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Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"Wait till he notices the cat..."}]

Smile 26 3 15

<title>Daily Smile: Sunday, March 15, 2026</title>

Wait till he notices the cat...

Daily Smile: Sunday, March 15, 2026

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Looking for an indoor activity? Make it a movie marathon day! Since museums, golf courses and public schools remain closed, we put together a list of recently released films with ties to Hawaiʻi for a blustery afternoon inside.

These productions star local actors, were partially filmed here on the Islands, or have significant ties to the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival:

The age-gap story set in Hilo focuses on Misha, a 29-year-old, and the teenager, Jake, who mistakes her for a high school student. The movie features an entirely American Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pasifika cast

. This independent film, written and directed by Hawai’i Island-based 

, was named the best breakout feature of the 

"Chief of War" (2025): historical epic, war epic, period drama. 

This nine-part mini-series from Apple TV+ stars 

 and follows the epic story of the unification of the Hawaiian Islands from the perspective of the warrior Kaʻiana. It was partially filmed in Hawaiʻi, as well as in New Zealand. Aloha State Daily spoke with 

. Free trials are available for seven days.

This 24-minutes story follows an elite warrior who leaves his family to deliver an important message about the war waged by Kamehameha against Maui. The short film comes from singer and songwriter 

, who is its executive producer, and Mitchell Merrick

, who is its screenwriter and director. Other producers include Gerard Elmore and Christopher Kahunahana and Co-Producer Brian Keaulana. 

“Lilo and Stitch” (2025): buddy comedy, epic, action. 

Disney’s live action “Lilo and Stitch” follows the adventures of Lilo and her crazy pet, “Stitch,” who is actually a runaway alien. The soundtrack features the voices of 

Kumu Hula Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu, Kamehameha Schools Children’s Choir

, among others. Disney has already announced plans for 

, as his mother leads the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus, in this movie and the original animated one. 

“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” (2023+; new episodes in 2026): dinosaur adventure, action, Sci-Fi. 

 as one of the main characters in this action, adventure and Sci-Fi drama which features a variety of monsters, including Kong and the sea monster, Titan X, plus layers of family drama. Season two launched on Apple TV on 

“Oʻahu Shores” (2025): reality television. 

This reality television series explores the lives and relationships of a group of friends living on Oʻahu. The show, called “Oʻahu Shores,” droppe

 its entire first season, which consisted of six episodes, in October of 2025. 

, who grew up on Molokai and is also a model and clothing designer, spoke with ASD about the series at its red-carpet premiere. 

“Rental Family” (2025): psychological drama, comedy, drama. 

The movie follows a struggling American actor in Tokyo, who takes a job at a Japanese “rental family” agency where he plays a variety of roles, including husband, father and friend. The 109-minute film features the 

 as the owner of the agency. The movie had its 

 last year as the opening night film of the 

“The Wrecking Crew” (2026): buddy comedy, action, comedy. 

filmed partially in state and in New Zealand

, this movie features estranged brothers Jonny (Jason Momoa) and James (Dave Bautista) Hale, who are brought together by the death of their father. The new movie, which launched in January, also stars 

. “The Wrecking Crew” is currently No. 2 on the platform’s action movies. 

 Free trials are available for the first 30 days.

 in 2024 and opened in theaters in Guam, America Samoa and 

. “Tinā” is a Samoan word that translates to “mother.”The 124-minute drama explores the impacts of the deadly Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand for Mareta Percival. After experiencing personal tragedy, she becomes a substitute teacher at a private school, where she starts a choir. 

As of Friday, March 13, a number of arts and culture institutions, including 

 had announced closures, due to weather. So did public schools and libraries, the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, all Honolulu botanical and community gardens, and municipal golf courses.

 Foundation also announced the rescheduling of its ʻIlau Ka Hula

, which had been scheduled to take place outside at the Bishop Museum on Saturday, March 14.

The Honolulu Festival is set to continue as planned, according to a statement on its website on Friday, March 13. Check the festival 

 from their county's and the state's emergency management agencies

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Movies

<title>9 films to watch when it rains</title>

Stuck inside due to bad weather? Aloha State Daily rounded up a list of recent films which feature local actors and ties to the ʻāina our readers call home.

