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Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"Officially clocked out..."}]

Smile 26 9 17

<title>Daily Smile: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026</title>

Officially clocked out...

Daily Smile: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Arts & Entertainment

In the 37 years since he moved to Maui, Chuck Bergson, president, CEO and director of Pacific Media Group, says the Hawai‘i media company has grown from "a little, one-radio station you can only really hear in West Maui" to 21 stations across the Islands and a handful of other mediums and platforms.

Its evolution continues with the recent launch of 

, a new network that offers podcasts, social media shorts, YouTube shows and local documentaries, bringing new media platforms together with legacy media.

Radio has always been the core of the business, Bergson told Aloha State Daily during a recent interview at the company's Downtown Honolulu offices.

"But we saw early on that the world was changing, the media landscape is changing, so you have to change with it. You've got to evolve," he says.

Today, Bergson says PMG has four radio stations in Honolulu, six on Maui, five on Kaua‘i and six on Hawai‘i Island — including three in Hilo and three in Kona; offers the digital news sites 

, and advertising at most of Hawai‘i's airports; bought the Maui Visitor Channel and Scenic Hawai‘i; and also publishes visitor guidebooks for the state as well as Maui, Hawai‘i Island, Kaua‘i and O‘ahu.

Bergson compares the newest evolution to a rainbow: at the beginning, he says, are "these wonderful legacy media platforms, and as the world changes and you start to go over the rainbow, you get to the top of the rainbow, and that's where we're now looking to modernize and evolve into this new media environment and ecosystem."

And when you bring legacy media together with new media, "then you have something really special. That's the pot of gold at the end. So that's where we are today."

"There was a great opportunity because it's all kind of happening all around Hawai‘i in little spurts," Josh 

, head of creative content for PMG, told ASD. "You've got podcasts, which I've been a part of, ... and you've got social media, and you've got all of these influencers. It's kind of all there, but no one has really put them together in a space and led from the front. When Chuck started talking about maybe this project we could do, the idea was that there's over 30 years of experience and strength in media through Pacific Media Group. What better way than to do this new project with that grounding?"

As the tagline of its website notes, CULTURE offers content that "moves Hawai‘i forward." And 

 says it all starts with Hawai‘i itself.

"Pacific Media Group has always been about Hawai‘i. It's a company from Hawai‘i for Hawai‘i," he says. "There's no one from the Mainland calling the shots. It's Chuck from Maui. The staff here is from here. That was very interesting, where it was like 'Hey, we're here working to present to the world the stories of Hawai‘i and so the idea was [to] create content that we could produce at a high level, we could then distribute it on YouTube, all the podcasts on all platforms, and then we could create content."

 says the radio used to be the center of communication.

"It told you what was cool, who's the new artist, where's the new concert or event, and since technology has progressed, a lot of that has been dispersed, so why not have the radio stations bring that all together?"

There are three original podcasts made for the CULTURE network: Santo Loco, Sugar Caddy and TRXTR. Original podcasts are "podcasts of people, content that we believe in," 

 says, noting that PMG does the full production. There are two affiliate podcasts as well, which are partner shows carried by CULTURE: Mike Kai Podcast and Headliners Hawai‘i.

"With those five podcasts that we've started on, we feel we have a good base," 

 says. "... There's something for everyone, whether it's entertainment or its mindset, business, golf, sports, whatever it is, we feel like these five wrap a lot of that together and I'm sure we're looking to grow that shortly, as well."

One of the new YouTube shows is "Listening Party," which he compared to a "more artistic" version of NPR's 

"Back to that [idea of] breaking new artists and helping artists get their music out, we do the full production of a live, invite-only event, and the artist plays their music, and as they're playing, they're explaining the thoughts and theories behind it," 

 explains. "They bring up other songwriters, producers, engineers, and they can stop, restart, they can say, 'Hey, this is what it used to sound like.' It's really the craft behind the music so people get to know them well."

The debut episode featuring singer-songwriter 

Another is Behind the Scenes: On Tour, which will take viewers behind the scenes of local artists on tour. Featured first will be a look at tour life with Johnny Suite and the Green. 

"These are everyday local guys that's going to be at Red Rock and they're going to be in Vegas and they're going to be in Washington, and what does it look like to sell out 10,000 people, because these bands are doing that," Duhaylonsod says. "How does that feel? And it should ignite that next generation to go, 'We can do that. We're from right here.' I think that's another testament to what Pacific Media Group is doing here. When you see our content, you should be inspired and you should want to go and be bigger than yourself, and that's what CULTURE is."

