for where to take keiki to trick-or-treat and participate in costume contests. There are also opportunities to surf and dance.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Now until Oct. 31:"}]

This scary experience is back. Brutex Laboratories quarantine facility has an outbreak. See what happens when containment fails. There are live actors and immersive sets, plus hands-on challenges. General admission is $38. Express pass is $46. Get a 10% discount through Oct. 11 with the code EARLY10. 

Dead Letter Office (Downtown Honolulu). 

’s “Dead Letter Office” Halloween pop-up will run from Oct. 8 to 31. The speakeasy is part of AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu. To enter, look for a wall of mailboxes. The themed drinks include the phantom ink ($18), moonlit martini ($18), autumn after dark ($20), and blood transfusion ($18). Individuals can get those cocktails “delivered” using the speakeasy’s signature mailbox system. The speakeasy is open Wednesdays through Sundays. 

. Doors open at 6 p.m. and close at 10:30 p.m. Late arrivals cannot be admitted. Not recommended for youth who are under 13 years of age. Tickets start at $20. 

Something Spooky for Everyone! (Kapolei). 

Catch three scary movies each Saturday of October at the Consolidated Theatres at Ka Makana Aliʻi. From “Corpse Bride,” “ParaNorman” and “Beetlejuice” on Saturday, Oct. 10, to “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit,” “E.T. The Extra- Terrestrial,” and “The Ring” on Saturday, Oct. 31, there are lots of movies coming to the big screen soon. 

Hitchcock Tober and Horror Fest (Oʻahu). 

 at Consolidated Theatres. The Master of Suspense is famous for films such as “Psycho,” “Rear Window,” “Vertigo,” “North by Northwest” and “The Birds.” October also marks 

, and Consolidated Theatres will be featuring scary movies on Wednesdays at its Kapolei, Mililani, Pearlridge and Ward locations. Featured films include “Hereditary,” “The Exorcist,” “Rosemary’s Baby,” “The Thing,” and “Psycho.” 

Go to Church, with a Spooky Twist! (Oʻahu). 

 to paniolo-themed festivals, check out some of the events being offered by local churches. Senior Editor Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros shares some of the events coming up across Oʻahu from Waikīkī to Lāʻie. 

Visit Wet ʻnʻ Wild and participate in a 

 at noon as part of daily admission on Saturday, Oct. 10. Also included in the lineup of Wet ʻnʻ Wild events is a 

 on Saturday, Oct. 31. Events are included with daily admission or season pass. 

Check out this pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin, attend a farmers market, shop local vendors and visit sunflower fields. Head to Aloun Country Market on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Waipahu to participate in the holiday activities. Tickets are $5. 

The Great Pumpkin Festival (ʻĀina Haina). 

Holy Nativity School will host The Great Pumpkin Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 17. There will be pumpkins, games, live entertainment and ʻono food. Admission is $10 and includes access to the pumpkin patch and one free mini pumpkin. Attendees can also enjoy a petting zoo, silent disco, live entertainment and meet-and-greets with characters from “Toy Story.” 

 which explores twilight, mirages and ghost stories, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Hawaiʻi Theatre Center. The performance  features aerial performance from Samadhi Hawaiʻi, spoken word from Kealoha, the first poet laureate of Hawaiʻi, and contemporary and Polynesian dance. Tickets start at $30, plus fees. 

Chicken Skin Ghost Stories (Near Downtown). 

Ready for chilling legends and ghost stories? Catch

 “The Ghost Guy” who writes a column for Aloha State Daily, as he shares stories of the Islands’ folklore on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. at the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Museum of Art. He and his wife, Tanya, run the ghost tour company Mysteries of Hawaiʻi and co-authored the books: “Hawaiʻi’s Night Marchers: A History of the Huakaʻi Pō” and “Kahuna.” Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for youth. 

Howl-o-Ween Dog Costume Contest & Parade (ʻEwa). 

Bring your dog and head to Hoalauna Community Park. The event, which includes Emcee Steezy, a live DJ, games, prizes and more, runs from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 23 in ʻEwa. Don’t have a pet? Everyone is welcome to join the fun. Free. 

Da Dream Lab is partnering with Kailua Dance Academy and Kailua Music School, plus other local businesses to host Hauntopia, which runs Oct. 23, 24, and 25, plus Oct. 28 – Oct. 31. The event is back for its third year. Its defined for keiki and families with a goal of 

 according to the listing on Eventbrite. Designed for keiki who are between three years old and 12 years old. Tours are 60-90 minutes. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $20 or free for keiki who are two years old or younger. 

