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Michael Brestovansky

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Stephanie Salmons

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Christian Shimabuku

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Katie Helland

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Sterling Higa

Columnists

Stand-up comedian Tumua is doing crowd work somewhere on the Mainland, and 

 from the audience. The guy is from Kauaʻi, not born and raised, but “flown there, grown there.” He hasn’t lived there in nine years. While Tumua works the crowd, the guy shouts “chee hoo.” Tumua says, “That’s a solid chee hoo, man.” He does it again. Tumua has to shush him.

It’s a small moment, and Tumua plays it off with dry affection. The guy is playing out what he remembers of a place he left nine years ago. Much of the crowd never lived there at all.

Frank De Lima didn’t have that problem performing locally. Most of his audience hadn’t left. They were in the room — sharing the same plate lunch memories, cringing at the same accents, laughing because every joke was an inside joke. This wasn’t an introduction to local culture. It was a reminder, a celebration, even a reinforcement.

The plantation village was a truly different kind of place — shared land, shared labor, ethnic groups pressed close together with no way out. Filipinos, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Hawaiians were all crowded into the same neighborhoods and schools. What came out of it — the food, the humor, the pidgin — came from people who couldn’t opt out of each other.

Even as that world was dissolving, people reached back for its symbols. By 1978, a political movement called Palaka Power had taken the plantation worker’s cloth as its name — a clear link to the past. The Palaka Power 

 said so plainly. The writers also noted, in the same breath: the ILWU was declining, sugar and pine would soon be gone, the Democrats of the ‘54 Revolution had mostly left the arena. They chose the symbol precisely because the reality was already receding. The myth was always partly constructed. But it was backed, then, by people who had actually 

The built world that replaced the plantation village included public housing, suburbs, and apartments. The Mainland has all of those. And then came radio, television, the internet, smartphones, and eventually TikTok.

Stand in the Sandy Beach parking lot on a Saturday. A kid near the lifeguard stand is hitting a vape and dancing to a song trending in Atlanta. The shaka sticker on the bumper is working harder than it used to. But social media didn’t cause any of this. It arrived to find the flattening of culture mostly finished and has been tracking it ever since.

The audience for local content skews diaspora: Aunties in Vallejo, Kalihi kids now in Las Vegas, people holding onto something they can’t quite name.

Nostalgia is real. But it runs in one direction. You can package a memory and ship it to Fresno. What you can’t do is put it back. A friend put it plainly: are we our own cover band?

Distinct cultures are not accidents. They grow from particular people living side by side. The plantation village wasn’t a brand. It was a neighborhood. The shaka sticker can travel, but the neighborhood can’t. Something real is lost when a place becomes content.

. He’s reaching for something he actually had, once. What is it, exactly? The memory of a place, a people. The kind of memory that swells within and erupts in shouts — or tears. It’s the memory that many hold of Hawai‘i, even those who visited only for a week.

Nostalgia can become sinful when we deceive ourselves. It’s easy to romanticize farm labor from the comfort of air-conditioned offices, but the plantations were not a paradise. And neither is Hawai‘i. The past is worth a visit, but no place to make a home. 

That’s a solid chee hoo, man — but once is enough. Shush.

Pineapple Plantation housing 16x9 Large

<title>What's in a chee hoo?</title>

Generations removed from the plantation era that forged it, local culture is in danger of becoming a nostalgia-fueled performance of itself, writes ASD columnist Sterling Higa.

What's in a chee hoo?

Sports

An NCAA Tournament men's volleyball match hasn't been played at the Stan Sheriff Center since 2004, but if the University of Hawai‘i continues its winning ways, that could change in a matter of weeks. 

The NCAA men's volleyball tournament has expanded by one team each year since having seven teams in 2023. In 2026, the NCAA is making a sizable jump to 12 teams after having nine teams in the field in 2025. 

