Hawai'i Skies

My Favorite Local Saying

Cartoons

Daily Smile

Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Adopt a Pet

Daily Features

ASD icon blue inverse lighter

ASD Staff

Reading fake email to my dog with his favorite words in it...

Smile 26 2 28

Daily Smile: Saturday, February 28, 2026

Smile 26 2 27

Daily Smile: Friday, February 27, 2026

Somebody explain it to him before his anxiety level peaks...

Smile 26 2 26

Daily Smile: Thursday, February 26, 2026

Smile 26 2 25

Daily Smile: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

They bought the cat a new toy and this was the reaction...

Smile 26 2 24

Daily Smile: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Smile 26 2 23

Daily Smile: Monday, February 23, 2026

Dog reunited with its owner after being lost in the wilderness for five months...

Smile 26 2 22

Daily Smile: Sunday, February 22, 2026

Smile 26 2 21

Daily Smile: Saturday, February 21, 2026

Little girl has her dogs say grace before dinner...

Smile 26 2 20

Daily Smile: Friday, February 20, 2026

Pritchett photo 300 dpi square

John Pritchett

Government & Politics

Red wave

<title>Paddling to the future</title>

Paddling to the future

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Interisland and international travelers flying on Hawaiian Airlines, take note: changes are coming.

Daily supplemental service between Honolulu and Kahului take flight Oct. 3 on Alaska Airlines-branded 737-800 aircraft, Hawaiian 

dditional Neighbor Island passenger and cargo capacity connecting the company’s two largest Hawaiʻi hubs while helping maintain the schedule, reliability and frequency that residents, visitors and businesses depend on every day," the post reads.

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 

 and efforts to combine the two airlines are still underway.

"Right now, just given where we are with integration, that airplane has to stay in the Alaska brand, but it really is to make sure that we're giving as much capacity and flight frequency as we need to for our guests," Hawaiian Airlines CEO 

Although you'll see the 737 on three Honolulu-Kahului roundtrips, Hawaiian's fleet of 717 aircraft will continue to serve all Neighbor Islands with some 140 daily flights, the airline says, but adds that Hawaiian is set to retire its 717 fleet in 2028 and transition to a "more modern, Hawaiian Airlines-branded 737 Neighbor Island service" that will feature premium interiors and free Starlink Wi-Fi.

Also beginning Oct. 3, Neighbor Island guests must check in online or via the Alaska Hawaiian app and drop off checked bags at least 50 minutes before departure — up from 30 minutes.

Nearly all Hawaiian Airlines Neighbor Island travelers already check in 50 minutes before departure, and the earlier check-in will help improve baggage handling and support on-time departures," Hawaiian said in the online announcement.

According to the airline, guests traveling to Kahului on 737 aircraft will continue to check bags at Terminal 1, Lobby 3, using self-service bag-tag stations, while guests traveling from Kahului to Honolulu on the aircraft should visit Alaska's counters for check-in services and bag drop.

Meanwhile, Hawaiian is set to combine check-in and bag drop for all international departures at Terminal 2, Lobby 4, beginning on Oct. 3.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"More changes on the horizon"}]

 to invest in the premium travel experience for both the Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines brands.

For Hawaiian, that means new interiors for its A330 widebody aircraft, a fleet of 24 that serves destinations in Asia, Oceania and select North America routes, a recent announcement from the airline noted. That work begins in 2028 and includes 22 Leihōkū Suites for travelers on international business class and domestic first-class flights, that announcement noted. The updates are part of Hawaiian’s $600 million Kahu’ewai Hawai’i Investment Plan, which was 

As part of broader investments in core guest experiences, Alaska Air Group also will introduce premium reserve, a new premium economy cabin that debuts in 2028 on Alaska's 787-9, 787-10 and select 737-10 MAX aircraft, and on Hawaiian’s A330 fleet, “providing guests with more room, comfort and choice on longer flights,” the announcement said.

FUSE B717 over clouds

<title>More changes ahead for Hawaiian Airlines' interisland, international travelers</title>

Daily supplemental service between Honolulu and Kahului take flight Oct. 3 on Alaska Airlines-branded 737-800 aircraft, among other changes.