Octo-Bear-Fest: Boos & Brews (Waikīkī).

 Go to the Honolulu Zoo on Saturday, Oct. 24, for an evening of fun, featuring food, live music, local breweries, and trunk-or-treat opportunities. There will be games and costume contests. Attendees who are at least 21 years old can sample beers from four local breweries: Aloha Beer Co., Waikīkī Brewing Co., Beer Lab HI, and Honolulu Beerworks. The event supports wildlife conservation and helps protect the Malayan sun bears, which are the world’s smallest bear species. Tickets are $10 for keiki and $20 for adults or $45 for the adult brew package, which includes pours from local breweries. 

Creatures of the Samadhi Lagoon (Kakaʻako). 

This Halloween-themed show presented by aerial dancers of Samadahi Hawaiʻi features otherworldy creatures. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 

for the performance of “Creatures of the Samadhi Lagoon - A Circus Halloween Show.” Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $30 plus fees. 

Trick or Treat (Hawaiʻi Kai, Kāneʻohe). 

On Oct. 24, go trick or treating at various locations across Oʻahu, including the 

 at Hawaiʻi Kai Towne Center, the Trunk or Treat at 

This dog, bird and car show features games and costume contests, plus activities for keiki at Wai Kai. There will also be local vendors, trunk-or-treat opportunities, and an aquatic exhibit. The Mega Monster Mash runs from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Oct. 24. Free. 

Keiki and pets are invited to dress up in their Halloween best and trick or treat at stores at the Town Center of Mililani on Sunday, Oct. 25. There will be a costume contest. Pets must be on leashes. Free. 

There is also a chance for keiki to participate in a Halloween costume contest from 2 to 5:15 p.m. at The Royal Grove within the Royal Hawaiian Center. Shops throughout the Royal Hawaiian Center will also offer opportunities to trick or treat from noon to 6 p.m. the same day. Free. 

 The weekly Thursday Night Market at Wai Kai, which runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., will have a Halloween theme on Oct. 29 with a 

. The night market is pet and keiki friendly. Free. 

 Catch Emo Night at The Republik. Doors open at 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. Tickets are $16 and include a $1 donation to support organizations focusing on mental health, harm reduction, children and families, poverty and homelessness, disenfranchised communities and terminal illness. 

Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre is bringing this best-selling novel by Stephen King to life at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. This is a co-production of Opera Parallèle in San Francisco, Portland Opera, and Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre. The production is about two hours with an intermission. There are shows on Friday, Oct. 30, and Sunday, Nov. 1. Tickets start at $35. 

Trick or Treat (ʻEwa, Kapolei and Waimānalo). 

 on Oct. 30 with chances to trick or treat, participate in costume contests and enjoy haunted pop-ups. There will also be live entertainment, food and drinks and more. The Villages of Kapolei will host its 

, which includes trick or treat opportunities, a costume contest and a screening of the movie “Nightmare before Christmas.” Or catch Waimānalo School Family Resource Center will also host 

 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the parking lot for the school. The event includes a contest for best decorated trunk, as well as local food vendors. Free. Details in links.

Catch Natural Vibrations and DJ Jojo Flow upstairs at the Hideout and Likkle Jordee and DJ Hapa Boy downstairs at The Secret Spot. The Halloween bash is being presented by Hawaiʻi’s Finest. Arrive early to get zombie makeup done by artists. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Tickets are $60. 

Tiki’s Annual Halloween Bash (Waikīkī). 

This annual event at The Twin Fin will transform a beachfront venue into an Island-inspired Halloween hotspot with live music, a DJ, handcrafted specialty cocktails, and a dance floor overlooking Waikīkī Beach. The event runs from 8 p.m. until closing on Oct. 31. There will be a costume contest. Pre-sale tickets are $15. Same-day tickets are $40. 

, a celebration featuring “cult camp, crimson lips, fishnets, corsets, glam rock, mad science, theatrical weirdness,” and more, according to its website. The party starts at 8 p.m. and is open until 4 a.m. this year on Oct. 31. There are more than $2,000 in cash and prizes. Tickets start at $15 with VIP experiences available. 

KSSK Perry & The Posse Bring Morning Live Show to Limelight (Ala Moana). 

