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.

Paint with Solomon Enos

Ever wanted to be part of painting a community mural? Next Saturday, Nov. 29, could be your chance. This government office is teaming up with artist Solomon Enos to beautify a basement parking garage.

Katie HellandNovember 22, 2025

Maui band advances to “Hawaiʻi to the World” finale

This Island reggae band caught the judges' attention and will advance to the finale for "Hawaiʻi to the World," a televised talent competition launched by Hawaiian Council. The finale will include contestants from four islands: Kauaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu.

Katie HellandNovember 26, 2025

Your guide to the long Thanksgiving weekend

Wondering where to celebrate Thanksgiving Day? Check out this guide from Aloha State Daily. When you are not spending time with family, paint a mural with Solomon Enos, shop for holiday gifts as part of Keep it Kaimukī Saturday and visit Waimea Valley to celebrate Lā Kūʻokoʻa.

Katie HellandNovember 26, 2025

Ballet Hawaiʻi’s “The Nutcracker” puts Islands center stage

Usually, “The Nutcracker” brings up visions of a Sugar Plum Fairy or the "Waltz of the Snowflakes," but those attending performances of this holiday classic from Ballet Hawaiʻi should prepare for geckos, sea turtles, iʻiwi, and a Sugar Plumeria Fairy.

Katie HellandNovember 25, 2025

Read Aloud America readies for next chapter

Founder and president Jed Gaines reflects on the Honolulu-based organization’s past and shares what’s ahead.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 25, 2025

Ways to give back this holiday season

Here is a roundup of upcoming events and community-focused programs that benefit local charities assisting ʻohana in need.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 22, 2025

Haiku from keiki featured in this contest

Do you know keiki who might like to feature their poetry about the Islands in a local competition? The 74th annual Cherry Blossom Festival’s Haiku Art Contest is looking for young poets this week.

Katie HellandNovember 20, 2025

Watch the finale of HI93’s Battle of the Bands and Comedians

Two dozen contestants and four rounds of competition are culminating in one night of music and laughter in Kakaʻako this week. Catch the finale of HI93’s Local Break: Battle of the Bands and Comedians where five comedians and five bands will leave it all on the stage as they compete for the contest’s grand prizes.

Katie HellandNovember 20, 2025

Uncles and Aunties: Meet Steve Butler, AKA Santa Claus

Wahiawā Heights resident Steve Butler has been appearing as Santa for 15 years. Looking the part helps, but he's also perfected his performance by attending the world's oldest Santa school.

Cheryl Chee TsutsumiNovember 19, 2025

There’s still time to pack a shoebox

It’s National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan's Purse. Cindy Dorflinger, area coordinator for East O‘ahu, shares about the project’s impact and how the local community can still get involved.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 19, 2025

Music, art and Kaiwi Coast Run & Walk: Friday, Nov. 21, Saturday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 23

This weekend, enjoy live music from local bands and laugh with up-and-coming comedians at the finale for HI93 Break: Battle of the Bands and Comedians. There are also several art exhibits on display, including one that features mosaics and another focused on kintsugi, or the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold.

Katie HellandNovember 18, 2025

Waimānalo community program embarks on next phase of master plan

Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina and aio Foundation broke ground Saturday on the expansion of its homeless community program in Waimānalo, which is expected to serve about 188 residents once phase one is completed next year.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 18, 2025

Lauren Okano’s ʻKintsugi Joy’ exhibit opens at Downtown Art Center

Artist Lauren Okano grew up in New York City and has lived in the Islands for more than 20 years. Recently, she transformed an injury into inspiration for a series of paintings that focus on resilience.

Katie HellandNovember 17, 2025

The Wailea Community Association has a new GM

Matt Chierek assumed the role as general manager last month, succeeding Bud Pikrone, who stepped down after 25 years. Chierek shares about his career path, what initially attracted him to the 1,500-acre master-planned resort community and his plans for its future.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 13, 2025

How the Hawai‘i Wildlife Center helps native birds (and bats)

Seabird fallout season is underway and Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Linda Elliott, the president and center director for HWC, which often cares for these downed birds.

Stephanie SalmonsNovember 13, 2025

Community to serve up Thanksgiving meals

Four nonprofits — Giving Hope Hawaiʻi, Ko Olina Charities, Meals on Wheels and The Salvation Army and Pacific Islands Division — will be preparing hot and ready-to-go meals for thousands of ʻohana in need this Thanksgiving. Find out where to go and how to support.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 13, 2025

Honolulu Restaurant Week, music from The Beatles, comedy and more: Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16

Ready to eat? Or listen to a string quartet play music from The Beatles? Aloha State Daily has you covered! We rounded up some ways to enjoy the weekend.