More changes ahead for Hawaiian Airlines' interisland, international travelers

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

From the time he committed to spend his senior season with the University of Hawai‘i men's basketball team, Tanner Cuff pictured himself celebrating a Big West Conference championship with his teammates. Although the team's 

, the part Cuff didn't envision was that he'd be in street clothes when the moment occurred. 

Cuff, who transferred to Hawai‘i after two seasons at Evansville, was the team's starting point guard in its first two exhibition games ahead of the 2025-2026 season. The 6-foot-7 guard displayed much of the versatility that allowed him to average 8.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists at Evansville. But ahead of the regular season opener at Oregon, Cuff suffered a torn right ACL, ending his year before it had a chance to begin.

The Rainbow Warriors went 24-9, making their first NCAA Tournament since 2016. The 'Bows were able to do so despite having no true point guards available by the time the season was over, as Aaron Hunkin-Claytor also suffered a season-ending foot injury in January. UH relied on Hunter Erickson and Isaiah Kerr to man the position, even though both entered the year primarily as shooting guards.

Despite not being able to play in the Big West championship game, Cuff made a contribution by drawing a technical foul on UC Irvine during a skirmish. Cuff stood closely to a UC Irvine player, drawing contact and embellishing it by falling to the ground. The 'Bows won 71-64, their final game as members of the Big West. The 2026-2027 campaign is their first as full-time members of the Mountain West Conference. Cuff, who admits he was not used to observing as many games as he did as opposed to playing in them, says the experience grew his appreciation in being back on the court.

Just trying to learn everything I did from those guys, try to be an extension of the coaches and help them in any way that I could," Cuff said. "Just being able to have that experience to go and win a Big West championship and then go play in the NCAA tournament just got me super hungry to go and do that myself."

Cuff, who received surgery on his knee in the weeks following the injury, has methodically followed a rehabilitation process since then to get back on the court. He was cleared in September and was a full participant in the team's first official preseason practice on Sept. 21. 

"I've been fully cleared. Just easing my way back into things, and so it's been super fun to be with this group, play with these guys, and just to be back on the court and flying up and down," Cuff says. 

Of the 15 players on the roster, Cuff and Isaiah Kerr are the only returnees from the 2025-2026 team. Cuff's younger brother, freshman guard Tiger Cuff, is among the 13 newcomers. 

Tanner Cuff's knee injury allowed him to medically redshirt and gain an additional year of eligibility. He could have entered the transfer portal and played his final year elsewhere, but he says there was far too much unfinished business to do so. 

"Just the fans, the community, coaches. I got a little taste of it playing in the exhibitions, but I never got to play in an actual game last year, so immediately when (the injury) happened, I knew that I wanted to play for Hawai‘i, wanted to play for the the name on my chest, and play for this community and these fans."

The recovery process wasn't all bad for Cuff, as it allowed himself and his wife, Jessica, to spend more time with their newborn daughter, Halo. 

"My daughter was born two weeks before my injury, and so I had surgery on the one month (anniversary) of her being born," Cuff said. "Being able to spend a little bit more time with her and my wife and help her through that, I felt bad for her because it was like she was taking care of two babies, basically, because I wasn't able to walk. But yeah, it was super special to be able to be there for some special moments and then just see her grow up. She's 11 months now and so it's been great."

Tanner Cuff 100226

<title>Hawai‘i point guard Tanner Cuff works his way back from injury to lead new-look 'Bows</title>

Cuff suffered an ACL injury ahead of the 2025-2026 regular season, watching the Rainbow Warriors clinch an NCAA Tournament bid from the sideline.

Hawai‘i point guard Tanner Cuff works his way back from injury to lead new-look 'Bows

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

[{"type":"text","text":"Kam Bowl is now open in Pearl City."}]

The restaurant opened in Times Square Shopping Center, in the former space of IHOP. The eatery 

 and re-opened in July under new ownership and under a new name, Aliʻi Diner.

At the new Pearl City restaurant, customers can expect the same signature dishes Kam Bowl was known for according to co-owner Ryder Yoshida, who says the menu is currently limited to the most popular dishes.

“It’s smaller and more simple,” Yoshida says. “We’re concentrating on getting the stuff people like before adding more things.”

