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This is Diego. He has discovered a suspicious cactus wearing a sombrero that dances, glows, and mocks his brave alarm barks. Refuses to back down despite clear sorcery. Absolute unit of a watchdog. would hire for home security...

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Daily Smile: Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Of course dogs should get presents on Christmas. They're part of the family.....

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Daily Smile: Monday, January 5, 2026

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Daily Smile: Sunday, January 4, 2026

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

 recently launched a new happy hour experience.

The Capital Grille’s “Capital Hours” happy hour is available daily from 4 to 6 p.m. in the restaurant’s bar and lounge section. The happy hour menu launched about three weeks ago.

It includes a variety of happy hour-exclusive dishes — listed in the middle section of the “Capital Hours” menu — along with drink discounts.

The sliced, dry-aged New York strip ($20) has been one of the most popular dishes so far. It’s Kona crusted and serve with aji verde. It’s a nice way to try one of the eatery’s dry-aged steaks if you’re curious about the flavor, but unsure about committing to a full-sized cut.

The Parmesan truffle fries ($14) are addictive, as they’re topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and white truffle oil. The menu says it’s designed to serve two, but it can be easily shared among more, especially if you’re ordering multiple dishes.

The petite filet sandwiches ($18) come highly recommended by our server. They’re like meaty sliders, comprising toasted brioche buns filled with truffle aioli, filets and cabernet onion jam.

Other exclusive dishes include porcini-rubbed lollipop lamb chops (two for $18), oysters casino (two for $15), cast-iron garlic shrimp ($14), Caesar salad bites ($10), The Grille’s signature cheeseburger ($28), and mushroom truffle arancini ($15). 

The happy hour menu also includes some of the eatery’s signature appetizers (not at discounted prices, though). Options include pan-fried calamari ($25), which are hand-battered and come with hot cherry peppers; prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella ($22); and caviar and caramelized onion dip ($49).

The prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella are like a twist on charcuterie. The thick pieces of cheese are encased in nutty, thinly sliced prosciutto and served with 15-year-aged balsamic, heirloom tomatoes and Grana Padano crostinis. 

If you’re feeling fancy, the caviar and caramelized onion dip ($49) is great for sharing among a group. The housemade potato chips are delectably crispy, and the dip is creamy and tasty, without the onion flavor being too overpowering. 

Happy hour specials also include discounted cocktails ($12 each); signature cocktails range from $19 to $25. The Old Fashioned and classic margarita are popular, but customers can also choose from Greyhound martinis, Straight Up (choice of Wheatley American craft vodka or Bombay gin), or peach bourbon smash.

Diners can still order from the steakhouse’s regular menu even when dining in the lounge. Complimentary three-hour valet parking is available at Lilia Waikīkī.

Happy hour is daily from 4-6 p.m. in the lounge

Complimentary three-hour valet parking available at Lilia Waikīkī

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

The Capital Grille happy hour spread 010526

<title>The Capital Grille Hawaiʻi has a new happy hour</title>

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.”

The Capital Grille Hawaiʻi has a new happy hour

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Hawaiian Airlines is starting the new year with a new $600 million investment plan.

Airline leaders and state officials — including Gov. Josh Green and state Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen — announced the Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan during a press conference Monday at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow told the crowd gathered in Terminal 1 that the plan includes investments of more than $600 million over the next five years “to modernize airport spaces, aircraft cabins and technology for both guests and employees, expanding loyalty benefits for Hawai‘i residents and continuing our deep investment in community and sustainability statewide.”

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve gotten a ton of really good feedback from guests, from community members, from employees and the plan that I’m describing has been built with all of their input, to touch every part of the guest experience and operation in the Islands, to support infrastructure, jobs, responsible tourism, and to deepen our support for communities and sustainability,” she continued. “The plan lays a foundation that we will continue to build on for years to come.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Here’s what the plan has in store:"}]

 “These projects will improve the experience with well-lit open spaces as well as better seating and amenities like power charging in the seats,” she continued. “Our goal is for local travelers to enjoy beautiful facilities that match the level of service they’ve come to expect when flying with us and that reflect a sense of place while providing visitors a wonderful first impression when they first step off the plane.”