Duhaylonsod says the initiative is unique in that it bridges the gap between radio and "what's happening now." The radio's distribution size can also be leveraged to promote the local acts.

"If you just do your own podcast, it's you, your mom and all your family and a couple of friends," he says. "[If] you're doing a podcast with us, it's a massive network behind you."

"Really, what we're trying to do across the board is elevate people — elevate the artists, elevate the podcasters," Bergson says. "There's a lot of talented people that can create things and where the void tends to be in a lot of cases is distribution. How do you get distribution? How do you get it seen? How do you get it heard? So we're trying to do these things with the idea of elevating people. Let's bring them up, bring them along, give them some support, and help that all feed together and complement. With all of us working together to promote things of Hawai‘i through different platforms and different mediums, and talking about different things culturally, to me it's a winning combination. I think not only will the people who live here understand and appreciate it, but the people who love Hawai‘i and value Hawai‘i will enjoy and help us perpetuate this."

CULTURE by PMG brand hero

<title>Pacific Media Group launches 'Culture'</title>

CULTURE by Pacific Media Group offers up local podcasts, social media shorts, YouTube shows and documentaries, bringing new media platforms together with legacy media.

Pacific Media Group launches 'Culture'

Ka Wai Ola Staff

Viewpoints

Hawaiian History Month is an annual invitation to honor Queen Liliʻuokalani, celebrate the rich history of Hawaiʻi and its Indigenous people, and deepen our understanding of the people, places and events that continue to shape these Islands.

As communities across the pae ʻāina come together each September for a month of special events, we invite everyone in Hawaiʻi — and around the world — to continue learning, sharing, and celebrating Hawaiian history throughout the year. This year’s celebration features concerts, living history performances, walking tours, panel discussions, student documentaries, cultural demonstrations and educational programs that bring Hawaiʻi’s history to life.

Whether you are able to join us in person or participate through livestreamed events, each experience is an opportunity to remember the resilience of our kūpuna, honor the strength of our Kānaka ‘Ōiwi and our lāhui, and celebrate the living traditions that continue to guide Hawai‘i today.

More than a series of events, Hawaiian History Month is an ‘aha: a collection of experiences and gatherings that heal and strengthen our aloha for one another and for this beloved place, connecting past, present and future.

It reminds us that we all share a collective kuleana to aloha our ‘āina, preserve our culture, respect the rights of Native Hawaiians, and perpetuate EA so that future generations inherit a thriving Hawai‘i. May the aloha we experience throughout this month inspire each of us to live our EA every day.

To explore the full calendar of events, register for programs, access livestreams, discover educational resources, and find ways to celebrate Hawaiian History Month throughout the year visit 

And follow us on social media for event updates, historical stories, and opportunities to stay connected with the growing Hawaiian History Month movement.

ACT 167 (2025) Relating to Hawaiian History Month

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Hawaiʻi:

SECTION 1.
The legislature finds that in the month of September, Queen Lili‘uokalani’s birth, life, and legacy is remembered and celebrated in the Hawaiian community, including at churches and Hawaiian organizations, such as Kawaiaha‘o Church’s Ali‘i Sunday, the Lili‘uokalani Trust Kīpuka (children centers), and the Kamehameha Schools.

The legislature further finds that the Hawai‘i Pono‘ī Coalition was formed in 2007 to educate residents and visitors to the islands on Hawai‘i’s history, the Native Hawaiian people, and the culture that makes Hawai‘i a place like no other. In September 2007, the Coalition launched a commemorative event on the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace to celebrate the birthday of Queen Lili‘uokalani.

The legislature concludes that designating September as Hawaiian History Month would be an appropriate way to honor Queen Lili‘uokalani and recognize the contributions of the Native Hawaiian community, while also providing community building, educational, and economic opportunities.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate September as Hawaiian History Month.

SECTION 2.
Chapter 8, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

“§8- Hawaiian History Month. The month of September shall be known and designated as “Hawaiian History Month” to promote public awareness of Hawai‘i’s history, honor Queen Liliuokalani, and recognize the contributions of the Native Hawaiian community. This month is not and shall not be construed as a state holiday.”

