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.
SPJ Hawai‘i 2025 Excellence in Journalism Awards: First Place, Best Overall News Site, for “Aloha State Daily,” by the ASD Newsroom, and Second place, Online Feature Reporting, for “An exclusive tour of Sumida Farm,” in the Internet Division.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
Latest from Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
Podmore has a $20 exclusive burger combo for takeout only
The downtown Honolulu spot recently launched a burger-and-chips combo that’s available for takeout during lunch on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Rush burger is exclusive to this lunch option, according to chef Anthony Rush.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 20, 2026
Diamond Head Market & Grill opened a gourmet shave ice stand
The stand — on the corner of Monsarrat and Campbell Avenues — goes beyond traditional shave ice. Choose from desserts inspired by the bakery’s signature creations, including lemon crunch cake and blueberry cream cheese scones.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 19, 2026
Ahi & Vegetable is giving out free mini poke bowls
The biz will be giving out free mini poke bowls at all of its locations (except downtown Honolulu) from 2 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, for International Poke Day. No purchase is necessary to get a free mini poke bowl. One mini free poke bowl will be available per guest, while supplies last, in-store only.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 18, 2026
Ballet Hawaiʻi is featuring a bespoke ballet performance at Noe
The Italian restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina will offer an exclusive five-course dining experience — with ballet performances featured in between each course — on Saturday, Oct. 3. Attendees can look forward to a unique culinary experience; a portion of the proceeds benefits Ballet Hawaiʻi.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 18, 2026
Aloha Tofu Factory is offering $1 tofu for Aloha Tofu Day
While Aloha Tofu Day is technically on Oct. 2, the family-run tofu business is celebrating on Oct. 1. Customers can get $1 tofu from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on that Thursday only; online pre-orders will also be accepted.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 18, 2026
Cino is starting weekend brunch in Kakaʻako
The Ward Village restaurant, known for its Italian specialties and seafood, is starting weekend brunch on Sept. 19. Brunch will be every weekend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; the menu features some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. A keiki menu is also available.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 17, 2026
Choco leʻa is celebrating its 12th birthday
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.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 16, 2026
Taste of Ward is back Sept. 16 to 30
For two weeks, you can take advantage of featured dishes and limited-time offers at participating Ward Village restaurants and businesses.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 16, 2026
Jessica’s Restaurant is now open in Kapolei
The business, known for its local-style Filipino comfort foods, recently moved from ʻAiea to Kapolei. Jessica’s Restaurant has added Italian dishes — ranging from chicken fettucine alfredo to garlic shrimp linguine — to its menu, and plans to eventually open until 2 a.m.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 15, 2026
Neighbors is a new bakeshop pop-up in Honolulu
Owned by Sean Miguel and Mehana Coen, Neighbors Bakeshop opened in July and pops up at events across Oʻahu. The biz specializes in cookies and cinnamon rolls; you can catch Neighbors at fishcake in Kakaʻako every other Wednesday.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 15, 2026
At Lahaina bakery Papi's ‘Ohana, every pastry is a blessing
Behind every fresh cinnamon roll is days of work and love at this family-run business. Lahaina-based Papi’s ʻOhana, known for its huge, warm cinnamon rolls, celebrated its fourth anniversary this summer. Aloha State Daily recently caught up with chef David and Linda Escobar, who tell us more about the bakery’s early days, how it got its name, and what lies ahead for 2027.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 15, 2026
Kale’s Hale is offering $10 bentos for the next three months
The Kalihi-based restaurant — known for its all-you-can-eat Hawaiian fusion yakiniku experience — recently started offering $10 bentos starting at 10 a.m., according to chef/owner Kale Afong. Sometimes, the restaurant opens from 7 a.m. to start selling bentos. The $10 deal will be available for the next three months.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 14, 2026
New Japanese sake pub opens in Honolulu
Pub Maniwa Kakuuchi opened within Up Roll Café Kakaʻako at the end of July. The eatery is featuring a discounted sake discovery set until its grand opening, with the goal of making sake tasting approachable and enjoyable to diners. The food menu features izakaya-style small plates, ranging from sashimi and creamy shrimp gratin to truffle dashi omelet.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 11, 2026
Terns is a new open-air dining space in Honolulu
Terns, located on the terrace of Halekūlani Bakery, recently opened to the public. Named after the seabirds found in Honolulu, Terns offers diners globally inspired shared plates and rum-based cocktails in a casual, outdoor setting.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 11, 2026
West Oʻahu’s first matcha and coffee festival is coming this weekend
Whisk & Brew: Matcha + Coffee Fest is this Sunday, Sept. 13, at Wai Kai. This new event features a variety of matcha and coffee businesses, along with other food vendors and food trucks.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 10, 2026
Roy’s Hawaiʻi Kai just launched Sunday brunch
The Hawaiʻi Kai restaurant has offered brunch for holidays and special occasions, but brunch is now weekly from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feast on dishes like souffle pancakes, crab cake eggs Benedict, meatloaf loco moco and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 10, 2026
Pho N Grindz is opening in Kailua
The eatery — in the former spot of Hot Pot Heaven Kailua, but under the same owners — is opening today. Instead of hot pot, the restaurant now features authentic Vietnamese cuisine and plate lunch staples. As part of its grand opening special, the biz is offering 20% off for one week.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 10, 2026
Tonkatsu Sakazaki is now open in Honolulu
The tonkatsu eatery just opened in Sam Sung Plaza. Customers can take advantage of a grand opening special — discounted $9.99 pork loin cutlet rice bowls (regular price $19) — for about three weeks. The restaurant specializes in tonkatsu, ranging from pork tenderloin to chicken katsu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 09, 2026
Dim sum restaurant relocates to Kapolei Commons
West Emperor, which opened in Embassy Suites Kapolei last December, relocated to Kapolei Commons and opened in the former space of La Tour Café. The eatery still offers dim sum and wagyu specialties — including wagyu manapua and wagyu chow funn — but has expanded its menu to feature Chinese-Japanese fusion and catering.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 09, 2026
Seguin Family Farms is recovering after flash flooding
The farm experienced flooding for the third time this year, according to farmer Jordan Seguin. The family-owned farm — located in Waiāhole — is known for its banana and ti-leaf crops. The farm experienced flooding and devastation following the Kona Lows, Hurricane Lala and, now, Hurricane Lowell. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Seguin Family Farms recover; Seguin says updates will be posted on social media.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 08, 2026
‘Chill’ out with this keiki-owned business
Chillex Pops — owned by 17-year-old Alexus Dickens — specializes in matcha, coffee and ice candy. Dickens founded the company when she was 14 years old; now, the biz pops up at What the Truck?! in Waikele and at various events across Oʻahu. Chillex Pops is one of the featured businesses at Whisk & Brew: Coffee + Matcha Fest, coming up on Sept. 13 at Wai Kai.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 08, 2026