Stephanie Salmons
Business, tourism and the economy are all important facets of life in the Islands, but nothing can happen on those beats without people. I love telling the stories of your friends and neighbors, your coworkers and leaders, people who are making the decisions that affect your life and cool people who are doing cool things. Like most reporters, I'm nosy. I like to know about people — what they're doing and why, what makes them tick, etc.
At Aloha State Daily, I'm excited to be a small part of building something awesome from the ground up. And I believe in our mission! Regardless of where you live, the role of local news doesn't change — it's important in keeping our communities informed about the things that impact our daily lives and holding people in positions of power accountable. Not to mention, Hawaii has a lot of awesome stories to tell and I'm beyond grateful and excited to be able to share them.
Originally from Kentucky, I've lived in Hawaii for almost seven years now - including 3.5 years in Hilo on Hawaii Island and another three years in Honolulu. I now live in Honolulu with my husband, who was born and raised here.
A lifelong writer and storyteller, I graduated from Murray State University with a degree in print journalism in 2007 and have spent the better part of the past 17 years working as a reporter. For most of my career, I've worked at community-focused papers in North Carolina, Kentucky and Hawaii, covering communities big, small and in between, telling stories important to the people who live there. That's a big reason why I'm so passionate about community journalism and the role of hyperlocal news within the places we live, work and play.
Latest from Stephanie Salmons
Survey seeks insights from home gardeners
The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience is conducting a home gardening survey that will help researchers develop “essential support programs.”
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 30, 2025
Wai‘anae entrepreneur kicks off Hawai‘i-inspired boot brand
Leather and Lei debuted in October with its Lehua collection, offering made-to-order boots “inspired by Hawai‘i’s natural beauty and the resilient spirit of paniolo and cowgirl heritage."
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 27, 2025
New scholarship available for high school seniors on Kaua‘i
The Ho‘olei Scholarship will cover the first year of tuition at Kaua‘i Community College for eligible students after financial aid is applied.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 25, 2025
Hawaiian Word of the Year: Kāhuli
Chosen as the 2025 Hawaiian Word of the Year by the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Ka Haka ‘Ula o Ke‘elikōlani College of Hawaiian Language, kāhuli speaks to fundamental transformation, “not surface change, but the kind of shift that reorders everything.”
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 25, 2025
What to do this weekend on O‘ahu
Looking for something to fill the between-holiday lull? Aloha State Daily has rounded up a few things to do this weekend, Friday, Dec. 26; Saturday, Dec. 27; and Sunday, Dec. 28.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 24, 2025
What's new at Ala Moana Center
The shopping center has welcomed a number of new tenants, with more coming soon.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 23, 2025
Southwest to offer direct flights between Hilo, Las Vegas in 2026
The flights, which begin Aug. 6, 2026, are initially scheduled to operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Friday.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 23, 2025
Retail Merchants of Hawai‘i names interim leader
Dave Erdman, a longtime marketing and communications executive, has been appointed interim president and CEO of the statewide trade organization.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 19, 2025
Hawai‘i's minimum wage to increase on Jan. 1
This is the third step in a series of planned increases that will ultimately bring the minimum wage to $18 by 2028.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 19, 2025
Study finds that Hawai‘i is the best state for on-time flights
The study by Squaremouth, a travel insurance marketplace, analyzed flight delays and cancellations between July 2024 and June 2025 by airports, state and month.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 18, 2025
Kaua‘i resort gifts $400K to community foundations
The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa and its owner, Takenaka Corp., marked the resort’s 35th anniversary by honoring longtime employees and gifting $100,000 endowments to four local community foundations.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 17, 2025
What's new at Queens' Marketplace
Several new retailers and restaurants have opened in the Waikoloa Beach Resort shopping center, and more are coming soon.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 17, 2025
Maui bakery featured on Good Morning America
The Maui Cookie Lady was included in a Dec. 13 GMA segment highlighting cookie delivery companies from across the country.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 16, 2025
Three Hawai‘i eateries among those nominated for Best New Restaurant
You can vote for your favorite in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards until Dec. 22.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 15, 2025
Seabird rescues reach record levels
The Hawai‘i Wildlife Center says more than 1,000 native seabirds were rescued between September and December, which is seabird fallout season.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 13, 2025
Hāmākua Hotel for sale
The eight-room luxury boutique hotel is located about 20 minutes north of Hilo on 3.4 fee simple acres in Honomū.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 12, 2025
Demolition of former Dee Lite Bakery to start Monday
Honolulu's Department of Housing and Land Management and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation will start “coordinated demolition work” on city-owned properties that include the old Dee Lite Bakery at 1930 Dillingham Blvd. and 1907 Eluwene St. to prepare the site for redevelopment.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 12, 2025
Honolulu chooses developer for Kapolei property
Kobayashi Group has been selected as the city's preferred negotiating partner to lead the redevelopment of nearly 14 city-owned acres in West O‘ahu into an affordable rental community.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 11, 2025
Applications open for the Akamai Internship Program
Interns will be placed at Hawai‘i observatories and other STEM industries in the Islands during the course of the summer program.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 10, 2025
Alexander & Baldwin to become private in $2.3B deal
President and CEO Lance Parker said in a Dec. 8 announcement that the company is taking “an important step toward our long-term vision for A&B as stewards of Hawai'i's premier commercial real estate.”