Katie HellandNovember 12, 2025

A teacher’s fire creates new glass blowing class, curriculum

Wahiawa-based Leilehua High School is the first DOE school to offer this course developed by Fine Arts Department Head Dustin Hart. He also created the curriculum for other public schools to pick up.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 11, 2025

Meet the new president of HBM

Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Ron Porter was recently named president of Hawaiian Building Maintenance. With a background in economics, finance and business operations, he shares immediate priorities for the more than 60-year-old commercial facility maintenance company.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 10, 2025

City Lights announces tree lighting ceremony

There is a new tree in town at Honolulu Hale. The 55-foot tree is part of Honolulu City Lights, which begins Saturday, Nov. 29. This year, the theme is “Navigating by the Stars.”

Katie HellandNovember 10, 2025

"Hawaiʻi to the World": Hawaiian Council announces chance to be in show's live audience

A new television show premieres this month that will feature Island talent competing for a $10,000 prize. Learn more about the chance to be part of the live audience for the finale and auditions of talent from Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu.

Katie HellandNovember 08, 2025

Oʻahu nonprofit to host food distributions, community events

FarmKineTings is a volunteer-run organization in Hauʻula that offers free programs aimed at keeping the community healthy, active and connected, says Executive Director Kimberly Fanene. She shares about what to expect at the Nov. 15 beach cleanup and bodyboard clinic, who is chipping in to make it happen and what resources are still needed.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 07, 2025

OHA votes on how to disperse emergency funds

The organization, whose mission is to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians, moves forward on a plan to redirect $6.1 million in emergency funding to its beneficiaries affected by the federal government shutdown. Monies may be available as soon as Monday, Nov. 10.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 06, 2025

Battle of the Bands and Comedians: tickets on sale for next round

HI93 FM Hawaiʻi’s Local Hits is hosting a battle of the bands and comedians. The fourth round of competition is this Sunday, Nov. 9. In just a few weeks, five bands and five comedians will come together for the finals of the competition, held Friday, Nov. 21, at The Gatsby in Kakaʻako.

Katie HellandNovember 06, 2025

Chinatown’s River of Life Mission makes 40 years

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, among other dignitaries, declared Nov. 4 as “River of Life Mission Day,” in honor of 40 years of mission-driven work serving meals and ministry to homeless individuals and ʻohana on Oʻahu. Newly appointed Executive Director Keali‘i Kane Gray shares what this acknowledgement means to her and for the nonprofit now and into the future.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 05, 2025

Community Voices: A life of service and advocacy for Native Hawaiians

Remembering Louis "Lui" Hao (Jan. 2, 1935 – June 20, 2025), a lifelong community servant, social justice advocate, and two-term OHA trustee.

Puanani Fernandez-AkamineNovember 04, 2025

Hamada: Awareness and compassion needed for mental health issues

People don't hesitate to get help if they catch a flu or sprain an ankle. Looking after one's mental health should be just as natural and free of shame or stigma.

Rick HamadaNovember 04, 2025

A Night at the Museum, battle of the bands, and more: Friday, Nov. 7- Sunday, Nov. 9

Looking for fun weekend plans? Watch Prince Kūhiōʻs 40-foot racing canoe return to the water after a decade on land or check out Capitol Modern’s First Friday event, where dancers from Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre bring the museum's galleries, courtyard and lobby to life. It is also a Kamaʻāina Sunday for ʻIolani Palace, which means free entry for Hawaiʻi residents.

Katie HellandNovember 04, 2025

OHA, nonprofits step up to help local families

As Hawaiʻi families that rely on SNAP benefits wait on funding allocated from the state, nonprofits are filling the gap. Here is a roundup of resources from interest-free payment plans at HECO to housing support and food distribution sites cropping up this week.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosNovember 04, 2025

Prince Kūhiō’s racing canoe returns to water after decade on land

This racing canoe is headed back to the ocean. Learn more about it and its recent role in an exhibit at the Bishop Museum.

Katie HellandNovember 01, 2025

Wreath submissions open soon for display at Honolulu Hale

Looking to share your creativity with the local community? Contestants in this holiday wreath contest will have their work on display at Honolulu Hale. This year, the theme of the contest is: navigating the stars.

Katie HellandOctober 29, 2025

Hamada: What I love about "Community Matters"

Here are just a few of the many worthy nonprofits in Hawai‘i that I've gotten to know through my years in talk radio. All of them do important work and deserve our support.

Rick HamadaOctober 28, 2025

Students paint mural along Kamehameha Highway

High school students from three schools came together to paint a large mural in Waipio. They were led by the community artists Blythe Yoshikane Simpliciano, Jesse Velasquez and Solomon Enos. Learn more about the painting that took place on Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26.

Katie HellandOctober 28, 2025

Photos: Aloha to Aloha Stadium

The a hui hou event for Aloha Stadium included a line-up of Island and reggae music, including The Mākaha Sons, Henry Kapono, Ekolu and more.