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[{"type":"text","text":"A really good idea..."}]

Smile 26 6 1

<title>Daily Smile: Monday, June 1, 2026</title>

A really good idea...

Daily Smile: Monday, June 1, 2026

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Business & Tourism

[{"type":"text","text":"If you’re driving too fast on South King Street, you’ll miss it."}]

 can be found at his red trailer — located on South King Street, between the 76 gas station and McDonald’s — on specific days of the week. He’s been in business for about 10 years serving up Tennessee-style barbecue.

“I learned how to cook from my grandfather in Tennessee,” says business owner Sean Paul Jones. He says he was one of 12 grandkids.

“My grandfather taught me how to cook barbecue,” he says. “Since I was a kid, he taught me how to barbecue and cook. For Tennessee-style (barbecue), we use a little dry rub mixed with the barbecue sauce; that’s what makes it really good.”

Jones, who previously worked as a contractor for the military, knew he wanted to start his own barbecue-centric business. He decided to name his business after his grandpa, Bozie Jones, in honor of the man who taught him how to cook.

Jones moved his red trailer around various locations on Oʻahu before settling on his current spot on South King Street.

“A lot of customers wanted me back (here); they kept asking me to come back,” he says.

Jones’ menu is simple, and comprises rib tips ($18), ribs ($24), brisket ($28), chicken ($17) and combo plates ($30). He says the ribs and brisket are the bestsellers.

[{"type":"text","text":"“Within two to three hours, the brisket sells out,” he says."}]

Jones prepares the meats with kiawe wood. He says it takes about three to four hours for the ribs and rib tips to cook.

All plates come with a side of baked beans and Jones’ housemade barbecue sauce.

“The sauce is my granddaddy’s special that he made in Tennessee,” Jones explains. “It’s a vinegar and mustard-based sauce.”

“It’s been a lot of work, and a lot of relationships have been built,” Jones says. “A lot of people keep coming back for the same barbecue.

“I wanted to bring part of the soul and love from Tennessee to Hawaiʻi, and infuse southern barbecue with Hawaiʻi by using kiawe wood,” he adds. “I didn’t just want to bring Tennessee here, but bring Hawaiʻi and Tennessee together.”

Jones’ trailer is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays and Sundays. Earlier this year, he also opened a second location with Maunakea Marketplace in Chinatown; his food stall is open every day except Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Chinatown location’s menu is mostly the same as the one at the trailer, but it features more daily specials, according to Jones.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Bozie Jones BBQ owner 041626

<title>Where to find Tennessee-style barbecue in Honolulu</title>

Bozie Jones Barbecue — with its signature red trailer on South King Street — has been serving Tennessee-style barbecue for about nearly 10 years. Owner Sean Paul Jones learned how to cook barbecue from his grandfather in Tennessee, and now serves up brisket, barbecue ribs and rib tips.

Where to find Tennessee-style barbecue in Honolulu

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

University of Hawai‘i head football coach 

 has agreed to a long-term contract extension to remain the head coach of the Rainbow Warriors. 

In a Q&A with Aloha State Daily, UH athletics director Matt Elliott confirmed that the two sides have a deal in place that includes an increased salary pool for the football team's assistant coaches, as well as two-year deals for multiple assistant coaches. Many coaches on the UH football staff operate on one-year contracts. (Click 

The deal is pending university approval and will be announced by the school upon completion, Elliott says. 

"We have a deal," Elliott said. "It's just a matter of going through those signature processes. We'll announce it very soon. But yes, we have a long-term extension.

"He and I reached a deal in the in the winter. His focus was, 'I want to get deals done for all my staff,' so that's where we spent some time. In a lot of cases, we're doing two-year deals for a lot of the assistant coaches, so kind of getting all those in place first, and now we've been just going through it, and it takes regent approval. It takes different levels of our university to approve the contract. So, it's done. It's just a matter of getting it all signed."

Chang, who was hired in January 2022, has gone 22-29 in his four seasons at the helm. The Rainbow Warriors went 9-4 in a breakthrough 2025 campaign, ending their season with a dramatic comeback victory over California in the 

Prior to the extension, Chang's contract was set to expire following the 2026 season. His initial four-year deal with the school was extended by one year in December 2024. 

[{"type":"text","text":"Hawai‘i opens its 2026 season at Stanford on Aug 29. "}]

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Timmy Chang 061526

<title>Timmy Chang, UH agree to long-term contract extension, UH AD Matt Elliott says</title>

Chang's current contract was set to expire following the 2026 season.