The new format in 2026 consists of the top four seeds hosting pods of three teams. After the two lower seeds in each region play each other, the winner will play the host team. Hosts and dates will be determined during the NCAA selection show on April 26. 

Each regional winner will then meet at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion from May 9-11 for the national semifinals and finals. 

In 2026, the University of Hawai‘i is currently 21-3 overall and off to a 4-0 start in Big West Conference play. The Rainbow Warriors are the No. 2 team in the country behind UCLA in both the AVCA national poll and RPI rankings. 

Although the 'Bows would be in line to host a regional as it currently stands, head coach Charlie Wade doesn't want to assume anything quite yet. 

"Pretty exciting," Wade says of the possibility of hosting a regional. "But I'm somewhat reserved on that, just from past experiences. Typically, the NCAA flying people out here has been a challenge for them to make that decision. So, we're just focused on winning as many games we can to put ourselves in a position that we're considered to be one of those teams."

The 'Bows are nearly halfway done with Big West Conference play, sweeping No. 8 UC Santa Barbara over the weekend, which was preceded by a 

convincing series sweep at Long Beach State the week before

Another test awaits the Rainbow Warriors this week in a road series at UC Irvine on Friday and Saturday. The Anteaters are currently the No. 5 team in RPI as well as in the AVCA poll. After flying back home for a few days, the 'Bows will hit the road again for a two-match series at UC San Diego on April 10 and 11. 

"We've been doing it for a while," Wade says of the back-and-forth travel between O‘ahu and California. "They're pretty used to it. I feel pretty confident that we'll be ready to play."

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Kainoa Wade 040126

<title>No. 2 Hawai‘i men's volleyball on pace to host NCAA Tournament match</title>

If the Rainbow Warriors maintain their winning ways, an NCAA Tournament match could be played at the Stan Sheriff Center in May, thanks to an expanded field in 2026.

No. 2 Hawai‘i men's volleyball on pace to host NCAA Tournament match

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Easter Sunday — April 5 — is coming up next weekend. If you’re still scoping out dining options, check out the following:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"A Cake Life"}]

: Seasonal treats include Easter cookie kits ($16), Easter color-your-own cookie kits ($20) and Easter printed sugar cookies ($5.50). 

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

: Bali Oceanfront’s Easter brunch buffet costs $99 per adult ($49 for children ages 5 to 12 years). The brunch buffet will include:

hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/dine/bali-oceanfront/

: The Waikīkī eatery is offering a variety of specials during both brunch and dinner.

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[{"type":"text","text":"Dinner specials include:"}]

: April 5; brunch served from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; dinner served from 5 to 9 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Big City Diner"}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Family meal deals include:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Big Island Candies"}]

: Easter treats available for online ordering

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Bird of Paradise"}]

: 91-1200 Fort Weaver Road, ‘Ewa Beach 

: This brunch buffet costs $98 per adult ($49 per child ages 6 to 12 years old). Highlights include:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Choco Le‘a"}]

: The chocolate shop’s seasonal specials include Choco le‘a chocolate eggs ($24.99) and the spring Dubai bar ($18.49). The business also has four new truffle flavors: carrot cake, lavender, raspberry cream cheese and lemon. This half dozen egg carton includes surprises within each egg. Each carton includes a chocolate bunny stuffed with pretzels and caramel, solid chocolate tokens, chocolate covered mini Oreos, chocolate covered marshmallow, chocolate covered Gummy Bear hugs, and chocolate Easter egg filled with a Lava Flow Crunch a le‘a.

The spring Dubai bar features a dark chocolate bar filled with pistachio and freshly toasted crispy kadayif. 

: Easter specials are available for pre-order for pick-up from March 27 to April 4

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

: Crumbl’s Easter Bundl is available in multiple sizes: large six-pack, large 12-pack, mini six-pack and mini 12-pack. All come with a pre-selected assortment of carrot cake, Easter pink sugar cookie, strawberries ‘n’ cream cookie and spring M&M’s cookie; exclusive Easter-themed packaging; and holiday toppers on each dessert (excluding the carrot cake).

