Aloha Spirit

Maui-based brand aims to give back to native ecosystems

Roselani Aiwohi, owner of Waiwaolani, a local clothing business featuring prints of Hawaiian plants, shares how the venture got started and what community initiatives its spearheading today.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 23, 2026

Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista reflect on ʻThe Wrecking Crew’

The action comedy launches on Prime Video on Jan. 27. It features two estranged brothers as they try to figure out who killed their father. Actors Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista share how the idea of the film got started and the role X played in its creation.

Katie HellandJanuary 23, 2026

Catch The Green, Irie Love: Your weekend guide for Oʻahu

Looking for weekend plans? From live music to theater productions, Aloha State Daily rounded up some possible activities for Friday, Jan. 23, Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25.

Katie HellandJanuary 21, 2026

Uncles and Aunties: What Darren Ho can do with a chainsaw and a block of ice

An internationally acclaimed ice sculptor, Darren Ho began his ice-carving career as a cook at what was then the Intercontinental Maui in Wailea, inspired by the work of a colleague. Still a Valley Isle resident, he now also owns the state's only business that makes the giant blocks of ice.

Cheryl Chee TsutsumiJanuary 19, 2026

Hilo’s Kevin Hopkins to be honored by ALS Network

A retired UH Hilo aquaculture professor, Hopkins serves as member of the nonprofit’s Community Research Committee, which aims to advance research, support and advocacy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, nationwide. He was a dedicated caregiver to his wife, Margarita “Dayday” Hopkins, who died in 2021 after battling ALS for four years. The pair was married for 48 years, with three children and 11 grandchildren.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 17, 2026

Two Hawai‘i museums nominated for best-of lists

Voting is underway now for Best Science Museum and Best Small Town Museum in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 16, 2026

Walk to support library services in Waikoloa

Hosted by Friends of the Library Waikoloa Region and Kohala Coffee Company, the annual 5K Walk/Run for Literacy is set for Saturday, Feb. 7, at Waikoloa Plaza. Proceeds from the fundraiser – which this year includes two auctions, both online and in-person, will go toward programming.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 16, 2026

Aulani Scholarship recipient first to land job at resort

Born and raised in Nānākuli, Nawahine Nascimento recently graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in both hospitality and Hawaiian Studies. She received aid from the Aulani Scholarship and went on to pursue full-time work at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Ko Olina – the first recipient to do so. Learn more about Nascimento’s career path and how to apply for the scholarship.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 15, 2026

JABSOM aims to create AI that will help recruit physicians

One solution to Hawai’i’s physician shortage, particularly in rural areas, is being tested thanks to a recent grant awarded to The John A. Burns School of Medicine Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence from the American Medical Association. Meet the team of researchers who will be carrying it out.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 14, 2026

What to do on Oʻahu for the three-day weekend

Ready to make plans for the long weekend? We have your guide to fun on Oʻahu for Saturday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 19. From new food spots to a free parade in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., there are many events happening in the next few days.

Katie HellandJanuary 14, 2026

Maui recovery nonprofit plans to scale services

Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, executive director of Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group, reflects on the past year and shares how the organization is gearing up for an increase in case management cases with the Hawai’i Disaster Case Management Program set to close at the end of the month.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 12, 2026

New survey gauges Hawai‘i residents' views on critical issues

Hawai‘i Perspectives, a survey of more than 900 residents statewide, was commissioned by Pacific Resource Partnership — a nonprofit that represents the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters, the largest construction union in the state, and more than 250 contractors. It was conducted last summer by Anthology Research.

Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 09, 2026

Alzheimer’s Association Hawaiʻi fundraises over $1M for continued outreach statewide

The local chapter’s Executive Director LJ Duenas shares updates from the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Hawaiʻi campaign, which raised more than $1 million dollars across the Islands to support its programs. He also discusses priorities for the new year such as raising awareness about the disease and recruiting more volunteers who are vital to the organization’s mission.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 08, 2026

Nonprofits receive grants to continue mental health services on Maui

A hui of funders including the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the HMSA Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund and Maui United Way committed more than $2.7 million to organizations providing support to survivors of the 2023 Maui wildfires.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 08, 2026

Portrait exhibit visits Oʻahu from Maui

The Schaefer Portrait Challenge takes place every three years at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. The exhibit recently traveled to Capitol Modern, the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, where it will be on special display for the next seven months.

Katie HellandJanuary 07, 2026

Sentry gifts $1M to Maui nonprofits

Three local nonprofits benefited from The Sentry Insurance Foundation’s donation on Tuesday.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 07, 2026

Your guide to the weekend: Friday, Jan. 9, to Sunday, Jan. 11

Dreaming of weekend plans? Aloha State Daily can help. We did the research and compiled a list events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, which range from live music featuring The Green, Johnny Valentine and 3 Little Birds, to a new exhibit at Capitol Modern, the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum.

Katie HellandJanuary 07, 2026

And the Greenlight Award goes to...

Nonprofit ʻOhina gave one writer participating in its filmmaker workshop the green light for funding and production support to transform her script into a short film.

Katie HellandJanuary 05, 2026

City seeks applications for Lei Court

Want to be king or queen? The City and County of Honolulu is seeking its Lei Court for 2026. Applications are available now and must be postmarked by Friday, Jan. 23.

Katie HellandJanuary 03, 2026

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

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.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 03, 2026

Downtown Art Center signs five-year deal

A nonprofit that offers exhibit space, classrooms for arts education and a gift shop with local artwork just signed a deal with the City and County of Honolulu to continue its work in the Chinatown/Downtown area for the next few years.