Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
“Where should I go to eat?” Is a question I get a lot — whether it’s in person or via Instagram, from both friends and acquaintances via social media. I’m excited to share my findings and adventures with our community — not necessarily to tell them where to eat, but to give an accurate representation of what’s available out there. I love covering the new restaurants and new, local businesses popping up. Limited-time offerings (holiday cocktail bars, weekend pop-ups, etc.) are also exciting because sometimes they’re the result of fun collabs between local businesses.
I received my bachelor’s degree from Biola University, as well as my master’s degree in journalism at the University of Southern California. I was the associate editor of Frolic Hawaii from 2017 to 2021 under Honolulu Magazine, and then worked most recently as the dining editor of Crave with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
My goal is for ASD’s dining section to be the premiere guide for the state. I’m excited to cover the food and dining scene, and to help our readers stay updated with all things food-related. It’ll be a fun, fresh start and I’m excited to be able to cover everything.
Latest from Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Shave ice is coming soon to Asatos Waikīkī
Reservations are now open for a new dessert omakase experience, which is debuting on Jan. 14 at the business’s new Waikīkī shop.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 07, 2026

Jamba Hawaiʻi opens second drive-thru location
Jamba Hawaiʻi’s new store in Waiau Shopping Center is the only location to feature both, a drive-thru and full in-store lobby. The location is celebrating its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 10. The first 150 guests who come to the grand opening celebration will receive a limited-edition Hawaiʻi gift.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 07, 2026

The Capital Grille Hawaiʻi has a new happy hour
Feast on exclusive dishes — including Parmesan truffle fries, sliced dry-aged New York strip and filet sandwiches — and enjoy discounted cocktails during the new “Capital Hours.”
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 06, 2026

Rainbow Drive-In has new bentos
Known for its hearty plate lunches, Rainbow Drive-In’s Kapahulu location recently added garlic chicken to its menu. For now, it’s a Kapahulu exclusive, but will soon be available at the Drive-In’s Pearlridge Center and Kalihi locations.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 05, 2026

Popular New York City cocktail bar now open in Honolulu
ROKC — which stands for ramen, oyster, kitchen and cocktail — opened recently in Waikīkī. The eatery is known for its signature cocktails, izakaya-style bites and unique ramen.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 02, 2026

New Japanese curry spot in Honolulu
Kana Curry, which specializes in sweet-and-spicy Osaka-style curry, recently opened in Waikīkī.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 01, 2026

New Makanai café opens in Makiki
Makanai — which translates to “family meal” in Japanese — recently opened in the former space of Sure Shot Café in Makiki. The café offers everything from earl grey matcha lattes and cold brews topped with honey cream to yuzu egg sandos, cinnamon rolls and smoked ‘ahi bagels.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 31, 2025

Tonkatsu Kuro added new dishes to its menu
The new combo sets — which include perilla soba, spicy tsuyu soba and tenderloin and shrimp katsu — are inspired by Korean flavors. Customers can also now enjoy Suntory premium malts and Kirin Ichiban, which are poured using the eatery’s new Hoshizaki draft beer machine.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 31, 2025

Behind the scenes at Fresh Island Fish and Pier 38 Fish Market
Aloha State Daily was recently invited for a tour at Fresh Island Fish. We learned more about the business’s “boat-to-table” process, watched whole ‘ahis being broken down, and got tips for sashimi-cutting.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 30, 2025

Inside look at Aloha Tofu Factory
Aloha State Daily got a behind-the-scenes tour at Aloha Tofu Factory, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this year.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 30, 2025

New restaurants opening on Oʻahu in 2026
From the return of Alan Wong’s to Liliha Bakery’s sixth location, here’s a look at O‘ahu’s dining scene in 2026.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 30, 2025

New all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens in Honolulu
Sumo AYCE Sushi just opened in Azure Ala Moana. The eatery — originally from Las Vegas — offers an extensive all-you-can-eat menu, along with an a la carte menu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 29, 2025

TOUS les JOURS opens first Hawaiʻi location
The bakery soft opened today and is celebrating its grand opening on Dec. 28 to 30 with a variety of giveaways. The business — which has other stores in California, New York and Texas — is popular for its French- and Korean-inspired baked goods.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 27, 2025

BRUG Bakery to open soon in Kapolei
This is sixth location for BRUG Bakery, which is known for its soft breads and pastries made with high-quality flour from Hokkaido, Japan. The Kapolei location features exclusive cakes and an extended drink menu. The bakery’s soft opening will be soon; its grand opening will be in January 2026.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 27, 2025

Where to get mochi for New Year’s
A popular New Year’s food symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, mochi can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Ring in 2026 with the options below.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 27, 2025

KoLab offers Korean fusion brunch in Kakaʻako
KoLab — located within Okome Ten-don & Poke — is offering a brunch menu inspired by Korean flavors and street foods. It’s only available on Sundays for now, but the menu will eventually expand.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 25, 2025

There’s a new dessert lounge at Nanzan Giro Giro
Victor’s Dessert Lounge pops up at Nanzan Giro Giro on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only. The dessert menu changes monthly and is inspired by seasonal ingredients.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 24, 2025

West Oʻahu has a new dim sum spot
West Emperor Dim Sum Restaurant just opened in Embassy Suites Kapolei. It’s a re-branding of former wagyu eatery Gyu-Masu Steak & Seafood. Restaurant owner Victor Jian has teamed up with the former chef from Legend Seafood Restaurant to bring dim sum to the West side.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 23, 2025

New restaurant opens at Pier 38
Thirty Eight Restaurant & Bar — located in the former space of Nami Kaze Hawaiʻi — is now open for lunch during weekdays. The new neighborhood harbor bistro strives to offer seafood — showcasing high-quality options from its sister company, Fresh Island Fish — and local plates at affordable prices.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 23, 2025

Exclusive tour of Diamond Bakery Hawaiʻi
Diamond Bakery Hawaiʻi celebrated its 104th birthday this year. Aloha State Daily got a behind-the-scenes tour of the bakery — complete with cookie samples — and learned more about its cookie- and cracker-making process.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 22, 2025

Sleigh My Name is SKY Waikīkī’s first holiday pop-up lounge
Customers can enjoy seasonal cocktails in a cozy setting until Dec. 25. Plus, when you attend the holiday pop-up, you can still access SKY Waikīkī’s full food menu — and enjoy those scenic views of the Waikīkī skyline.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 19, 2025