9 films to watch when it rains

, the warrior seeking to unite the Hawaiian Islands in Apple TV+ series “Chief of War.” But did you know that 

On Tuesday, March 17, the band will perform its debut performance at the Blue Note Hawaiʻi 

. The group features a trio of longtime friends: Momoa, Mike Hayes and Kenny Dale. 

 told Aloha State Daily that Momoa often played guitar alongside 

“In between takes, we'd be listening to music and singing, and they'd be playing the instruments,” Adams told ASD earlier this year. “I love music. I think it really brought the energy up on set.”

Momoa was born on Oʻahu and raised in Iowa. After high school, he returned to Hawaiʻi, where he landed a lead role in the television series “Baywatch,” according to his biography on IMDb. Several of Momoa’s recent projects — including “The Wrecking Crew” and “Chief of War” — were set in Hawaiʻi, but filmed in Hawaiʻi and New Zealand. Momoa had wanted to film more of “Chief of War” 

 but couldn’t due to budget issues, Brian Keaulana, one of the producers for the series — and Momoa’s uncle — told ASD last year.

Currently, Momoa is filming “Protecting Jared,” which shares the story of a Hawaiian security guard, played by Momoa, who must defend himself and a tech billionaire, played by Andy Samberg, in the face of a kidnapping scheme.

Seating for Öof Tatatá’s debut at Blue Note Hawaiʻi is first come, first served. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. There is a $20 food or beverage minimum per person. The show is currently sold-out. 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Öof Tatatá

<title>Jason Momoa and band to rock out in Waikīkī</title>

The band Öof Tatatá features longtime friends Mike Hayes, Kenny Dale and movie star Jason Momoa. This group, which plays covers of high-energy rock songs, will have its debut at Blue Note Hawaiʻi on St. Patrick's Day.

Jason Momoa and band to rock out in Waikīkī

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

Before the University of Hawai‘i men's basketball team embarked on its 2025-2026 campaign, Isaac "Big Fish" Johnson sat in a hot tub with some of his teammates. Life after basketball came up, and it was there that Johnson shared this particular season would probably be it for him as far as organized hoops is concerned. 

Following a two-year church mission in Ohio, Johnson began his collegiate career at the University of Oregon in 2021. The 7-foot center from Utah arrived as the No. 61 ranked player nationally in his high school class, according to ESPN Recruiting. But college ball was a different story at first, and Johnson played in just 14 games as a true freshman. He then transferred to Utah State, where he started 31 games in the 2023-2024 season but saw his role diminish the following year. 

With one year of eligibility remaining, Johnson hit the NCAA transfer portal one last time, landing with UH. The plan was to play for the Rainbow Warriors for one year, then get a job while supporting his wife, Audrah, an outside hitter for Chaminade's women's volleyball team. 

Johnson has started all 28 games for the Rainbow Warriors thus far, quickly earning fan favorite status. Whether it's an electrifying dunk, swished 3-pointer or an emphatic block, fans can be seen motioning their arms and performing a chomping motion in support of Big Fish.

Each game with the 'Bows has reminded Johnson why he began playing in the first place. He loves the sport. And he has a lot more to give to it. 

"Being here has ignited that fire back in me, and it feels amazing to be in that position and to have that love rekindled," Johnson said. "It's been pretty awesome.

"It's been consistently throughout the season, there's been moments and being a part of this team, meeting with this coaching staff that treats us like adults and like real human beings instead of a number. The community loves us so deeply. There's just so many little things that have helped grow it."

While being a member of the team has reignited Johnson's love for the sport, his play on the court has revived a program that was coming off a disappointing 2024-2025 season. The Rainbow Warriors went 15-16 overall and 7-13 in Big West play, missing the conference tournament entirely. Heading into their final set of home games in 2025-2026, the Rainbow Warriors are 21-7 overall and 13-5 in conference games. 

If the Rainbow Warriors were to defeat UC Riverside on Thursday and Long Beach State on Saturday, coupled with a UC Irvine loss on Thursday or Saturday, the 'Bows would be crowned Big West regular season champions. Two wins, regardless of UC Irvine's results, would guarantee the 'Bows a top 2 seed and valuable double bye in the conference tournament, which runs from March 11-14 in Henderson, Nev. 