Kam Bowl Pearl City did some renovations to the restaurant’s interior, such as adding new booths for seating.

“The kitchen was pretty much empty; we had to re-do the whole kitchen,” he says. “The hard part about it is the restaurant is big and the kitchen area to prepare food is small, compared to the Kalihi location.”

The menu features dishes like the eatery’s famous oxtail soup ($24.95), hamburger steak ($18.95), loco moco ($18.95) and Japanese breakfast ($18.95). The latter includes miso soup, toss salad, two eggs and a choice of mahi or salmon.

The restaurant now uses wagyu beef to make its hamburger patties, according to Yoshida.

“This is the first time we’re using wagyu beef,” he says. “We’re trying to keep prices reasonable.”

Dishes like hotcakes and sweet bread French toast are available from 7 to 11 a.m. Many plate lunch-style entrees come with white rice and a choice of toss or mac salad.

On the eatery’s opening day — Aug. 1 — regular customers from Kam Bowl’s Kalihi location were eagerly eating breakfast. Yoshida encourages diners to check out the new space.

“I was sitting in here before we opened, and people would ask, ‘Are you guys open yet?’” he says. “I kept on saying, ‘Pretty soon, pretty soon.’ Just come and try our food.”

[{"type":"text","text":"Kam Bowl Pearl City is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m."}]

98-1264 Kaahumanu St. Ste. B03, Pearl City

Kam Bowl Pearl City owner 080126

<title>Kam Bowl is open in Pearl City</title>

The eatery is now open in Times Square Shopping Center, in the former space of IHOP. Customers can look forward to signature dishes like oxtail soup, loco moco, hamburger steak and more.

Kam Bowl is open in Pearl City

Cheers to 2026! Whether you prefer to go out or stay in on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, check out the following:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"100 Sails Restaurant & Bar"}]

: The New Year’s Day brunch buffet ($111 per adult, $54.50 for children ages 6 to 10 years old) includes temaki sushi, waffle station with toppings, carving station with slow-roasted prime rib and rack of lamb, omelet station, hot dishes (Kalua Benedict, snow crab legs, misoyaki butterfish and more), ‘ahi poke, sashimi, and assorted dessert (Prince bread pudding, Laie vanilla custard pie, peppermint white chocolate brulee, Kahlua Yule log, ginger snap cookies and more). The dinner buffet ($117 per adult, $58.50 for children ages 6 to 10 years old) includes similar offerings. 

: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. brunch, 5-9:30 p.m. dinner Jan. 1, 2026

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"53 By The Sea"}]

: This special New Year’s Eve course ($160 per person) includes:

: Dec. 31; reservations highly recommended 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Arancino at The Kāhala"}]

: This limited-time holiday special course — created by Arancino at The Kāhala’s executive chef Daisuke Hamamoto — costs $250 per guest (additional $100 for wine pairing). 

: Available only Dec. 31, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026

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

: The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, 

: This five-course New Year’s Eve dinner (seating one: $275 per adult, $85 for children ages 12 years and under; seating two: $325 per adult, $85 for children ages 12 years and under) features ocean views and diners will have access to the resort’s Dreaming in Pink event.

[{"type":"text","text":"The menu includes:"}]

: 6-8 p.m. (seating one); 8:15-10 p.m. (seating two)

royal-hawaiian.com/festive-traditions/detail_4.php

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Chart House Waikīkī"}]

: This three-course holiday menu costs $110 per person. It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Dell’s Kitchen & Bakery"}]

: Dell’s Kitchen & Bakery is offering a variety of osechi dishes. Choose from:

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

: The eatery will serve black-eyed peas on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The dish is believed to bring prosperity, luck and abundance for the upcoming year ahead. 

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

: Hau Tree’s New Year’s Eve dinner costs $185 per person. This special course meal includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hiromi-Ya"}]

: The Hiromi-Ya and Sato Seafood collab Osechi box costs $300. It includes a premium seafood and high-quality wagyu, including wagyu gyoza with fresh truffle, roasted wagyu with black garlic sauce, live lobster, boiled shrimp, fresh uni, wagyu braised beef, wagyu meatballs, miso butterfish, crab cream croquettes, wagyu pilaf with salmon and ikura, scallops in cream stew, special sea bream tartare, aburi chutoro with wasabi sauce. 