 (ICYMI: Atmos Rewards is a joint loyalty program for both Alaska and Hawaiian. It 

Birkett Rakow says a lot of the investments are capital investments that don’t directly impact operating expenses.

“We have a capital plan, over time, that allocates a certain amount of money on an annual basis to invest in the business,” she says. “These are really important investments for us to make. It helps us keep our guest service strong and helps us keep our infrastructure strong, and so we’ve got a very strong balance sheet.”

Green said the state also has an additional $1.2 billion plan “that continues to reinforce all of the investment in the airports.”

Alaska Air Group Inc. and Hawaiian Holdings Inc. 

 that Alaska Airlines would acquire Hawaiian Airlines in a deal that was valued at approximately $1.9 billion, including $900 million of Hawaiian’s net debt, according to an announcement at that time. The acquisition was 

, the same day that Alaska Airlines received a 

 from the Federal Aviation Administration, a major milestone in the efforts to integrate the operations of the two airlines.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Diana birkett rakow hawaiian airlines 010526

<title>Hawaiian Airlines announces $600M investment plan</title>

The Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan includes investments over the next five years to modernize airport spaces, aircraft cabins and technology, expand loyalty benefits for Hawai‘i residents and continue "our deep investment in community and sustainability statewide," Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow said.

Hawaiian Airlines announces $600M investment plan

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Nālani Kanakaʻole, a fifth-generation loea hula, died Jan. 3 in Hilo. She was 79.

She was the youngest daughter of Edith Kanakaʻole, the founder of

 in 1985 with her husband, Sig Zane. Their son, Kūhaʻoʻīmaikalani Zane, was recently named chief executive officer of the design firm, which creates clothing inspired by Hawaiian plants, moʻolelo and symbols that share Hawaiian stories across the world.

Nālani Kanakaʻole began rigorous training in hula when she was just 3 years old under

her grandmother, Mary Kekuewa Kanaele Fujii, and later under her mother. By the time she was 14 years old, she was teaching. She spent nearly seven decades sharing cultural knowledge through mastery of mele oli, or chanted poetry, and vigorous ʻaihaʻa-style dance.

Kanakaʻole co-led Hālau o Kekuhi with her sister, Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele, and later her niece, Huihui Kanahele-Mossman.

She was born in Keaukaha, Hilo, and was raised in a traditional Hawaiian household on homestead lands, where she was immersed from childhood in the language, protocols and practices of her ancestors.

In 1993, Kanakaʻole and her sister were named National Heritage Fellows by the National Endowment of the Arts, in recognition of their lifelong commitment to preserving indigenous Hawaiian chant and dance.

She was a storyteller and hula master. Kanakaʻole also lectured in Hawaiian Studies and authored works on hula and design, as well as scripted performances.

, honored Kanakaʻole family’s contributions to Hawaiian music and culture. Nālani and her sister, Pualani, were among the honorees recognized with lifetime achievement awards for their 

dedication to preserving and advancing traditional Hawaiian chant, mele, and performance

Kanakaʻole is survived by her husband, Sig Zane; son, Kūhaʻoʻīmaikalani Zane (

; sister, Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele; niece and co-kumu hula Huihui Kanahele-Mossman; and the extended Kanakaʻole, Kanahele and Zane ʻohana, along with the students who continue to carry on her teachings. 

Details on the memorial service will be announced later.

Nālani Kanakaʻole

<title>Nālani Kanakaʻole, revered kumu hula and cultural matriarch, has died</title>

She was the youngest daughter of Edith Kanakaʻole, the founder of Hālau o Kekuhi and for whom the stadium used for Merrie Monarch is named. She also co-founded Sig Zane Designs in 1985 with her husband, Sig Zane.

Nālani Kanakaʻole, revered kumu hula and cultural matriarch, has died

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

MĀNOA — There were no post-holiday blues for the University of Hawai‘i men's volleyball team or its loyal supporters. 