Hawai‘i head coach Eran Ganot believes Johnson has a true shot at winning conference Player of the Year. His impact on the court is felt well beyond his 13.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. 

"Big Fish is up there for Player of the Year, and he's a guy who's come from winning programs, but now he's had to have the task of being a more impactful player on a winning program," Ganot said. "He's done that, and it's been fun to watch. And I think he has a bright future."

Following Saturday's home finale against Long Beach State, Johnson will be one of six seniors honored following the game, along with Harry Rouhliadeff, Gytis Nemeikša, Hunter Erickson, Dre Bullock and Yacine Toumi. Point guard Tanner Cuff is also listed as a senior but is expected back for the 2026-2027 campaign after a knee injury sidelined him in November. 

"Just to see all those guys smile, this is what they wanted, and they wanted to play for a good program, to have success as a team," Ganot said of his senior class. "Then the added benefit of doing it in this state with this fanbase, I couldn't thank them more. I always say this, and I'll say it again over the course of the week, people ask me about the seniors. Hire them. They're guaranteed. And number two, just very grateful for them, thankful that they're in our lives."

The Rainbow Warriors will head to Nevada for the Big West tournament next week, where they'll aim to punch a ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 10 years. Regardless of how the season ends, it won't be the end of Johnson's playing career. 

"Life is short. This is for Fish or anybody, whatever path they choose: Do what you love, where you love, with the people you love, and do it at a place where you can improve. Development's really important," Ganot said. "For me as a coach, you could see the joy, because he loves Hawai‘i, he loves his team and he loves the game, and so that's a big part of why he's improved, because he's happy, and that's a credit to the people of Hawai‘i, the University of Hawai‘i, his teammates, himself. Everybody deserves to be happy."

Isaac Johnson 030426

<title>Hawai‘i men's basketball standout Isaac "Big Fish" Johnson rediscovers his love for the…</title>

Johnson, a senior transfer and one of the team's star players, has been one of the biggest keys in the program's turnaround in the 2025-2026 season.

Hawai‘i men's basketball standout Isaac "Big Fish" Johnson rediscovers his love for the game in Islands

[{"type":"text","text":"Top 10 most dramatic husky screams..."}]

Smile 26 1 22

<title>Daily Smile: Thursday, January 22, 2026</title>

Top 10 most dramatic husky screams...

Daily Smile: Thursday, January 22, 2026

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

This Sunday, April 20, is when the "Chreasters" go to church. The slang term combining the words Christmas and Easter refers to those who attend church twice a year. 

Across the country and religions, Easter Sunday is known as a high attendance day for churches. Whether it's a "Sonrise" service that gets you out of bed and into your Sunday best, or the keiki activities, music, potlucks or people – there's usually something for everyone!

Hereʻs how a few Oʻahu churches are planning to celebrate "the greatest story ever told" this year: 

, "Come experience powerful worship, a message that speaks to your heart, and people who are all about promoting your progress and joy in believing."

 will be at the Blaisdell Arena on Saturday, April 19, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 20, at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m, 

. Good Friday services will be held at the ministry center at Sand Island on Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m. "Join us for a time of worship, communion, and an encouraging message by Pastors Scott Hogle and Pastor Richard Waialeale," the church said.

 will be celebrating 124 years of putting on its ecumenical service at Punchbowl. "All are welcome to join the wider Christian community in celebrating Easter on Sunday, April 20, 6:15 a.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific ("Punchbowl") in Honolulu!" 

A message will be prepared by Kahu Kenneth Makuakāne of 

music from the Royal Hawaiian Band, among other groups. 

Aloha State Daily reached out to Kawaiahaʻo Church for additional comment.

Know of other Hawaiʻi-based churches or organizations going big for Easter this year, let me know at the email below.

Worship service (Atlanta, GA) 010925

<title>Here are a few of the most well-attended Good Friday/Easter services on Oʻahu</title>

Easter Sunday is a high attendance day for most churches across the country. While this is not an exhaustive list of Easter services statewide, hereʻs how three local organizations plan to celebrate "the greatest story ever told" this year.

Daily Smile: Sunday, March 15, 2026

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Daily Smile: Sunday, March 15, 2026

Authors

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