ASD icon blue inverse lighter

ASD Staff

Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"The slowest stalking attack ever....."}]

Smile 26 3 22

<title>Daily Smile: Sunday, March 22, 2026</title>

The slowest stalking attack ever.....

Daily Smile: Sunday, March 22, 2026

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

The votes have been cast and counted, and the best hotels and resorts across the Islands have been ranked in 

Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach

General Manager Mike Kass said in an announcement Tuesday that the recognition is a reflection of the "passion, dedication and genuine care demonstrated every day by our ladies and gentlemen."

 that is set to bring the Parisian pâtisserie, known for its macarons, to Hawai‘i for the first time; a collection of guest experiences will culminate with the debut of a pop-up Ladurée cafe on Dec. 4. 

Rounding out the top 10 hotels in Hawai‘i are 

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikīkī

Kōloa Landing Resort at Po'ipū, Autograph Collection

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

Top 25 Destination Spa Resorts in the United States

Best Spa Resorts in the U.S. and Around the World

Hawai‘i's four major islands were all ranked on the list of 

, with Maui at No. 3, O‘ahu at No. 4, Lāna‘i at No. 6, Hawai‘i Island at No. 10, Kaua‘i at No. 11 in the U.S.

Hundreds of thousands of people submitted their ratings between April 1 and June 30, and the results were tabulated by Condé Nast. Read more about the methodology 

A number of Hawai‘i hotels and resorts were recently ranked among the best in the U.S. in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Read more about those 

HNLRR Exterior HERO 2022

<title>These Hawai‘i hotels, resorts recognized by Condé Nast Traveler</title>

Hundreds of thousands of people voted between April 1 and June 30 to find the best hotels, resorts, cruise lines, spas, cities and more around the world, including the top hotels and resorts in Hawai‘i, which were ranked in the magazine's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards.

These Hawai‘i hotels, resorts recognized by Condé Nast Traveler

Outrigger Hospitality Group recently unveiled newly reimagined guest rooms at its original flagship location, Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort.

It's the first guest-facing milestone in a larger $100 million refresh that's underway to reimagine the resort as a "

design-led destination at the birthplace of modern surf culture," a recent announcement noted.

The new guest rooms were designed by PowerStrip Studio in collaboration with WCIT Architecture and DTL – a Hawaiian Strategy Studio.

According to the announcement, among other new design features, each room features "

," or "Beloved children are the plants," a custom mural of Queen Emma's lily garden by Native Hawaiian artist Kamea Hadar; room numbers are paired with surf photography by Zak Noyle; and "graphic rivulets inspired by ʻĀpuakēhau Stream" wind throughout the property.

Monica Salter, vice president of global communications and social responsibility at Outrigger, told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions that the resort has 524 rooms across 17 floors, and every room is being redesigned. Room renovations began in April and all 524 rooms are expected to be finished by December, she says.

Outrigger Hospitality Group started the broader $100 million refresh of the resort 

"The guest rooms are just the first phase," Salter says. "We’ll have a grand arrival staircase that traces the path of ʻĀpuakēhau Stream, the freshwater stream that once ran from the Koʻolau Mountains to this shoreline, an open-air lobby framing Waikīkī and Diamond Head, a surfboard exhibit, cultural center and a newly expanded Voyager 47 Club Lounge, more than three times its former size. Work on our public spaces, pool and retail is ongoing. We’re now only offering newly renovated guest rooms and suites with the rest of the transformation to follow."

When asked why the hospitality group wanted to undertake the $100 million transformation now, Salter told ASD, "

This is where our story began — on the grounds of the original Outrigger Canoe Club, where Duke Kahanamoku helped introduce modern surf culture to the world. Sixty years later, we saw an opportunity to reinvest in this important place and honor that legacy while looking ahead. The transformation is grounded in the history and culture of Waikīkī, while creating a resort that reflects where Outrigger is headed."

The goal is to make the experience feel more connected to the place, she says.

"The design draws from the history of the site, from ʻĀpuakēhau Stream and Queen Emma’s garden to Waikīkī’s role in the origins of modern surfing. Those stories are reflected in details throughout the resort, from the arrival staircase and artwork to the guest room and corridor design," Salter say. "At the same time, the things that have made this resort a Waikīkī landmark remain: its beachfront location, cultural connections and longtime partners and experiences, including Faith Surf School, Blue Note Hawaiʻi and Henry Kapono’s Duke’s on Sunday performances. The physical spaces are being thoughtfully refreshed while preserving the character and sense of place that guests have long associated with Outrigger."