Approved Junes 3, 2025

[{"type":"text","text":"Hawaiian History Month Events"}]

“The Impact of Reformatories and Industrial Schools in Hawai‘i” presented by Dr. Maile Arvin 

Where: John A. Burns School of Medicine, MEB Auditorium, 651 ʻIlalo St.

Dr. Maile Arvin examines the experiences of Native Hawaiian children who were institutionalized during the Territorial Period. Discover how this history continues to shape understandings of Native Hawaiian health, resilience and healing. 

"The Beginning of a Garden" living history performance 

When: Sept. 19 – 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m.

Where: Foster Botanical Garden, 50 N Vineyard Blvd. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)

What:  Step into Hawai‘i’s past with "The Beginning of a Garden," an immersive living history performance by Hawaiian playwright Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl. Set within Foster Botanical Garden, this guided experience reveals how the people, plants, and places of the Hawaiian Kingdom shaped one of Hawai‘i’s oldest botanical gardens, bringing history to life through the very landscape where it unfolded. 

"Precious Garlands: The Life of Queen Emma and The Farewell of Queen Lili‘uokalani" (

What: Experience "Precious Garlands: The Life of Queen Emma and The Farewell of Queen Lili‘uokalani," two moving living history performances that bring the stories of Hawai‘i’s beloved queens to life. Through storytelling, music, and theatrical interpretation, these productions honor their leadership, resilience, and enduring contributions to the Hawaiian Kingdom and its people. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Other showings: "}]

Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, William Charles Lunalilo Center, 16-716 Volcano Road, Kea‘au

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles, 1407 Kapiʻolani St., Hilo

The Historic Roles of Kanaloa Kaho‘olawe Panel Presentation (

Where: Mission Memorial Auditorium, 550 S King St. 

A panel discussion with Dr. Davianna Pōmaika‘i McGregor, Michael Nāho‘opi‘i, and Hardy Spoeher moderated by Kim Ku‘ulei Birnie. McGregor is a professor emerita of ethnic studies and oral history at UH Mānoa and a longtime PKO leader. Nāho‘opi‘i is the executive director of the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission and a mo‘olono for the PKO. Spoehr is a historian who served as secretariat of the Congressionally formed Kaho‘olawe Island Conveyance Commission. The panel will discuss the varied historic roles of Kaho‘olawe over the centuries including as a place of refuge, a training ground for open ocean navigation, a royal refuge, a forest, a penal colony, a cattle ranch, and as a live-fire military training arena. 

Laʻa: Consecration of Aloha ʻĀina in ʻAha (

Where: Bishop Museum – Hawaiian Hall, 1525 Bernice St. 

Making La‘a is the first step in any successful Kānaka endeavor. Appealing to the akua and kūpuna is essential to all major tasks that a Kanaka takes. Because they are our sources of mana, we recognize that it is only with their support and aloha that our tasks will be meaningfully fulfilled. This panel explores the mo‘olelo of making and being la‘a on Kaho‘olawe. We will also trace how the spirit of la‘a has branched out to inspire an aloha ‘āina that places its faith in our akua across our pae moku. Panelists include Luana Busby-Neff, Kaliko Baker, Huihui Kanahele Mossman, and Kalā Mossman. Moderated by Kaipulaumakaniolono Keala.

E hoʻomanaʻo. E aʻo. E hoʻolauleʻa. E ola ke ea. Remember. Learn. Celebrate. May our ea continue to live.

This article is reprinted with permission from 

Hawaiian History Month: A Month to Remember, A Year to Celebrate

," by Ka Wai Ola in its September 2026 issue, Vol. 43 No. 9. Read more at 

Hawaiian History Month 2048x1188

<title>Hawaiian History Month: A Month to Remember, A Year to Celebrate</title>

This year’s celebration features living history performances, panel discussions, cultural demonstrations and more that bring Hawaiʻi’s history to life. See the list of remaining events this month.

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Adopt a Pet

Kevin Clegg, who is born and raised in Kailua and now lives in town with two dogs, recalled his first interaction with the Hawaiian Humane Society 13 years ago, when he adopted a rat to comply with his condo’s pet rules.

“It was good in its cage, but my dream was 

to have a little Pomeranian dog,” he told Aloha State Daily, noting he was later able to get a puppy from a pet owner and called her Tanuki.

That year for his birthday, Clegg asked his party guests to donate to Hawaiian Humane Society in lieu of gifts, which garnered funds, as well as pet food and supplies, and more.

“That was my first time really trying to give back,” said Clegg who works in retail management.

