Aloha Spirit
News
Your guide to the weekend: Friday, Jan. 2 – Sunday, Jan. 4
Highlights of activities on Oʻahu this weekend include opportunities for bargain shopping through Fukubukuro mystery bags, in addition to dance and yoga classes, plus a workshop that teaches how to crochet lei.
Katie HellandDecember 30, 2025
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
Honolulu City Lights: last day extended
Missed the Honolulu City Lights? You can still catch them. The displays will be open to the public a few extra days this year due to “recent inclement weather,” according to representatives of the City and County of Honolulu.
Katie HellandDecember 29, 2025
North Shore mom launches new brand
Heather Young, owner of Pūpūkea Lux, a candle and lifestyle brand infused with intention, shares her goals for the biz in 2026, which include supporting local causes and other small businesses, as her ʻohana prepares for the arrival of twins.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 26, 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
Volunteers bring holiday cheer to IHS
For the fifth consecutive year, Hawai‘i Modern Realty (formerly Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawaiʻi Realty) spent time at The Institute for Human Services this month helping decorate for the holiday season. Realtor Ululani Nauka talks about her experiences, what it takes to plan community events and why it’s worth it.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 24, 2025
Nonprofit plants native trees
Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative is nearly halfway toward its goal of planting 1.3 million native trees, representing one tree for every resident in the state. Executive Director Susanne Kurisu shares more about the organization’s approach to conservation and plans for the new year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 23, 2025
26 places to party for 2026: New Year’s Eve on O’ahu
Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year! Looking to ring in 2026 on Oʻahu? Here are 26 events, listed by neighborhood, happening between ʻEwa Beach and Hawaiʻi Kai.
Katie HellandDecember 23, 2025
5 Island takes on Christmas songs
It is December! That means it is time to turn up the holiday music, from classics like “Mele Kalikimaka” featuring Bing Crosby and Iam Tongi to “O Holy Night” from Thunderstorm Artis. Here are some takes on holiday music from artists rooted in the Islands.
Katie HellandDecember 22, 2025
Hawai’i Appleseed: 5 ways Hawai’i counties can help address food insecurity
A new nonprofit policy brief recommends areas of focus for leaders at the county level to make the most impact on local food systems in coordination with state and federal resources.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 20, 2025
Inaugural song contest names winner with North Shore roots
The finalists for the first Nā Pua Mele o Hawai‘i Song Contest took the stage at the Blue Note Hawai’i this week, where they sang for a live audience. Meet the contest’s winner, who takes home a cash prize plus a recording session and a scholarship for voice lessons at a business or nonprofit of their choice.
Katie HellandDecember 19, 2025
Nonprofit gets $5M boost for community-led conservation project
A hui of local organizations will continue working to restore native forests and coral reefs in East Honolulu's Maunalua Bay with aid from federal funding. Here’s more about the project and how to get involved.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 19, 2025
Community Voices: Collaboration, not controversy — the real story of genki balls and the Ala Wai
A Civil Beat article a few months ago looked at Hawai‘i Pacific University research suggesting that Genki Balls are ineffective. Since then, volunteers for Genki Ball days have dropped by 70%. Here, Genki Ala Wai Project leaders discuss the shortcomings of the HPU study and call for scientists and community members working together as the way forward.
Dr. Kenneth Y. Kaneshiro & Fumiko ChunDecember 19, 2025
Breaking barriers, reaching heights: A Hawai’i pilot’s story
Mandaloniz is the first woman from UH Hilo’s aeronautical science program to complete flight training and earn a pilot’s license, a milestone in a field where women remain underrepresented.
December 19, 2025
The doctor is in! (a holiday ensemble)
These Kaiser doctors have a few notes for their patients. Musical notes, that is. To spread holiday cheer, they are giving free concerts to patients and staff at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center this month.
Katie HellandDecember 18, 2025
Holiday shows benefit Kumu Kahua Theatre
Funds raised this month from the nonprofit theatre’s Dark Night Programs — "Improv Superette” and “The Work”— will go toward its operating budget, according to managing director Donna Blanchard. Tickets are available for three more shows Dec. 19 to 21.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 18, 2025
What to do this weekend on Oʻahu
Aloha State Daily rounded up things to do this weekend, including ice skating, watching parades and ordering your favorite holiday treats. Check out this guide to the holidays on Friday, Dec. 19, Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21.
Katie HellandDecember 17, 2025
Catch two Christmas concerts for free
Honolulu-based community choir Voices of Aloha, led by music director Jim Cismowski, has two final shows this season. He shares more about the group, what audiences can expect and what he loves most about music.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 17, 2025
Kapono’s at The Lounge debuts with New Year’s Eve events
Three performance spaces will come alive in Hawaiʻi Kai on Dec. 31 as part of a collaboration between Henry Kapono Ka'aihue, Henry Kapono Foundation, and The Lounge at Island Sound Studios.
Katie HellandDecember 16, 2025
Local maker loves to malama the ocean
Shera Mercer, owner of ‘Alohi Kai, a Hawaiʻi-based jewelry business inspired by her own underwater encounters, talks about her slow fashion approach making hand carved pieces — in shapes like sharks, turtles, Hawaiian monk seals and more — each with a story to tell. Her overall goal is to raise awareness about ocean sustainability and conservation.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 15, 2025
“Hawaiʻi to the World” has a winner
The winner of “Hawaiʻi to the World” is an Oʻahu-based artist, who is also a cultural practioner and a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and The Juilliard School. Learn more about the winner of this new talent competition.
Katie HellandDecember 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
History teacher excited to bring back Sakada Day
Michelle Aquino, who teaches social studies at Farrington High School, was inspired by her family heritage to pitch the idea of a plantation-era fashion show at the annual Sakada Day Celebration, honoring Filipino plantation workers who immigrated to Hawai’i in the early 1900s. The event is this Saturday, Dec. 13, at Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 11, 2025