Outrigger got its start in 1947, when American architect Roy Kelley and his wife Estelle opened the 33-room Islander Hotel in Waikīkī, according to a 

, you'll find the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort, Waikīkī Beach Resort, Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel and Waikīkī Paradise Hotel; on 

 there's Outrigger Kā‘anapali Beach Resort and Honua Kai Resort & Spa; the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa is located on 

; and the Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa is on the 

 across the Islands, and owns and operates resorts in Fiji, Thailand, Maldives and Mauritius. Find its portfolio of properties 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Enter to win"}]

To celebrate the new guest rooms, the resort has launched "

. The campaign asks people to share what they love about 

Share a photo or video and a short story online or by scanning QR codes on the property for a chance to win a grand prize that includes a three-night stay in a club ocean view room at Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort; round-trip airfare for two, provided by Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines; dinner for two at Duke's Waikīkī; and a canoe surf session for two with Faith Surf School. Entries are open through Nov. 16, with winners announced on Nov. 17.

OUTRIGGER Waikiki Oceanfront King

<title>Room renovations unveiled at Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort</title>

The updates are part of Outrigger Hospitality Group's $100 million refresh of the resort, which started earlier this year.

Room renovations unveiled at Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

[{"type":"text","text":"MĀNOA — Steph Curry made good on his promise and then some. "}]

In 2024, the worldwide star guard made his Stan Sheriff Center debut in an exhibition game against the Los Angeles Clippers and said he was looking forward to making a 3-pointer for the local fans. Curry, the NBA's all-time 3-point leader, wasn't able to do so, going 0-for-4 from beyond the arc. It's a performance he 

Prior to Sunday's exhibition game between Curry's Golden State Warriors and the Clippers, thousands of fans entered through the Stan Sheriff Center turnstiles to get a glimpse of him warming up. Curry drew oohs and aahs when he tossed a ball in the air as high as he could near the free throw line, which went through the basket after bouncing on the ground once. 

By the time the game tipped off at 1 p.m., the crowd attendance had reached its capacity of 10,300 fans. In what was the 2026-2027 preseason opener for both teams, Curry played just 13 minutes, but delivered 10 points in 2-of-3 shooting from 3-point land. The Clippers were the designated home team in Sunday's matchup, but there were more Warriors fans in the arena, most of them clad in Curry's No. 30 jersey. 

"That's what Steph Curry does," Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said after the game. "Wherever we are, we see those jerseys."

Both squads went with the same strategy of playing key starters and role players in the first half only. The second half was reserved for either benchwarmers or players trying to make the final roster, which must be cut down to 15 for all NBA teams by Oct. 19. 

On Sunday afternoon, the Clippers edged the Warriors 104-101, a 35-foot Graham Ike desperation heave off the mark for Golden State at the buzzer. The Clippers took the lead for good on Keaton Wagler's midrange jumper with 14 seconds left. Wagler, the fifth overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, scored 15 points, though in an inefficient manner. He was 3-for-15 on field goal attempts, including 1-for-11 from 3. Eight of his points were tallied via free throw. 

Japan native Rui Hachimura finished with a game-high 21 points on 8-for-11 shooting, his first action in a Clipper uniform. Hachimura, entering his ninth NBA season, was most recently with the Los Angeles Lakers for the past four seasons. 

"I think offensively, we were pretty good, making the right plays," Hachimura said. "Defensively, we were really good. ... It was a pretty good overall."

After holding training camp on the Islands, both teams will head back to California in preparation for the NBA regular season, which tips off on Oct. 20. Golden State has five more preseason games before then, while the Clippers have just two. 

With Sunday's result not counting towards the NBA regular season standings, Curry and the Warriors do not plan to spend any time dwelling on the loss. 

“We had a very impressive luau at our hotel that included some fire. I don’t know the term, but the fire spinning and the tribute dances, tribal dances, and all that type of stuff, and just having everybody’s family there. That’d be the most memorable," Curry said when asked what he'll remember the most from this trip. "I’ve been in this league going on 18 years. ... We’re not going to get bogged down by the results of the game, but it was just good fun having everybody here and feeling like we got better physically and got some good chemistry amongst our team.”

While the game will not be consequential towards the season for both teams, fans in Hawai‘i were once again able to get a taste of a professional major sport in Island territory. 