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 10, 2025
Ace Handyman Services opens first franchise in Hawai‘i
O‘ahu Ace Handyman Services is owned by local entrepreneur Jonathan Wong.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 06, 2025
Portion of Kailua Beach Park to close for tree removal
Arborists and specialized maintenance staff with the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation will remove 12 ironwood trees in the area.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 05, 2025
The richest small town in Hawai‘i
A recent analysis from GOBankingRates found the richest small towns in the U.S. A Windward O‘ahu community holds the title in the Islands.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 05, 2025
Kukui‘ula to host annual Festive Parade of Homes
The Dec. 18 event will benefit the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 03, 2025
$23M sale is highest to date in Kohanaiki
Called Hale Kai Mana, the 7-bedroom, 7.5-bathroom home sits on a little more than an acre in the 450-acre private club and residential community located on Hawai‘i Island's Kona Coast.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 03, 2025
Catch these Neighbor Island holiday parades and more
There's plenty of festive things to do for the holidays on Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Island.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 03, 2025
Innovation Grants will help address community challenges on Kaua‘i
Kaua‘i County's Office of Economic Development recently announced the 12 grant recipients. The selected proposals received a total of $368,362.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 28, 2025
'Keep it Kaimukī' on Nov. 29
Keep it Kaimukī Saturday returns this weekend, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29, with more than 30 of the community’s small businesses and restaurants participating. The event coincides with Small Business Saturday.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 27, 2025
Items surrendered at TSA available at auction
The state Surplus Property Office collects boxes of surrendered items from the Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu every month, and from Neighbor Island airports each quarter, which are then sold at public auction.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 26, 2025
Skyline ridership still up a month after second segment opens
Weekday ridership numbers have routinely surpassed 10,000 daily since the second section of the rail opened on Oct. 16, according to data from the City and County of Honolulu.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 25, 2025
Paradise Cove Lū‘au to close
After 47 years in Ko Olina, the West O‘ahu attraction will close next month, allowing a planned redevelopment of the 10.9-acre oceanfront property to proceed next year. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Liu Taufa, an entertainer who has worked at the lū‘au for 35 years about its closure and what working there has meant to her.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 25, 2025
Hawai‘i County acquires Hilo hotel for affordable housing
Guest rooms will be converted into 18 affordable rentals available for residents earning up to 50% of the area median income.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 22, 2025
New collab between Zippy's and NOHO HOME Hawai‘i available Nov. 28
The two local businesses will release a capsule collection of four items, “aimed to capture the deep-rooted tradition of pilina — connection,” Zippy's said Friday.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 22, 2025
Honolulu selects partner for Iwilei Center redevelopment
The four-acre parcel is adjacent to the future Kūwili Skyline rail station. Its redevelopment is expected to bring hundreds of new homes to the area, along with retail spaces, community amenities and “transit-connected public spaces,” the city says.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 21, 2025
New survey says more people are considering leaving Hawai‘i
Honolulu-based nonprofit Holomua Collective — which works to make Hawai‘i more affordable for working families — recently released the results of its second annual Hawai‘i Affordability Survey.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 21, 2025
Honolulu startup aims to make finding the right Realtor easier
A new platform called Tochigami helps pair homebuyers and real estate agents through dating app-style matching.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 20, 2025
Hawaiian Council outreach team will travel to Neighbor Islands
There, they'll help Native Hawaiian beneficiaries with completing applications for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ $6.1 million emergency assistance program
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 19, 2025
DOT lowering speed limit in four spots on Hawai‘i Belt Road
The state Department of Transportation says the speed limit signs will be changed 30 days from Nov. 17 and the new speed limits will be effective once the sign installations are complete.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 18, 2025
Sales underway for market-priced residences in Kahuina
Kahuina — which will have two residential towers dubbed Lamakū and Māmalu — will offer a total of 737 for-sale homes.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 18, 2025
James Campbell Co. breaks ground on Kapolei rental project
Nāliko is the real estate company's newest residential community in Kapolei, a $170 million development that will bring 300 rental homes to the West O‘ahu community.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 15, 2025
Zippy's to open two new locations in Las Vegas
The restaurant chain currently has 25 locations, including three Las Vegas — its only locations on the Mainland.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 15, 2025
Hilo park closed after footbridge collapses
A portion of the bridge connecting Moku‘ola, or Coconut Island, to the Hilo shoreline collapsed Friday and sent a Hawai‘i County employee to the hospital.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 14, 2025
Free webinar for condo owners set for Saturday
