Aloha Spirit
News
AIA Hawai‘i Book Club event to highlight climate action
Attendees can expect conversation and collaboration on climate solutions in their own backyard this Saturday, Sept. 26, at Hawaiʻi Nature Center’s Rain Shelter in Makiki. The discussion, which stems from author and climate activist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s “What If We Get It Right?,” will be led by Kirsten Oleson, who is a Climate Change Commission member with the Honolulu City and County and a professor of ecological economics at UH Mānoa.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 23, 2026
Hawai‘i Realtors Charitable Foundation offering grants to residents affected by recent hurricanes
Residents statewide can apply for grants up to $1,000 to help offset the impact of hurricanes Lala and Lowell.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 22, 2026
Joshlyn Sand retires as Honolulu Botanical Gardens director
After 36 years with the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, Sand will retire at the end of the month.
Haley LehmanSeptember 22, 2026
ʻFrom Samoa to Sinatra’ gives one-night-only performance in Honolulu
Matt Catingub, who previously conducted a pops series for the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, will be back on Oʻahu this Saturday, Sept. 26, to celebrate 50 years in the industry and pay homage to his late mother and vocalist, Mavis Rivers. He will take the stage at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, where he once recorded a live album with Rosemary Clooney.
Katie HellandSeptember 22, 2026
Uncles and Aunties: Avid collectors Ilene Wong and Wayne Maeda share hobby with Hawai‘i year round
The pair launched the Wiki Wiki One Day Vintage Collectibles & Hawaiiana Show in October 2002 as a companion to their three-day Hawai‘i All-Collectors Show, which started in 1991. Learn how the shows came to be, how it has grown over time and where you can shop next.
Cheryl Chee TsutsumiSeptember 21, 2026
Shop Macy’s Waikīkī, round up to raise money for Mālama Maunalua
There’s still time this month to help support community efforts to restore native forests and coral reefs in East Honolulu's Maunalua Bay through a new partnership.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 20, 2026
Aloha Festivals celebrates 80 years
The festival underway consists of three events this weekend, including Hoʻolaulea, with four stages and more than 100 vendors in Waikīkī. Also coming up on Sept. 26 is the Aloha Festivals’ 78th Annual Floral Parade, where Sam Shenkus, co-chair of the Aloha Festivals board of directors, has watched some families grow up over time.
Katie HellandSeptember 19, 2026
Puppet designer puts spotlight on conservation
Artist Greg Corbino brings to life a manta ray and a larger-than-life native land snail, along with other creatures who call Hawaiʻi home as part of the world premiere of “Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals” this weekend. The production combines music, dance and puppets to tell the stories of the world’s disappearing animals.
Katie HellandSeptember 18, 2026
West Maui nonprofit rallies to raise funds after hit from hurricanes Lala and Lowell
Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy, which provides local youth free ocean-based education and mentorship, needs to raise $18,000 following the recent storms to repair a damaged classroom before the arrival of its fall school groups in the coming weeks. Here’s how to help.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 18, 2026
Buckle up, cellos! HSO heads to Maui
Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, which was recently designated the official state orchestra, will make its first appearance on Maui in 10 years with a free concert, Mele for Maui, on Saturday, Sept. 19. The outdoor performance under the stars of Kā‘anapali celebrates the resilience and courage of Lahaina, Kihei and Kula, and features guest artists such as Keola Beamer, Amy Hānaiali‘i and John Cruz.
Katie HellandSeptember 17, 2026
Honolulu Hiking Club founder combines recreation with respect and community
Shilo Garner founded Honolulu Hiking Club in 2024 to build community among outdoor recreationists. Today, he wants hikers to take home a sense of pride and responsibility for the beauty of Hawaiʻi.
Haley LehmanSeptember 17, 2026
Hawaiian Humane Society volunteer finds 'true purpose' helping animals
Kevin Clegg, who first adopted a pet rat from the nonprofit 13 years ago, now volunteers at the organization’s Mōʻiliʻili campus weekly. He shares what initially prompted him to give back to the community, what he likes most about working in adoptions and why if you love animals, it’s a great cause to join.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 16, 2026
Cultural nonprofit spearheads bill to 'huli the system'
Stewards of the Kūʻīlioloa Heiau in Waiʻanae successfully advocated for Bill 31 to establish a framework for stewarding cultural sites around the island.
Haley LehmanSeptember 16, 2026
This week only: CANstuction sculptures on display in Downtown Honolulu
This year's theme "CANtennial: Design of the Decades!" honors AIA Hawai‘i's 100th anniversary. You can find the sculptures at the Downtown Honolulu branch of Central Pacific Bank, located within Central Pacific Plaza.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 15, 2026
NOHO HOME collabs with Honolulu Cookie Co.
A limited-edition fall gift box pairs Hawai‘i-inspired art from NOHO HOME with signature cookies from Honolulu Cookie Co. Aloha State Daily caught up with Jalene Kanani Hitzeman, president and creative director of NOHO HOME, about the collaboration and looks at how other businesses have partnered to support each other.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 12, 2026
Assets School makes strides in Great Minds Capital Campaign
A total of $3.5 million was donated to the campaign in August, with funds coming from a local nonprofit as well as a former Assets parent.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 10, 2026
Megabon, music, and more: Your guide to the weekend on Oʻahu
Lots to choose from among O‘ahu events this weekend, from Megabon to the chance to eat Okinawan food, including andagi, at local restaurants. Here are some of the events happening this Friday, Sept. 11, through Sunday, Sept. 13.
Katie HellandSeptember 08, 2026
‘Don’t Stop Believin’ ’ band back for stop in Honolulu journey
ʻHold on to that feelin’ ’— the legendary rock band Journey is heading to the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena one more time, Saturday, Sept. 5, Sunday, Sept. 6, and Tuesday, Sept. 8, for its “Final Frontier Tour 2026."
Katie HellandSeptember 06, 2026
Volunteers battle coqui frog infestation in Pālolo Valley
The Pālolo Coqui volunteer group is working alongside the Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee and state agencies to contain a coqui frog infestation in their neighborhood.
Haley LehmanSeptember 05, 2026
Slack Key guitar sings at Waikīkī festival
The 44th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival - Waikīkī Style just wrapped up last weekend. The slack key guitar festivals started in honor of the legendary Gabby Pahinui already made stops on Maui and Oʻahu this year. The next stop? Hawaiʻi Island.
Katie HellandSeptember 04, 2026
Community Voices: Protecting Papahānaumokuākea
James Morioka, executive director of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project, reflects on hope, resilience, and the fight against marine debris following the organization's recent excursion to removes tons of debris from Hawai‘i's Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. To date, the group has removed 1.3 million pounds of debris in its first six years of operation.
James MoriokaSeptember 03, 2026
Hamada: A confession for Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month
When there's a month dedicated to a cause, we're suppose to talk about that cause, right? ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada has frank thoughts about this particular month.
Rick HamadaSeptember 03, 2026
Playwright seeks help with cancer battle
She wrote plays like “Talk-Story,” “Banyan,” “Walls” and “Buffaloʻed.” Now, this playwright — who lives in Hilo and has created more than 80 plays — needs help battling cancer bills.
Katie HellandSeptember 03, 2026
Catch Journey, football, and more: your guide to the weekend
Ready to make plans for Labor Day weekend? Aloha State Daily has you covered. From live performances from the legendary rock band Journey to catching the Rainbow Warriors at their first home football game, here are some of the events happening on Oʻahu this weekend.
Katie HellandSeptember 02, 2026