"The atmosphere is great. Same as two years ago when we came here," Kerr said. "Sold out crowd. Everybody was excited to see [pro] basketball here, and it's fun to be able to to play in front of a crowd like that with that energy and just feel the joy that people will get from watching the two teams."

Blake Wesley 100426

<title>Clippers, Warriors put on a show in Hawai‘i NBA exhibition</title>

The two NBA teams held weeklong training camps on the Island, wrapping it up with an exhibition game at the Stan Sheriff Center on Sunday.

Clippers, Warriors put on a show in Hawai‘i NBA exhibition

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Crime & Courts

A Hilo man who founded a ring of online child predators has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

Kalana Limkin, 20, received the statutory maximum sentence for possession of child pornography on Thursday, more than a year after he pled guilty to the charge in February of 2025.

The FBI began investigating Limkin in 2023, having identified him as an associate of a pair of online child sex exploitation groups called CVLT and 764. In particular, Limkin was identified as the founder of a splinter organization, called “Cultist,” which, according to an FBI affidavit, “focused on more specific behaviors, such as promoting child pornography, child exploitation, sexual extortion, and trafficking … manipulation, animal cruelty and self-harm of minors.”

A report by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawai‘i described these groups as “nihilistic violent extremists,” who “collaborated to victimize children in a systematic attempt to trigger social collapse and topple the current world order.”

According to the FBI affidavit, Limkin had contacted a minor in 2023 through the now-defunct chat service Omegle — the website would shut down later that year because of a lawsuit alleging the site knowingly allowed minors to interact with predators. Through Omegle, Limkin purportedly showed the minor images and video of child pornography, and asked the minor for explicit photographs of herself.

The FBI searched Limkin’s Hilo residence and interviewed him in December of 2023. Limkin admitted to being the founder of Cultist and possessing child pornography, which investigators duly confirmed.

While many court records pertaining to the specifics of Limkin’s online presence have been sealed, several documents allude to further actions, such as using explicit images of another minor to attempt (unsuccessfully) to goad her into killing herself. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that Limkin was recorded on a video chat telling others that “We want her to die … That’s the whole point of this.”

U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson said in a statement Friday that “Limkin represents a growing and depraved group of violent extremists who target vulnerable juveniles online for the sick pleasure they derive from causing their young impressionable victims to commit acts of self-harm.”

In 2025, Limkin, then 19 years old, pled guilty to the charge of possession of child pornography. However, in June, he attempted to recant that plea, claiming that his attorney at the time — who withdrew as his attorney about six months after Limkin’s plea — had led him to believe he would not receive the maximum possible sentence.

“At best, his prior attorney … advised him that he would likely be facing perhaps not more than five years,” read Limkin’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea. “The advice was more like, ‘I would be surprised if you were sentenced to more than five years.’”

[{"type":"text","text":"U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor denied Limkin’s request."}]

Limkin’s 10-year sentence will be followed by 20 years of supervised release.

Courtfed

<title>Hilo man gets 10 years for child porn</title>

Kalana Limkin, 20, founded an online child exploitation ring and attempted to goad children into hurting or killing themselves.

Hilo man gets 10 years for child porn

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

Aloha State Daily rounded up a list of 26 New Year’s Eve events on Oʻahu so you can ring in 2026 in style. From live music presented by Hawaiʻi’s Finest at Wai Kai in ʻEwa Beach to three rooms of parties at Kapono’s at The Lounge in Hawaiʻi Kai, there are options to dance, sing, eat and drink as the new year — and you — slides into focus. ASD rounded up activities by neighborhood:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"KO OLINA"}]

Four Seasons Resort, Oʻahu at Ko Olina. 

Mina’s Fish House, Manalo Lounge and Noe are offering dining experiences for New Year’s Eve. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"ʻEWA BEACH"}]

Wai Kai x Hawaiʻi’s Finest (ʻEwa Beach). 

The party is open to all ages and includes live music and fireworks at midnight, as well as opportunities to sign up for night surfing. Hawaiʻi’s Finest will present entertainment on the surfside lawn, which will have free seating open to the public and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets for a VIP experience at The Lookout are also available for $100 per person. Check the website for the list of items not allowed at Wai Kai. 

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

Start the party early at the Town Center of Mililani with the Noon Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop. The event features headliner 

, as well as haka and Tahitian dance performances, lion dances, and taiko drumming. Performances start at 10 a.m. and run until the pineapple drop at noon. Free. 