His second dog, Koguma, is an 8-year-old Maltese Yorkie foster. “Somebody was going to give him up and I said, ‘Oh, I’ll watch him until you find another owner.’ But then I ended up being a ‘foster fail’ because I kept him,” he said with a laugh.

But for him three years ago, being a pet parent fur-ever changed. Clegg discovered that his Pomeranian Tanuki was showing early stages of heart disease after she had a seizure at home.

“For me that was the catalyst. I thought my dog was going to die,” he told ASD. “That year was crazy for me, I felt like there was a time bomb going off and I wanted to do something to kind of prepare myself for her illness.”

That’s when he decided to retroact hard times with good intentions, he says, and became a Hawaiian Humane Society volunteer.

“It’s really given me the strength and courage to listen, learn and be a teacher,” he said. “Hawaiian Humane Society has helped me find true purpose. Now, when I’m a pet parent to animals getting older and sicker, I think to myself how lucky I am to care for them in their sickness. My commitment is to keeping all animals safe because in this life, health is wealth, which is what drives me.”

As an adoption volunteer, Clegg says he likes working with people, too, “guiding them on their journey to find their pet companion.” He also enjoys mentoring new volunteers and serving alongside like-minded, "inspiring" individuals.

There is always a need for more volunteers in varying positions and capacities 

“If you love animals, it’s a great thing to be a part of. There are even people there who love to clean up dog poop, it brings them joy,” he notes. “As a volunteer, if somebody needs help folding towels or cleaning kennels or making food, I jump right into that area and give it my all, or more at 120%, which I learned as a leader at my job.”

According to Clegg, helping the Hawaiian Humane Society's mission to shelter, protect, rescue, reunite and rehomes animals is “pure happiness.”

“If you want to do something selfless, it’s going to come back 10 times. There’s something for you here if you want to come and experience what it’s like,” he said.

Those interested in volunteering or learning more can visit the Hawaiian Humane Society’s 

 Meet available dogs and the adoptions team in-person at these upcoming events:

Animals up for adoption at Hawaiian Humane Society can also be visited daily from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. at both the Mōʻiliʻili Campus and the Kosasa Family Campus at Hoʻopili. To see pets currently up for adoption online, 

Other ways for the community to get involved include foster programs like Couch Crashers and Lap Crashers, as well as Wags & Whiskers Wednesdays, among other initiatives. Registration is open for the annual 

; the fundraiser will be held on Oct. 24 at Kapiʻolani Park.

 for updates on Flash Adoption Specials, like the one last weekend where all adoption fees were waived by VCA Animal Hospitals to make room for the animals arriving from the Kauaʻi Humane Society following Hurricane Lowell.

, president and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society, said at the time in a statement that pet such adoptions “opens a kennel and gives our staff and volunteers more capacity for the animals who remain, more one-on-one time for socialization, enrichment and the daily care that keeps them healthy and ready for adoption. That ripple is what lets us care for the animals already filling our campuses and step up for Kauaʻi at the same time. When one island is in need, we show up for each other, and our community makes that possible every time they choose to adopt."

To support the Kauaʻi Humane Society's relief and recovery efforts directly, go to: 

Read another volunteer perspective from the Maui Humane Society by ASD 

2024 04 27 Volunteer Services Manager Isa Cortina with Volunteer Kevin Clegg at Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast LANDSCAPE PC Hawaiian Humane Society

<title>Hawaiian Humane Society volunteer finds 'true purpose' helping animals</title>

Kevin Clegg, who first adopted a pet rat from the nonprofit 13 years ago, now volunteers at the organization’s Mōʻiliʻili campus weekly. He shares what initially prompted him to give back to the community, what he likes most about working in adoptions and why if you love animals, it’s a great cause to join.

Hawaiian Humane Society volunteer finds 'true purpose' helping animals

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

 is celebrating its 12th birthday this Saturday, Sept. 19, in Mānoa. The celebration is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and guests can look forward to a free gift with purchase, free samples, and access to new merch.

“We are throwing a birthday party with all of our chocolate friends on one day, which is not something we typically do,” says owner and CCO (chocolate connections officer) Erin Kanno Uehara

. “The biggest reason why I wanted to have this party was really to see the people who have kept us in business for all these years, and personally thank them, face-to-face.

“It’s an all-day casual event to come and connect, and stay and sweeten relationships with our team, each other and bring along a new chocolate friend, too,” she adds.

