Aloha Spirit

It’s all about giving back.

ASD’s Aloha Spirit beat covers the kama‘āina who are making a positive difference in people’s lives. This is where volunteers are heroes and non-profit leaders are Hawai‘i’s navigators. We also cover Hawai‘i’s diverse faith community, and the religions which so deeply tie the Islands together.

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.

Katie HellandJanuary 03, 2026

6 nonprofits to watch in 2026

Aloha State Daily will be keeping an eye on these six nonprofit executives in the New Year.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 01, 2026

Aloha 1st Athletics hands out hundreds of toys in Pālolo Valley during Christmas Eve

The organization held a Christmas Caravan on Wednesday night.

Christian ShimabukuDecember 31, 2025

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