Timmy Chang, UH agree to long-term contract extension, UH AD Matt Elliott says

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

From picnicking at Aloha Friday Music in the Park to catching local films at the Honolulu Surf Film Festival, there are lots of events happening on Oʻahu this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Friday July 17"}]

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Auana soundtrack launches on streaming platforms on Friday, July 17. The 16-track album is performed entirely in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. The music of 

Auana was created by composer Evan Duffy and developed in close collaboration with Native Hawaiian linguist Dr. Keao NeSmith. The first song is already streaming. 

 on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and more. 

Go to the Huli Huli Chicken Extravaganza. 

Eat huli huli chicken and other island style barbecue favorites, along with mini malasadas at this event at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikīkī Beach Resort. The event runs from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. on the Village Green. Food prices range from $5 to $15. The event also has a prime view of the 

, which starts at 8 p.m. on Friday nights. 

 The Aloha Friday Music in the Park occurs every third Friday at Victoria Ward Park. Grab food and drinks or bring a picnic and enjoy the live music. The featured entertainer for this event is Henry Kapono Foundation On the Rise Artist 

. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with different featured artists. 

The 49th annual Prince Lot Hula Festival, features hula, ʻāina education, cultural activities, and opportunities to shop from local vendors at the mākeke and runs from Friday, July 17, to Saturday, July 18. 

 and musical performances are listed here. 

will hold their Bon Dances on July 17 and 18, while 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Saturday, July 18"}]

In the afternoon, enjoy family friendly hands-on activities, as well as storytelling, games, crafts, art projects, bubbles, plant giveaways and more. As the sun sets, watch the garden come alive with lights, music and dance performances. Featured entertainers include Jeff Gere, Ben Fairfield, Nalani Kaio, Dragon Beat, Allegro Keiki, Hula Joy, Kailua Moon, the Middle Easter Dance artists of Hawaiʻi, and the Mendoza Philippine Dance Group. Tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for keiki. 

The 15-minute film, which is part of the Honolulu Surf Film Festival at the Honolulu Museum of Art, features third-generation waterman Kaliko Kahoonei, who grew up on the Oʻahu's West Side, and surfs with a paipo board. “Haagua” will show along with “Ciebo” starting at 2 p.m.  on Saturday, July 18. The films explore Indigenous knowledge of surfing and the ocean. Tickets are $15 for kamaʻāina or free for attendees 18 years old and younger. Follow “Haagua” on 

Catch Honolulu Night Market’s return to Our Kakaʻako. 

This event brings together local businesses, food vendors, artists, and entertainers. Participate in Poetry of Paʻakai, a live poetry session, or stop by Bubbaloha to step into a world of floating bubbles. There will also be a fashion show and a chance to engage in ʻulana lau niu, or the weaving of coconut leaves. There will be featured performances from Kailua Moon, Hālau O Nāpualaʻikauikaʻiu, and 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sunday, July 19"}]

 Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream is offering $2 ice cream scoops and $1 flights of six mini cones on National Ice Cream Day, which is this Sunday, July 19. The Hawaiʻi Kai business will also offer exclusive flavors that day. Current featured favorites include cookies and cream, Biscoff, strawberry cream, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, caramel mac nut, tiramisu, lilikoʻi cream and more. 

The 75-minute documentary, which is part of the Honolulu Surf Film Festival at the Honolulu Museum of Art, captures renowned singer and songwriter Jack Johnson’s journey from surfer to musician. The free screening is currently sold out, but if there empty seats they will be released five minutes before the start of the 2 p.m. screening. 

 Hawaiʻi State Public Library System's 

 is back. This year, readers can participate by reading 800 minutes or eight books. 

Physical books, audiobooks, eBooks, graphic novels and more

 count toward the contest. The challenge runs through July 31. The theme of the reading challenge is “E Heluhelu Kākou: ‘Umeke Kā‘eo” and celebrates a calabash overflowing with knowledge and wisdom. Readers who log reading get a chance to unlock rewards and possibly win the grand prize of roundtrip tickets from Alaska Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines. 