Reflecting on the past year, Kanno Uehara acknowledges that it was financially “more challenging to do business in Hawaiʻi.”

“(It was challenging) with increase in costs across the board, repairs needed, unexpected hardships, and people spending less,” she says. “But, it was also the most rewarding year with the most incredible team who stepped up and worked well together. Everyone contributed ideas and worked really hard to take care of our chocolate friends the best we could, because we know everyone faces challenges.”

The business recently launched a variety of interactive experiences, including kitchen access tours; a private chocolate tasting, tour and talk at the business’s Chocolate House; and custom presentation and chocolate tasting with Kanno Uehara.

The 15-minute kitchen access mini tour takes guests behind the scenes of the business’s chocolate-making process. Individuals also learn more about Choco leʻa’s history. Aloha State Daily got to go on one of these tours last month.

“Choco is short for chocolate in French; lea is Hawaiian for joy,” explains admin assistant Madison Thiele, who leads the kitchen access tours. “It (our name) means spreading joy through our chocolate. It’s reminiscent of our mission statement, which is ‘Bringing peace to our world, one chocolate at a time.’”

The business’s logo features a redtail tropic bird, according to Thiele, who says the bird is holding a cacao branch in its beak.

“It’s reminiscent of the dove holding the olive branch; it’s our way of spreading peace through chocolate,” she explains.

The business specializes in artisan dark chocolate truffles and creative flavors. 

The business’s chocolatiers make everything by hand for the store, according to Thiele.

Choco leʻa’s kitchen and watch the truffles being made. Individuals will also get a look at the business’s special machine that runs dark chocolate.

“She (our machine) was our biggest investment,” Thiele explains. “She keeps all of our chocolate perfectly tempered. It’s really important to keep the chocolate at a certain temperature and keep it constantly moving as well.”

During the tour, individuals will get the taste the business’s warm, running chocolate, along with a current featured special. During our tour, chocolate-dipped mangoes were featured; guests enjoyed the hands-on experience of dipping their fruit in chocolate.  

The business has a separate machine to create confections with white chocolate. There’s a special machine that strictly runs dark chocolate (there’s a separate machine for white chocolate).

Thiele explains that the team brainstorms ideas for seasonal products about three to four months in advance.

“We like to have different-flavored truffles every single month,” she says. “Before we released the fruity cereal bar, we let guests try it.”

At the end of the tour, there’s a Q&A time for guests to ask questions. They’ll also get samples of 

Choco leʻa’s popular iced chocolate drink ($7.49), along with a kitchen tour-exclusive keepsake.

When the tour concludes, guests are invited to shop in the store.

“The most popular truffle flavor is the triple chocolate because it really lets the chocolate flavor shine through,” Thiele says. “When it comes to seasonal flavors, strawberry lychee is popular.”

Other customer favorites include the business’s Hokkaido soft cream ($6.99); choose from vanilla, chocolate or a swirl. Guests can add toppings like sprinkles and Oreo cookie crumbles from the topping bar for an additional $1.50.

Kitchen access tours start at $20 for individuals ages 5 years and older; maximum of six people per group. The mini tours are available between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesdays to Saturdays (but are not available during December).

As the business starts gearing up for the holiday season — filled with lots of fun, limited-time flavors — Kanno Uehara says customers can look forward to new customized offerings, new flavors, and first-time local collaborations.

“We are constantly innovating, learning and trying to get better so we get excited for every new year,” she says. “We will continue to deliver the same consistent quality products, care in packaging and authenticity in our service. You can count on that being the same next year.

“I thank God every day for the people I get to work with, and for the people we serve,” she adds. “Even after 12 years, it really still is a true joy and blessing to get to do this work. We have the most amazing support from our longtime, loyal chocolate friends, and have made really great, new friends, too, who are just discovering us.”

Choco lea interior 091526

<title>Choco leʻa is celebrating its 12th birthday</title>

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, the Mānoa-based business will be offering free samples, a free gift with purchase, and a first look at its new merchandise. Choco leʻa also recently launched a variety of interactive experiences; come with Aloha State Daily on its mini kitchen access tour, where we learned more about the chocolate-making process.

Choco leʻa is celebrating its 12th birthday

rom Sept. 16 to 30, participating Ward Village restaurants will showcase limited-time dishes and special offers.