The Real Estate Commission, along with Community Associations Institute Hawai‘i Chapter will host “Condorama XV" on Nov. 15.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 14, 2025
Survey available for business owners
The Federal Reserve's 2025 Small Business Credit Survey is now open for Hawai‘i small businesses to weigh in on their borrowing preferences and financial outlook.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 14, 2025
How the Hawai‘i Wildlife Center helps native birds (and bats)
Seabird fallout season is underway and Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Linda Elliott, the president and center director for HWC, which often cares for these downed birds.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 13, 2025
Honolulu, Roberts Hawai‘i aim to improve access to Hanauma Bay
A new contract between the city and Roberts Hawai‘i packages transportation to and from the popular snorkel spot, entry and an educational video.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 12, 2025
Skunk captured at Hilo Harbor
It's the second one found in Hawai‘i this year.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 11, 2025
Kamehameha Schools sells land under Royal Hawaiian for $510M
Japan-based Daisho Co. is now the fee-simple owner. The property, however, will continue to be held and operated under its current long-term ground lease to Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, KS says.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 11, 2025
Ward Village tops $1.4 billion in pre-sales
The developer says that 2,070 residences in its six newest towers have been sold or pre-sold.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 10, 2025
Hawai‘i entrepreneurs on display at annual Mana Up event
The Mana Up Showcase is an annual event that spotlights the Hawai‘i-based companies that have gone through the accelerator program.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 08, 2025
Lanikai home on the market for $3.4M
Located minutes away from Lanikai and Kailua beaches, a 2,450-square foot home at 322 Lapa Place has recently hit the market for $3.395 million.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 08, 2025
Darren Strand leading Maui Land & Pineapple's new agave venture
The longtime ag leader will oversee agricultural strategy and operations, implement sustainable growing practices and help guide the farm's continued growth, MLP says.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 07, 2025
Destination DoHo
Here's what's happening in Downtown Honolulu, as the city and nonprofits work to improve the area and draw more people.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 06, 2025
Honolulu continues affordable housing efforts
The city has selected a “preferred negotiating partner” to build an affordable, disability-forward workforce housing community on city-owned property at 130 S. Beretania St.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 05, 2025
Big Santa returns to Ala Moana
Big Santa’s arrival heralds the start of Ala Moana’s holiday season, and there’s plenty to do in the coming weeks.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 05, 2025
Eighth residential tower opens in Ward Village
All 697 residences in Ulana Ward Village were pre-sold to first-time kama’āina homebuyers under the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority's Reserved Housing program.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 05, 2025
Honolulu Zoo launches new online ticketing system
Digital tickets will be available starting Saturday, Nov. 1.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 01, 2025
More pickleball courts opening in Downtown Honolulu
The Pickle Party, a grand opening of eight new courts on the second floor of Pickles at Forté, is set for 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 14.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 01, 2025
Mana Up Showcase highlights Hawai‘i entrepreneurs
Tickets are on sale now for an in-person marketplace set for Nov. 6 at Bloomingdale’s in Ala Moana Center.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 31, 2025
Home Care Association of America launches Hawai‘i chapter
HCAOA is a nationwide a trade association for private-duty home care providers that recently established a new chapter in Hawai‘i. The organization supports nearly 4,500 home care agencies across the country.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 31, 2025
Alaska, Hawaiian airlines reach merger milestone
Alaska Airlines on Wednesday received a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing it to operate alongside Hawaiian Airlines as two separate brands.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 30, 2025
Financing secured for first phase of Kūhiō Park Terrace redevelopment
In this phase, 60 of the current 174 aging public housing units will be replaced with 302 new affordable rental homes and two manager units.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 29, 2025
Waitlist opens for Waikoloa Village rental project
Nā Hale Makoa will offer 139 one-, two- and three-bedroom units for households earning up to 140% of the area median income.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 28, 2025
How Neighbor Island students can visit Pearl Harbor
Applications are being accepted for the 2026 spring semester of the Pearl Harbor Explorer Program, which aims to give students a “comprehensive learning experience by visiting multiple historic sites in Pearl Harbor." Neighbor Island students can take advantage of this program through a partnership with Southwest Airlines.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 28, 2025
Bishop Museum welcomes endangered land snails
The diminutive detritivore Endodonta christenseni is a land snail found only on Nihoa, a tiny Northwestern Hawaiian Island that spans less than 180 acres. You can see the snails at Bishop Museum's fourth annual Kāhuli Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 25, 2025
Kaua‘i resort to host Halloween 'Canine Costume Contest'
The Oct. 30 event, done in partnership with the Kaua‘i Humane Society, will also serve as a pet food drive and adoption event.
Stephanie SalmonsOctober 24, 2025