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

Party with three DJs and two dance floors with a drag show that starts at 9 p.m. The event includes performances by Omnia Nova, Princess, Kelly Price, Apple Aday and Sardonyx Del Rey. Bottle service is available. Tables can also be reserved at 

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

Live music, cocktails and tasty late night bites are part of this New Year’s Eve celebration. Riya Davis, a vocalist and saxophonist, will perform from 10:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $125 and include live music cover charge, snacks, party favors and a drink. 

“Dress to dazzle” and celebrate with the Gatsby New Year’s Eve Gala

. Tickets include live music and DJ sets and a champagne toast. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is also a Whiskey VIP Room experience available for up to 12 people. Tickets start at $71.21. 

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

Minutes from Waikīkī, The District is presenting Silver and Stars NYE 2026. The dress code is “New Year’s Eve festive.” There will be DJs, a 36-foot LED video wall, lasers and CO2 cryo cannons. Tickets start at $40 for general admission, which includes drink tickets, and $70 for VIP admission, which includes drink tickets, champagne welcome drinks, snacks, and party favors, plus an exclusive champagne room with a dedicated DJ. The event starts at 8 p.m. and runs until 4 a.m. 

Bad Decisions Ball features special guest DJ Hector Fonseca. There will be a champagne toast at midnight. The guest list is free until 10:30 p.m. The event runs from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. 

Celebrate Bye Bye 25 at Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar with beats by DJ Compose and DJ Mau and a ball drop illuminated on the Beachside Tower. Individual entry, which includes a signature welcome cocktail and a champagne toast at midnight is $40, if purchased in advance, and $50 at the door. A private luxury cabana for eight people, which includes bottle service with Grey Goose Vodka and Devant Brut Champagne along with charcuterie boards and New Years Eve swag and complimentary self-parking for one vehicle, is $750. 

The Honolulu New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl 2026, hosted by the national group 

, offers a digital map to spots across town, a celebratory champagne toast, beats from live DJs, drink specials and free entry to participating bars. Check-in runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and there will be an exclusive after-party event. Tickets are $30.65, if purchased in advance, with group discounts for parties of four or more. 

 This event, called “Fiesta into 2026” offers margaritas, tacos, fireworks and a rooftop celebration. Early dinner service, a NYE happy hour and VIP tables and bottle service are available. The live DJ starts at 7 p.m. Presale tickets at $40. Fast passes are $90. 

Cruise for fireworks (ocean views of Waikīkī). 

Star of Honolulu, a sunset dinner cruise, serves up views of Waikīkī timed to include the fireworks show. There will also be light pūpūs, party favors and a midnight toast. 

 Some other groups offering New Year’s Eve experiences on the water include the 

 catamarans (tours depart from Kewalo Basin or Waikīkī) and 

Halekūlani on the Beach at Waikīkī (Waikīkī).

 Say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026 with a chic afternoon at The Veranda, a rosé and caviar lounge. Book the 

 ($155 per ticket). There will also be a 

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Orchids/La Mer

Make reservations for New Year’s Eve meals at Grand Lānai restaurants at International Market Place, including Crackin’ Kitchen, Eating House 1949, Herringbone, Moani Waikīkī Island Bistro & Bar, Shorefyre, Skybox Taphouse and Stripsteak Waikīkī. 

Shorefyre's Fire by Night Gatsby Party (International Market Place, Waikīkī). 

Dance the night away with DJ Al Grande, DJ Caldee and DJ Deuxces in this Gatsby-themed event which starts at 9 p.m., after regular dinner service. Festive 1920s attire recommended but not required. VIP service is available. 

Skybox Taphouse (International Market Place, Waikīkī). 

Sing in the New Year at this spot, which is hosting a karaoke party. Pizza and cocktails are available. 

Enjoy a rooftop experience at the “High Resolution – New Year, New Heights” party with skyline views, DJs and a coundtown until midnight at Sky Waikīkī. The music will be provided by DJ Compose and DJ Jem. Dress to impress. Attendees must be at least 21 years old. Tickets start at $60. 

NYE Paradise Bloom is a rooftop party, presented by House of Art Entertainment, with immersive decor, live performances and a complimentary glass of welcome champagne, plus a midnight toast. The event will include a live jazz band, acrobatic performances, DJs, live fire shows, and more. 

The Laylow Waikīkī, Autograph Collection (Waikīkī). 