More than 25 restaurants and businesses are participating this year. Here’s the featured line-up:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"An Di Dzo"}]

: Special menu items include washugyu pho and a French dip sandwich. Diners can add an optional caviar bump to each dish.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Cino"}]

: The Italian-inspired eatery will feature a three-course menu. It includes:

"Cino is highlighting simplicity, freshness and seasonal ingredients for Taste of Ward," says chef Arnold Corpuz. 

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

: With an order of steamed dumplings, customers can get a drink of choice for $3. Cotti Coffee is known for its specialty drinks, like its cloud mousse latte.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Cream & Sugar Hawaiʻi"}]

: Victoria Ward Park Makai, 1020 Auahi St., Honolulu

: This kiosk at Victoria Ward Park features fresh breads and sweets. Enjoy special menu items like cinnamon rolls, pesto tomato focaccia and scallion chili crisp focaccia.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Dean & Deluca"}]

ula Shops, the bakery is featuring special menu items like yame-matcha and white chocolate mousse with matcha brownie, ube coconut tart, Macedonia, whole Montblanc roll cake, and whole green grape shortcake.

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

: The Kakaʻako spot will feature special beverages from Laʻa Kea Wellness and Aloha Matcha Hawaiʻi

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

: The Japanese restaurant — known for its extensive menu comprising sushi, donburi and sashimi — is featuring special offers on its sushi rolls.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Han No Daidokoro"}]

: The popular yakiniku restaurant is offering specialty dishes like A5 Miyazaki wagyu tsukimi yukhoe, Miyazaki wagyu sushi with sea urchin, and Nicolas Feuillatte Brut champagne.

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

: Customers can enjoy the bubble tea shop’s mango sago and bubble waffle.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"House of Mana Up"}]

: The business is featuring an ultimate sweet and savory gift set, along with customizable gift boxes.

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

: Customers can enjoy mersin tantuni, a specialty dish inspired by chef Ahu Hettema's childhood in Mersin. This dish includes wagyu, tomato, onion, mardin sumac, Kahuku parsley, Maui lemon and thin lavas bread.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Jules & Gem Hawaiʻi"}]

: The fragrance shop is featuring coffee-scented products.

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

: The popular ramen restaurant is featuring an exclusive tsukemen dish.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"La Tour Café"}]

: Located in ‘A‘ali‘i Shops, La Tour Cafe is featuring special menu items like falafel banh mi, watermelon mint julep and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Luna’s Tex-Mex Cantina"}]

: The eatery is featuring al pastor skewers with rice and beans; a torta with grilled carne asada, melted cheese, avocado, chipotle mayo and lettuce; and Jarritos soda and strawberry lemonade.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Māla-Be"}]

: This local Hawaiian business, founded in 2023, is known for its Mediterranean-inspired vegan treats. Specialty menu items include a Mediterranean plate and Hawaiian cookie crumble.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Merriman’s Honolulu"}]

: During lunch, Merriman’s Honolulu is offering miso salmon (served with banchan, garlic rice and a miso lemon vinaigrette). During dinner, diners can enjoy A Taste of Ward surf and turf duo, comprising Manhattan steak with garlic potatoes, local vegetables and a shrimp pot pie.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Mochi Momma HI"}]

: Mochi Momma HI features its signature butter mochi in a variety of flavors. Enjoy special menu items like azuki strawberry mochi, butter mochi biko and Cookie Butter mochi.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Nalu Health Bar & Café"}]

: Featured special menu items include “heartbeet” juice (beets, orange juice, apple juice, pineapple and ginger) and purple bliss smoothie. The latter includes blueberries, bananas, spinach, almond milk and a scoop of acai blend.

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

: Nori Bar is featuring a special Nori oishi deluxe platter with lomi ‘ahi (topped with uni and caviar); oyster shooter; mini wagyu don (topped with shoyu, chili oil and green onions); toro shiso hosomaki; ‘ahi tataki nigiri; kanpachi nigiri topped with shichimi; garlic truffle salmon nigiri topped with ikura; seared spicy ‘ahi nigiri with tobiko and green onions; and sashimi (maguro, king salmon and hamachi).

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

: Special menu items include a lava flow don (chirashi don) and spicy salmon crème brulee torched bowl.

: The eatery is offering a Taste of Ward special menu for two. It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Onkee Korean Grill House"}]

: The Korean eatery will feature a specialty japchae.

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

: East Village Shops and South Shore Market, 1170 Auahi St., Honolulu

Daily Smile: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026

ASD Staff

Reporter

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