, officially began on Friday evening with a two-match series against the New Jersey Institute of Technology. 

Despite Friday's season opener falling on the day after New Year's, a turnstile crowd of 5,685 still appeared. And although the Rainbow Warriors have led the country in attendance for eight seasons in a row and counting, UH head coach Charlie Wade was still moved when he looked at the line forming outside of the Stan Sheriff Center half an hour before Friday's match. 

"Just super appreciative to the crowd showing up," Wade said. "It's something that we're never going to take for granted. We're so appreciative of people taking the time and spending the money to come out here and support us, and we're doing everything we can to put on a good show and win matches, because that's why they're coming. ... Getting that many people to come out on opening night, couldn't be more humbled and appreciative of that kind of support."

On the floor, the Rainbow Warriors were dominant in both matches despite having less than a week to prepare. The 'Bows swept the Highlanders 25-11, 25-16, 25-14 on Friday night and 25-17, 25-16, 25-17 on Sunday in front of a turnstile count of 5,267. 

New starters Trevell Jordan and Quintin Greenidge adjusted seamlessly for the Rainbow Warriors. Jordan had seven blocks and eight kills while getting the start at middle blocker, while Greenidge had nine digs and five assists in his first weekend as a 'Bows, filling the void left by 

"It was electric," Jordan, a Grand Canyon transfer, said of playing in front of the Stan Sheriff Center crowd. "It blew what I thought it was going to be out. The crowd was crazy. You could just hear how much they are involved in interacting with the game, staying locked in. We didn't have that at GCU. We did have crowds, but not as impactful as the crowd here."

Because of the margin of victory in each set, many Rainbow Warrior backups were able to see extended playing time. Players who started multiple matches in 2025 in middle blocker Ofeck Hazan and opposite Finn Kearney ran with the team's B side. In Sunday's match, true freshman setter Magnus Hettervik, a native of Norway, made his college debut with three assists and a service ace.

"I don't think you can ever have too many good players, right? And the top programs all have good players," Wade said. "The best players want to go play with other good players. ... We want guys that want to come in and battle and are confident enough and are good enough players, and they think, 'I'm going to play. I'm good player. Doesn't matter, my first year to my fourth year.' Everybody here knows what they signed up for, right? 

"This is the best of the best on a global level. These are the best players in the world at their age group. And that is not hyperbolic. That is a fact. They all signed up for it. Here we go. Let's try to win as many matches we can. Let's keep trying to improve and become professionals and Olympians and hopefully win a boatload of matches along the way."

Following Sunday's match, the Rainbow Warriors also received their championship rings for their 

"Guys come here to win championships. We don't shy away from it at all. That's part of the deal," Wade said. "Everybody loves the idea of playing for championships. Not everybody loves the lifestyle, and it's a grind. We ask a lot of our guys, so to give them a chance to validate all the hard work that they put in and all the people in front of them have put in, it's nice to get some validation for all that time and effort."

Added Hettervik, who was not on the team in 2025 and did not receive a ring: "When I looked at the ring, it was really insane. It pushes me more. I really want to get one for myself."

Hawaii mens volleyball 010426

<title>No. 2 Hawai‘i men's volleyball shows no rust in sweeping NJIT</title>

The Rainbow Warriors swept the Highlanders in short order on Friday and Sunday, exiting the weekend 2-0 to start their 2026 campaign.

No. 2 Hawai‘i men's volleyball shows no rust in sweeping NJIT

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Isaiah Corpus, 25, who is from Wahiawā and raised in Waiʻanae, said that he knew as a teenager that he wanted to run his own retail store someday.

“I am the first member of my family to have a store on my own and am proud to have started this business by myself,”

I’ve always been an ocean and beach enthusiast: I taught myself to surf and kayak. I helped at beach cleanups and always want to give back to the ocean and marine life. That’s how I created my business.”

About a year ago, Corpus hatched the plan for 

Shop Kainalu, a Hawaiʻi inspired lifestyle and apparel brand, set to open this spring in Seattle, where he has lived since 2024. 