DJ J.Esco will provide the music for Drip: A New Year’s Eve Celebration. Dress code is “dressed to impress.” General admission tickets, which includes party favors, appetizers from 10 p.m. to midnight and a champange toast at midnight are $85 pre-sale or $105 at the door. VIP tables, which include bottle service, reserved areas and a charcuterie board, start at $800. 

The Royal Hawaiian Resort, Waikīkī (Waikīkī). 

Celebrate fresh starts with a five-course dinner at Azure at The Royal Hawaiian Resort, Waikīkī.

Seatings begin at 6 p.m. or 8:15 p.m. ($275+. Wine pairings are $75+). There is also a New Year’s Eve lūʻau dinner show, which includes a three-course meal ($397+ for adults with tiered pricing for keiki). The resort will also host “Dreaming in Pink” with live DJ entertainment, handcrafted cocktails, oceanfront fireworks and views of Diamond Head on the lawn and in the nearby Monarch Room ($100 for adults and $50 for keiki). 

Enjoy a DJ and dancing, party favors, a midnight toast and views of the stars and fireworks from this spot with ocean views. Attendees must be at least 21 years old. Buy tickets for just the party, a four-course NYE dinner with entrance to the party, or a VIP package. 

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach (Waikīkī). 

Glitter & Good Cheer is the focus of this party at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikīkī Beach. The event will also be a celebration of the resort’s 125th birthday. The party will host three different NYE experiences: Cabana Suite, VIP Terrace, and Diamond & Pearls Party. The Cabana Suite includes an oceanfront celebration with access to a decorated pool deck from 8:30 p.m. to midnight. It includes premium pūpū platters, two bottles of Devant Brut Champagne (NV and Rosé), DJ entertainment and complimentary parking for up to six guests. The VIP Terrace includes a private lounge with bottle service tables and premium pūpū platters, plus two bottles (Taittinger Brut Champagne and Pau Vodka), DJ entertainment, and complimentary parking for up to six guests. The Diamonds & Pearls Party on the Diamond Lawn includes a gourmet dinner buffet, a no-host bar, a photo booth, tarot card reading, adult face painting and a champagne toast at midnight. 

Hawaiian Council is presenting this event featuring comedian Pashyn Santos, along with hula and mele from Nā Lei Aloha at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. The evening starts at 9:30 p.m. with a DJ set. Performances, including stand-up comedy from Santos, fire knife dancing, mele and hula. There will be fireworks and a champagne toast. Attendees must be at least 21 years old. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"MCCULLY-MOIʻILIʻILI"}]

This dance school is celebrating the new year Vegas style! There will be tango, casino games, champagne and “nonstop sparkle,” according to event organizers. Activities start with a dance class, Tango 101 for Beginners, at 8:30 p.m. and then from 9:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. there is a tango dance party with traditional and new music. There will also be a casino games room with roulette, craps, poker and blackjack. Tickets are $60, if purchased early, and $75 at the door. 

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

The Kāhala Hotel & Resort (Kāhala). The Dom Pérignon New Years Eve Celebration includes fire knife dancing and a drone show. Tickets include access to premium poolside views of activities, plus live music and a Dom Pérignon champagne toast. The event runs from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Dress code is resort casual. Guests must be at least 21 years old. Tickets are $105.63. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"HAWAI’I KAI"}]

Kapono’s at The Lounge: New Year’s Eve on the Marina (Hawaiʻi Kai). 

, who has won more than 20 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, recently partnered with the Henry Kapono Foundation and The Lounge at Island Sound Studios on 

, which will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting Jan. 9. Kapono’s at the Lounge includes three performance spaces —The Lounge, The Velvet Monkey and Studio B — and will host debut performances featuring Kapono, Tavana and Ambrose

 in each of the spaces on New Year’s Eve. VIP passes are available for partygoers who wish to move between the spaces from 10:30 p.m. until midnight.

Atlantis Cruises

<title>26 places to party for 2026: New Year’s Eve on O’ahu</title>

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year! Looking to ring in 2026 on Oʻahu? Here are 26 events, listed by neighborhood, happening between ʻEwa Beach and Hawaiʻi Kai.

Daily Smile: Sunday, March 22, 2026

ASD Staff

Reporter

More in Daily Smile

Daily Smile: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026

Daily Smile: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026

Daily Smile: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026

Daily Smile: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026

Most read

Daily Smile: Sunday, March 22, 2026

Authors

ASD Staff

Reporter

More in Daily Smile

Daily Smile: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026

Daily Smile: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026

Daily Smile: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026

Daily Smile: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026

Most read