Get a 12-ounce prime rib for $30 when dining at 8 p.m. or later at 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana

<title>Hula, ʻAuana soundtrack, and $1 ice cream: weekend guide for Oʻahu</title>

Looking for ways to celebrate the weekend? Catch the Prince Lot Hula Festival, listen to the ʻAuana soundtrack, eat $1 ice cream and attend Bon Dances. Aloha State Daily shares a list of a dozen ways you can get into weekend mode this Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July, 19.

Hula, ʻAuana soundtrack, and $1 ice cream: weekend guide for Oʻahu

Known for its hand-crafted xiao long bao, 

The business, which just opened by Shabuya in Ala Moana Center, has 14 locations in cities like Bellevue, Tacoma, San Francisco and more. The eatery offers authentic Taiwanese cuisine and soup dumplings, according to owner Brandon Ting.

“We started this restaurant’s first location in Bellevue, Washington,” he explains. “We brought the former executive chef of W Hotel Taipei from Taiwan to America; we created this menu together. We want to bring the most authentic, classic xiao long bao experience to Hawaiʻi; we are very excited to be on this island and to serve so many customers here.”

The Honolulu store opened for its friends and family event on Friday, and was soft opened over the weekend. The eatery can seat about 140 individuals.

Customers can make reservations for dine-in via 

“We encourage people to make reservations; we will occasionally accept walk-ins,” he says.

Most xiao long bao orders include six pieces. Each dumpling is folded by hand and steamed fresh to order, according to Ting. The wrappers are delicate, but designed to contain the filling and soup broth.

“The amount of soup inside is a very important standards that we value for our dumplings,” Ting says. “We always tell our customers not to bite them the regular way. If you do, the inside has a lot of soup, and you’ll squeeze it all out.”

Ting recommends that customers let the dumplings cool down, then “eat the entire dumpling in one bite” to enjoy the dumpling exterior and soup together. 

Ting explains that chef Peter Wang — former executive chef at W Hotel Taipei — helped establish the standards, recipes and techniques for Supreme Dumplings. Supreme Dumplings chef Norman Lu, the former head chef of Din Tai Fung’s original central kitchen, adds his expertise to the culinary team.

“Great xiao long bao is a game of millimeters and grams,” Lu states. “Each Supreme Dumplings xiao long bao weighs exactly 27 grams — 6 grams of wrapper, 11 grams of soup, and 10 grams of filling. Achieving that balance consistently requires tremendous discipline and craftsmanship.”

The Supreme pork xiao long bao ($13) is the eatery’s signature dish. Lu explains that choosing high-quality ingredients was essential.

“We carefully select a premium pork specifically chosen for its ideal fat ratio and fiber structure,” he states. “That’s what allows the filling to remain juicy without feeling greasy, while delivering a clean, natural pork flavor. We use premium ingredients throughout our kitchen, and even our seasonings are made from real ingredients, rather than additives." 

The Honolulu menu includes options like Szechuan spicy pork xiao long bao ($12), shrimp and pork xiao long bao ($14), black truffle and chicken xiao long bao ($19) and wagyu beef xiao long bao ($16). If you want a little bit of everything, go for the signature XLB assortment ($20), which includes spicy pork, chicken, wagyu, black truffle and crab fillings.

The menu also features Taiwanese favorites, including spicy pork wontons ($10) and Taiwanese chicken cold noodles ($13). Customer favorites include stir-fried string beans with garlic ($18), pork chop fried rice ($19), mini pan-fried pork dumplings ($15) and Supreme tan tan noodles ($15.50).

Customers can also look forward to a Hawaiʻi-exclusive dish that’s coming soon. The golden pineapple fried rice and a variety of Island-inspired cocktails will be added to the menu.

Desserts include sweet taro ($10.50), chocolate melt ($11) and matcha lava xiao long bao ($12). The latter features a matcha and white chocolate filling.

Supreme Dumplings Honolulu is currently open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Hours are subject to change.

“This is a place where people genuinely appreciate great food, family-style dining and experiences worth sharing,” Ting states. “We look forward to creating moments of joy for local residents and visitors alike.”

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

Supreme Dumplings wagyu dumplings

<title>Supreme Dumplings is now open in Ala Moana Center</title>

The business, which originated in Washington, specializes in handmade xiao long bao, or soup dumplings. Dumplings are folded by hand and are steamed fresh to order; customers can choose from fillings like pork, wagyu beef, truffle and chicken and more. Customers can currently make reservations via Yelp.

Daily Smile: Monday, June 1, 2026

ASD Staff

Reporter

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Daily Smile: Monday, June 1, 2026

Authors

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