He added that the initial investment for the venture came from his savings.

said he took a few business classes and met mentors and coaches, who helped with the paperwork like applying for a state business license.

“I didn’t realize how long it would take to retrieve, but despite that, it all worked out in the end,” he said. "Iʻm excited to have my business out there and to launch soon."

While his primary job is with a major U.S. airline, Corpus said, he currently operates a one-man shop, overseeing the fashion and graphic design elements of its products, as well as renovating the new space located between Seattle's University District and Lower Queen Anne, which is expected “to take a couple more months,” he noted.

The store is slated to open in May, with a traditional Hawaiian blessing, he said. Other priorities for Corpus ahead of the launch include working on finalizing the website (currently down), hand drawing more designs to ramp up inventory, while recruiting brand ambassadors and, eventually, a team for the store.

When asked what makes Shop Kainalu stand out, he told ASD, “I use eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, recycled fabrics and renewable textiles that reduce waste, preserve resources and eliminate harmful chemicals, embracing innovative, slow impact production methods for my store. I want to ensure that every clothing item I make not only elevates modern style but also protects the ocean.”

The brand will soon offer tees, totes, swimwear, and a range of other everyday essentials for men, women, and the home, according to 

The biz’s name in Native Hawaiian means ocean wave, which he says “integrates my purpose behind my story. … On a personal level, [I'm] always surfing, going to the beach, so when you shop at my store, you shop to care for the environment, that’s how the name came up.”

In Seattle, he continues to volunteer at cleanups and noted that a portion of the proceeds from the shop with go toward local ocean conservation groups and nonprofits.  

As a new small business owner, Corpus said he’s "still in the learning process" but has already found support from Seattle- and Hawaiʻi-owned small businesses alike. 

Interested in connecting with Corpus? Email 

His plans for the future include opening up another retail store in the Islands. Fun fact: White Plains Beach in ʻEwa Beach is a must-visit whenever Corpus comes home, which is usually monthly.

i culture and community continue to shape who I am and what I build," he said. “Even while living on the continent, Hawai

i remains at the center of my work and purpose. This journey reflects many Hawai

i people building something away from home while staying deeply connected.”

Isaiah Corpus 16x9

<title>Small business owner with Hawaiʻi roots to open first store in Seattle</title>

Born and raised on Oʻahu, Isaiah Corpus plans to launch Shop Kainalu, a Hawaiʻi inspired lifestyle and apparel brand, in Washington where he now lives. Corpus, a self-described ocean and beach enthusiast, discusses the details leading up to its spring debut, as well as his hope to open another retail store in his island home.

Small business owner with Hawaiʻi roots to open first store in Seattle

After more than four decades in Ko Olina, Paradise Cove Lū‘au will take its final bow this week, but those who want to take a piece of the history home with them can.

Items from the lū‘au are being sold in an 

 that opened last week. Managed by O‘ahu Auctions, bidding ends at 6 p.m. Jan. 13.

Up for grabs are a variety of items, including signage; benches, chair and other furniture; plants; tiki statutes; golf carts and other vehicles; clothing, outrigger canoes and kayaks; instruments and audio equipment; cameras and photography equipment, and more.

“This is not your typical offering,” O‘ahu Auctions President Dave Brandt said in a statement. “We are taking bids on inventory from departments across this well-run and long-lived local company, from facilities maintenance to entertainment.”

(ICYMI: Aloha State Daily spoke to one of the lū‘au’s longtime musicians and entertainers ahead of its closure. You can 

Paradise Cove’s Dec. 31 closure allows the landowner, James Campbell Co., to proceed with a 

The cove property — acquired by James Campbell in 1877 — has been used commercially since the 1970s and was last redeveloped in the early 1990s.

 says that the project aims to "update the commercial lū‘au show and create an authentic Hawaiian outdoor recreation facility and community gathering place for kama‘āina and visitors that honors and reflects history, culture and connection to place."

According to the EIS, plans call for demolishing several existing dated structures at the site and existing concrete walls within the shoreline setback area, after which the site will be restored to pre-existing conditions before being redeveloped.