: Pre-orders available for the Bundl until March 28 for pick-up or delivery from March 30 to April 4. The Easter Bundl will also be available to purchase in-store March 30 to April 4, while supplies last. 

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

: This Easter brunch buffet costs $55 per person ($24 per child ages 10 years and under). Highlights include:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"FEAST by Jon Matsubara"}]

: This F-EASTER meal ($350) is designed to feed four to six people. It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Great Harvest Bread"}]

: The bakery is bringing back its seasonal hot cross buns ($10.25) — a blend of cranberries, raisins, nutmeg and cinnamon — and honey bunnies ($21.50), which are available in rosemary garlic, honey whole wheat or cinnamon chip flavors. 

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

: This three-course menu costs $95 per adult ($45 for children ages 6 to 12) years). The prix fixe menu includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hokulani Bake Shop"}]

All Easter items must be pre-ordered at least one day in advance; no same-day orders are accepted. 

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

: This Easter brunch buffet costs $85 per adult ($25 per child ages 4 to 12). It includes:

There will be a two-hour dining time; iced tea or hot coffee are also included in the brunch. 

: This Easter brunch buffet costs $80 per adult ($40 for keiki ages nine years and under). Highlights include slow-roasted prime rib that’s carved to order; pineapple and brown sugar glazed ham; custom omelet station with a variety of toppings; waffle bar; kalua hash with slow-roasted pork and potatoes; ‘ahi and tako poke; garlic fried rice; eggs Florentine; and desserts like ube cheesecake, mini apple pies, chocolate ganache cake and more. 

koloalandingresort.com/activities#!/event/

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Mahi‘ai Table"}]

: This Easter brunch costs $60 per adult ($50 for seniors, $35 for children ages 6 to 12 years, free admission for children ages 5 years and under). The brunch includes ‘ahi poke, huli huli chicken, herbed beef tenderloin and more. 

: Ulana Terrace, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Lahaina

: This Easter Sunday brunch costs $158 per adult ($85 for children ages 6 to 12 years old, $20 for children ages 5 years and under).

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"The brunch menu will include:"}]

Kamaʻāina receive 20% off with valid Hawai‘i ID.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali 

: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali, 2365 

: The resort’s oceanfront brunch will be at Hale Mo‘olelo; it costs $145 per adult ($49 for children ages 4 to 12 years). It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Waikele Country Club"}]

: This Easter brunch buffet costs $89 per adult ($52 for children ages 4 to 9 years). Highlights include:

: April 5; 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (first seating) or 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. (second seating) 

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

Bakery specials include Easter cookies ($2.50 in Honolulu) — which are available from March 30 to April 5 — Easter donuts ($2.99 in Honolulu) and an Easter cake ($27.95 in Honolulu). The latter features a three-layer vanilla chiffon cake filled with whipped cream and decorated with an Easter bunny design. 

: Starting at 10:30 a.m. on April 4 and 5

Easter part 2 Zippys 032626

<title>Where to celebrate Easter 2026 – part 2</title>

Hop to it — the holiday is coming up next weekend. Here are 21 options to consider.

Where to celebrate Easter 2026 – part 2

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

 first got interested in Hōkūleʻa when he was 7 years old and his parents took him to Magic Island to welcome her back from a voyage to Tahiti.

“My parents remember me tugging on my dad and saying, ʻI want to sail on that — I called it a boat at that time — I want to sail on that boat,’ ” Ellis told Aloha State Daily, adding that now he refers to 

, or double-hulled voyaging canoe. “And that kind of started this process.”

In elementary school, Ellis built a replica of the Hōkūle’a for a project and asked his parents to take him to see it in dry dock. In his free time, he would trace the outlines of voyaging canoes using a family book.