The popular Saturday morning show will be live at Limelight Hawaiʻi from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Oct. 31. The entertainment lineup includes Lyric Medeiros, who was recently part of Season 28 of the television show “Big Brother,” the Mākaha Sons,

. There will also be a costume contest. Tickets are $60 for adults and $36 for keiki. 

The Ala-Ween Spooktacular at Ala Moana Center is family friendly event features trick-or-treating at more than 100 stores and restaurants, plus a dance party, prize giveaways and complimentary balloon creations and photo opportunities on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Ala Moana Center. Throughout the month, there will also be a 

, seasonal merchandise and themed dining experiences. 

 Kāhala Mall will also host Halloween events, including trick or treat opportunities across the mall from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a DJ and decorations. Participating shops and restaurants have balloons outside. 

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (Near Downtown). 

Catch “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Dress in your Rocky Horror best and check the website for 

. In collaboration with Hawaiʻi Opera Theater, the screening on Oct. 31 will be accompanied by a full cast of actors acting out the scenes playing on screen. Recommended for ages 18 years old or older. Tickets are $25. 

Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience (Chinatown). 

This high-energy, live tribute concert, “Who’s Bad: Thriller Nights,” is a celebration of Michael Jackson and starts at 7 p.m. on Oct. 31 at Hawaiʻi Theatre Center. It features a live band and dynamic dancers. Tickets start at $54.50. 

Surf, Style & Spooky Season (North Shore). 

The sixth annual Turtle Bay Halloween Surf Off returns to the lineup at The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay. Presented by Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience, this contest brings together surfers of all ages and abilities in their best Halloween costumes. A panel of celebrity judges will give awards for division champions, best costume, and best surfing performance. The event starts at 2 p.m. on Oct. 31. Entry fees are $20 per participant, which is donated to the Kahuku High School Surf Team. 

Catch this tour from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the 

. Creepy tales and chills are part of the program and visitors will get to meet the animals who call the sanctuary home. There will be lots of opportunities for photos. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended. So is water, sunscreen and bug spray. Attendees who wear costumes get prizes. 

Know of something that didn’t make the guide this year? Email katie@alohastatedaily.com to be considered in next year’s guide.

Ritz

<title>31 things to do for Halloween on Oʻahu</title>

Ready to get in the mood for Spooky Season? Here are 31 events happening between now and Halloween, which is Saturday, Oct. 31.

31 things to do for Halloween on Oʻahu

[{"type":"text","text":"There’s a new salt bread bakery in Honolulu."}]

 officially opened in the former space of Hawaiʻi Banchan Co. on Kapiʻolani Boulevard. The bakery is currently open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until sold out.

The business specializes in salt breads. Right now, flavors like original, truffle and spicy arabiki are available; salt breads are limited to four per customer.

Salt breads are baked fresh throughout the day, according to baker Edrian Bautista, who says it takes about two hours for a batch to be ready.

’s mostly inspired by a Filipino bread called pan de sal, Japanese milk bread, and Korea’s salt bread,” he explains.

When asked about a good salt bread’s qualities, Bautista refers the bread’s crispy bottom and soft, fluffy interior.

“It’s like a milk bread inside,” he says. “It’s not dense at all; it’s still fluffy. Personally, I like to eat it when it’s cooled down.”

Eventually, the business will have a total of eight salt bread flavors, according to Bautista. The menu lists flavors like mentaiko, kimcheese and avocado.

While only the original, truffle and spicy arabiki salt bread flavors were available during our visit, Kilo Deli will also offer other desserts like ube butter mochi ($4), brown butter mochi ($4) and Kouign-Amann ($8).

Customers can look forward to a variety of beverages, ranging from strawberry milk ($6) and strawberry matcha ($9.50) to honey oat lattes

The salt breads are conducive to takeout, but there's limited customer seating inside the cafe. 

 for updates. There’s limited customer parking in front of the store.

Open daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until sold out

Kilo Deli salt breads 080526

<title>New salt bread bakery in Honolulu</title>

Kilo Deli just opened on Kapiʻolani Boulevard, in the former space of Hawaiʻi Banchan Co. The bakery specializes in salt bread, which is available in flavors like original, truffle and spicy arabiki. Salt breads are limited to four per customer. Kilo Deli is currently open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until sold out.

Daily Smile: Saturday, March 14, 2026

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Daily Smile: Saturday, March 14, 2026

Authors

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