In addition to a new amphitheater and performing arts venue, other planned updates noted in the EIS include an improved main arrival area, retail shops hosting Hawai‘i-made goods, restaurants and a marketplace and common areas.

James Campbell Co., a Hawai‘i-based and nationally diversified real estate company

told ASD in an email earlier this month that it is advancing Waianiani at the Cove in partnership with Kobayashi Group and BlackSand Capital.

“The project is envisioned as a welcoming gathering place for both kama‘āina and visitors, featuring cultural entertainment and education alongside locally focused retail, restaurants, open spaces and beach-oriented gathering areas,” the company said, noting that the project, designed to support local businesses and artisans, is expected to generate close to 500 full-time jobs when complete.

“Waianiani at the Cove represents a generational opportunity to honor the site’s cultural legacy while creating a vibrant gathering place that brings together culture, dining, entertainment, and local businesses,” Kevin Penn, president and CEO of James Campbell Co., said in a statement provided to ASD. “We look forward to being underway with construction in the new year.”

Neither Penn nor the company specified a timeline for that construction.

Last month, Maui-based T S Restaurants announced plans for Duke’s at the Cove, which it says will anchor Waianiani at The Cove. This will be T S Restaurants’ second new location in the Islands in more than 15 years, after Duke’s Kona at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa later in 2026, a November announcement noted.

“What makes this Duke’s so special is the West O’ahu community,” T S Restaurants CEO Jackie Reed said in that announcement. “We’ve always been rooted in Hawai‘i and inspired by its people and culture. This is our chance to bring the Duke’s experience closer to home for families who live, work and play on the Leeward Coast. Being more accessible to West O‘ahu residents makes this opening especially meaningful for our team.”

Family-owned T S Restaurants was founded in 1977 and owns and operates 13 restaurants in Hawai‘i and California, including Duke’s Waikiki and Hula Grill Waikiki on O‘ahu; Kimo’s, Leilani’s on the Beach, Hula Grill Kā‘anapali and Duke’s Beach House on Maui; and Duke’s Kaua‘i and Keoki’s Paradise on Kaua‘i

Paradise cove luau acution 2

<title>Items from Paradise Cove Lū‘au for sale at auction</title>

Curtains close on the long-running attraction Dec. 31 — the closure making way for a planned redevelopment of the West O‘ahu  property — but you can take a piece of the history home with you.

Items from Paradise Cove Lū‘au for sale at auction

Square Kady Pascual Headshot RGZ5762

Kady Pascual

PoGo’s “Wild Area: Global” event draws crowds of trainers to Ala Moana Center, highlighting how the mobile game continues to connect people years after its launch.

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Gotta catch ‘em all — at Ala Moana Center: voices from Pokémon GO’s “Wild Area: Global” event

Starbucks released cups that went viral on social media this morning. Aloha State Daily joined in on the madness to see what the hype was about.

Hello Kitty and Starbucks collaboration line

Starbucks holiday launch draws crowds for limited-edition cups

Today’s social media find comes from @IslandMagicMike, who has a hidden talent.

IslandMagicMike

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Dreams do come true

Annual holiday photo event with pets supports The Hawaiian Humane Society.

IMG 4125 Santa Paws 2022 PC Hawaiian Humane Society

Adopt-a-Pet Oʻahu: Santa Paws event returns

"I’m a special girl who’s hoping to find a special home to call my own."

Sunshine

Adopt-a-Pet: Let Sunshine light up your life

If you’re searching for a sweet, loyal companion who just needs a second chance, come meet Aspen in person at Maui Humane Society or inquire about how you can adopt her from just about anywhere.

Aspen

Adopt-a-Pet Maui: Aspen ʻenjoys life at a calmer paceʻ

<title>Daily Features</title>

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Myra Tanabe at Halekulani.

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Hawai‘i Skies: Lunar halo

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Martha Penhall from the Honolulu Tower in Chinatown.

Daily Features - Tuesday, 6 January

Scene on Social: voices from Pokémon GO’s “Wild Area