“Let me grab it!” Ellis said. “Hold on real quick.”

With the book — “Voyage: The Discovery of Hawaiʻi”  by Herb Kawainui Kāne — in hand, he flipped through some of its pages, noticing indentations from outlines traced years earlier.

Now, Ellis is the education director for the Polynesian Voyaging Society, which operates Hōkūleʻa. On Saturday, March 7, he will join PVS — and a 

— in inviting ocean-goers of all levels to experience Polynesian voyaging culture as part of the 17th annual Kualoa/Hakipuʻu Canoe Festival. 

starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. at Kualoa Regional Park. It is

 organized by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation, along with a number of voyaging and educational organizations and includes opportunities to jump in and paddle.

“There's a lot of different activities and a lot of hands-on activities,” he added.

Ellis anticipates at least a dozen canoes will attend. The festival also serves as the birthday celebration of Hōkūleʻa, which launched from the shores of Kualoa/Hakipuʻu in Kāneʻohe Bay on March 8, 1975. This year, Hōkūleʻa  — and her younger sister, 

Moananuiākea, a 43,000 nautical mile circumnavigation of the Pacific

, sailed on Hikianalia’s voyage to California and on Hōkūleʻa during the worldwide Mālama Honua voyage, including the legs from Samoa to Aotearoa, Florida to Virginia, New York to Virginia and to the Galápagos Islands, according to PVS’ website.

He previously spoke with ASD about training the next generation of navigators as captain of the 

, a double-hulled sailing canoe, which resides at the Polynesian Cultural Center when it is not on the water.

Ellis remembers taking his own kids, the youngest of whom turns 18 years old this week, to the Kualoa/Hakipuʻu Canoe Festival when they were keiki.

“My kids, they loved it,” he said. “When they're small, they're like: ʻWhat? We can go on that canoe?’”

They headed for a little sandbar, where they took a break and stood in about two feet of water, he said.

“Even if it's just half a mile out, you get this different perspective,” Ellis said. “Especially in that Kualoa/Hakipuʻu area, where there's not a lot of buildings and houses — the way I like to see it is: ‘Oh, that might be how Hawaiʻi was before, and what Hawaiʻi could be also in the future.’”

At the festival, PVS will run a booth and share information about seamanship skills and the art of wayfinding and navigation, he added. Ellis will be helping keiki and adults fill out 

 to help the planet, which could include deciding to pick up trash, find a solution to water problems or be kinder to siblings, he said.

“We have them think about what would they do to make the earth a better place and how will they care for the earth,” he said, adding that the pledges will later be used to create a large work of art.

“All types of people are there,” Ellis said. “There’s people that are from Hawaiʻi. There's other people that come across it, and they're not from Hawaiʻi, and they’re like: ʻWhoa, what is this? This is awesome!’ There will be free parking, and there'll be the food vendors. That’s kind of what was cool to me is that everyone is very welcoming.”

Mark Ellis

<title>Paddle a canoe as part of the annual Kualoa/Hakipuʻu Canoe Festival</title>

Mark Ellis, the education director for the Polynesian Voyaging Society, shares how community members can experience Polynesian voyaging culture at the upcoming 17th annual Kualoa/Hakipuʻu Canoe Festival.

Paddle a canoe as part of the annual Kualoa/Hakipuʻu Canoe Festival

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ASD Staff

Daily Smile

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Man takes his dog to the park just so he can ride his favorite toy horses....

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Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Bruce Hidaka-Gordon in Waikīkī.

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Hawaiʻi Skies: Rainbow hug

Dog waits until his owner reaches the end to go....

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Daily Smile: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

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Daily Smile: Monday, March 23, 2026

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Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Kristin Richards at Kapi’olani Park.

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Hawaiʻi Skies: O’ahu Skies

This is Albie. He was so touched by his family singing happy birthday in his native language that he didn't notice the cupcakes with his face on them.....

ASD Staff

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