: Pick-up from 12 to 4 p.m. at Sato Seafood or Hiromi-Ya 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hoku’s At The Kāhala"}]

: The eatery will offer a special four-course menu ($225 per person) during its early seating, and a seven-course menu ($425 per person) during its second seating.

Guests dining can enjoy complimentary access to the resort’s poolside champagne celebration. 

: 5-8:30 p.m. Dec. 31; four-course menu from 5-6 p.m., seven-course menu from 7:30-8:30 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"House Without a Key"}]

: The eatery’s 2025 New Year’s Count-Down Party Buffet costs $155 per adult ($75 for children ages 5 to 10 years). It includes:

: 5 p.m. Dec. 31, 2025 to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1, 2025

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

: The Kaimukī eatery is offering holiday party pans. Choose from:

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

: The shop is offering a 2026 Osechi Cake box ($55) at its Eaton Square location. The box includes Kuri-kinton (Mont Blanc), shrimp (strawberry shortcake), Ko-haku kamaboko roll (roll cake with marshmallow), Kuromame (hojicha mousse), kagami-mochi (strawberry nama daifuku), tamago-yaki (baked cheesecake).

Pre-orders in-store and online are accepted with pre-payment. Limited quantities (45 boxes) available. 

: Pick-up at the Eaton Square location from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 30 and 31; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 1, 2026

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Kunia Chinese Restaurant"}]

: The eatery is offering is Chinese-style barbecue ribs for a limited time only. Choose from one ($36.95), two ($63.95) or three ($89.95) full racks of ribs. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Lahaina Noon (Maui)"}]

: This New Year’s Eve feast ($75 per adult, $35 for kids ages 5 to 12 years old) includes a pūpū station (bacon-wrapped dates, crab-stuffed mushrooms, antipasto skewers, pork belly sliders), a buffet (orzo pasta salad, Yukon gold scallop potatoes, kimchi fried rice, Hamakua mushroom arancini), entrees (red wine braised short rib, seafood cioppino, rack of lamb lollipops and more) and sweets (toasted s’mores truffles, candy dipped fortune cookies, Champagne cupcakes and more). 

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

: This New Year’s Eve dinner buffet includes a carving station (prime rib); cold pupu (Asian somen salad, beets and orange salad, house smoked fish, festive salad, orzo salad and cheese and charcuterie); seafood and poke bar (snow crab, shrimp, oysters, sushi and sashimi); and hot offerings (farro risotto, chestnut chicken roulade, whole fish, lobster pot pie, butternut squash bisque and more). 

fourseasons.com/oahu/dining/restaurants/la_hiki/

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

: The eatery’s New Year’s Eve gala menu ($575) includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"M.A.C. 24\/7"}]

: This New Year’s dinner buffet costs $89 per adult and $39 for children under age 13. The seafood and prime rib buffet includes starters (mixed seafood chowder, bread rolls and butter, Island mixed greens and more); chilled seafood (ogo poke, ‘ahi sashimi, cocktail shrimp and more); entrees (warmed crab legs, oven-roasted pork loin, sesame chicken); a chef’s carving station (slow-roasted prime rib); and assorted holiday desserts. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Mina’s Fish House"}]

: Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina, 

: The eatery’s New Year’s Eve dinner costs $145 per adult. It includes:

fourseasons.com/oahu/dining/menus/minas-new-years-eve-dinner/

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

: Noe is offering a variety of New Year’s Eve specials. They include:

fourseasons.com/oahu/dining/menus/noe-new-years-eve/

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

: Orchids’ five-course prix fixe gala costs $255 per adult ($125 for children ages 5 to 10 years). It includes:

The eatery’s New Year’s Day brunch buffet costs $132 per adult ($70 for children ages 5 to 10 years old). Buffet highlights include a seafood bar (shucked oysters, deep-water snow crab legs, lobster tail, fresh sashimi, original Hawaiian poke); nigiri and temaki; ramen; omelet station; chef’s carvings (Waimānalo raised suckling pig, Pa‘akai herb crusted prime rib, sage butter roasted turkey with giblet gravy, mixed mushroom stuffing, roasted brisket, lobster tail seafood medley); brunch classics (classic eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles and more); bakery delights (assorted croissants, Halekūlani popovers); dessert table by Halekūlani Bakery (chocolate lilikoi bar, classic Halekūlani coconut cake, butter mochi, strawberry mousse tart, bread pudding and more); and an ice cream station with assorted toppings.

: 5:30-10 p.m. Dec. 31; holiday brunch buffet 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 1, 2026

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

i is offering a variety of festive feasts to-go. Its New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day feasts ($395) are designed to feed four to eight people and includes one-fourth roast prime rib, au jus, horseradish, roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetable medley, sweet bread rolls and tres leches bread pudding.

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

: The New Year’s Eve dinner costs $150 per person. It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Plumeria Beach House"}]

: This special New Year’s Eve dinner buffet costs $175 per person. Buffet highlights include truffle deviled eggs, a variety of salads, fresh ‘ahi poke, charcuterie board, salmon and ‘ahi sashimi, assorted nigiri sushi, garlic and rosemary rubbed prime rib of beef with au jus, Mountain View Farms whole suckling pig and bao buns, lobster ravioli and lobster cream sauce, rack of lamb and foie gras red wine jus, Champagne truffle pops, black forest cake, coconut haupia cake and more.

Customers at the resort for the New Year’s Eve dinner buffet will also enjoy complimentary access to the resort’s poolside champagne celebration.

The restaurant will also offer a New Year’s Day buffet for $125 per adult ($55 for children ages 6 to 12 years). It includes many of the same offerings. 

: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 31; live music from 6-9 p.m.; New Year’s Day dinner buffet from 5-8:30 p.m. 

kahalaresort.com/dining/plumeria-beach-house/

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

: Rinka’s Osechi ($700) is designed to serve three to five people. The two-tiered osechi includes Ise-ebi, or Japanese spiny lobster. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Roy’s Hawaiʻi Kai"}]

6600 Kalanianaʻole Hwy. Ste. 110, Honolulu

: The eatery’s New Year’s Eve menu features a four-course meal. It includes:

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

: This New Year’s Eve dinner celebration costs $125 per person. This multi-course menu includes:

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

: The eatery’s New Year’s Eve menu ($179 per person) features luxe dishes. It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Tiki’s Grill & Bar"}]

: This four-course prix fixe dinner costs $169 per person. It includes:

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

: These Osechi boxes ($300) feature a selection of both traditional and modern dishes. The boxes include:

New Years roundup Zippys 121525

<title>Where to eat on New Year’s Eve – part 1</title>

Ring in 2026 with memorable dine-in or takeout experiences.

Where to eat on New Year’s Eve – part 1

The holidays are in full swing. Whether you’re looking for dine-in or takeout experiences — or seasonal holiday treats — we’ve got you covered.

[{"type":"text","text":"Check out the following:"}]

: 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar’s Christmas dinner buffet ($117 per adult, $58.50 for children ages 6 to 10 years old) includes options like snow crab legs, ‘ahi poke, sashimi, crab tartlets, lobster campanelle, temaki sushi, slow-roasted prime rib, rack of lamb, Prince bread pudding, Lāʻie vanilla custard pie, kahlua yule log, peppermint white chocolate brulee with candy cane crumble, gingersnap cookies and more.

The Christmas Day brunch buffet ($109 per adult, $54.50 for children ages 6 to 10 years old) includes many similar offerings, along with breakfast faves like kalua Benedict, bacon and sausage, an omelet station and more. 

: Christmas dinner buffet: 5-9:30 p.m. Dec. 24-28; Christmas brunch buffet 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 25

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

: Lotus Honolulu Hotel, 2885 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu

: Arden’s holiday menu ($109 per person, optional wine pairing for $40 per person) includes roasted carrot soup with curry crème fraiche, roasted butternut squash salad (cranberries, walnuts, chevre, apple-honey mustard vinaigrette), braised short rib (with mashed potatoes and mushroom medley), and apple-cinnamon bread pudding with sea salt caramel gelato. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Artizen by MW"}]