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.
News
Slack key guitar, a Powwow and more: your guide to the weekend on Oʻahu
Catch slack key guitar under the stars at a festival that benefits the Waikīkī Aquarium or go bananas with an event themed around a popular tropical fruit. Looking for plans for this Friday, Aug. 28, through Sunday, Aug. 30? Aloha State Daily is sharing some ways to celebrate the weekend.
Katie HellandAugust 26, 2026
Aloha Harvest and Chick-fil-A partnership combats food waste, hunger
The Chick-fil-A Shared Table program turns surplus food into free meals for local organizations and individuals. Aloha State Daily spoke with a couple of the local leaders involved to learn more about the process and overall impact.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 26, 2026
Vote to keep Oʻahu contestants on ‘America’s Got Talent’
Three singers with ties to the Islands are quarterfinalists on “America’s Got Talent.” You can help them advance. Learn more about their music and when they will take the stage.
Katie HellandAugust 24, 2026
Community Voices: Waimea Valley, a cultural treasure preserved for community
Waimea is a wahi kapu with a storied history that dates back a thousand years. An understanding of this is what its stewards hope to share with those who visit the valley — and what they hope that those who visit will take home.
Puanani Fernandez-AkamineAugust 24, 2026
Nonprofit that trains service dogs taps new leader
Former UH Athletic Director David Matlin joined Hawaiʻi Fi-Do Service Dogs in June as executive director, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience to the role. A dog lover himself, Matlin spoke with Aloha State Daily about what attracted him to the role and his vision for growth.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 22, 2026
For Kaua’i pet biz: Anything is paw-sible
This Garden Isle entrepreneur will have five suitcases of alohawear for pets at the Made in Hawai’i Festival this weekend. Learn about the dog that inspired the designs, which are love at fur-st sight for some shoppers.
Katie HellandAugust 21, 2026
Moses Goods brings one-man show 'Duke' to Waikīkī
This one-night-only show at Blue Note Hawaiʻi will then move to Neighbor Islands, including a premiere on Kauaʻi and in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island. The actor, movie star and cultural practitioner shares his inspiration for the story and how he gets into character.
Katie HellandAugust 20, 2026
River of Life Mission expands homeless ministry
Over the summer, Aloha State Daily visited one of the nonprofit's weekly hub sites in Waikīkī, where guests were treated to haircuts, showers and meals thanks to combined efforts of various church members and community organizations. We talked with leadership about what they've been working on and toward, in light of this year's Point in Time Count findings.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 20, 2026
John Berry is living his dream, again
The new Honolulu Zoo Director John Berry took the role in July and said he is living his dream. Aloha State Daily caught up with Berry and some of his favorite zoo residents on Tuesday at the zoo.
Haley LehmanAugust 20, 2026
Kilo Summit brings intention, collabs to Made in Hawai‘i Festival
The largest-ever MIHF is set for Aug. 20 to 23 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Kilo Summit will bring a curated collection of local artists, designers, musicians, brands and storytellers to the event.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 20, 2026
Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village combats Maui housing crisis
Led by Rev. Mark Gudmunson, Pukalani Community Church of the Nazarene has a modest congregation of about 70 members who desire to make a big impact in their own backyard and beyond. Learn how the church evolved from being a disaster relief center to delivering affordable housing, while still meeting needs in the community, from Executive Director of Housing Dylan Nails.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 19, 2026
His Fellow Baker strives to be a blessing through baked goods
The faith-based business, which launched in January, was designed to “create handcrafted treats that bring people together while sharing God’s love,” according to founder Anna Marie Yi. The business features a rotating monthly cookie menu, along with housemade hopia, a popular Filipino pastry with a flaky crust and sweet or savory filling.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 18, 2026
Hurricane Lala's impacts to Hawai‘i businesses
Island businesses are evaluating the damage after the hurricane brought heavy rain, winds and destruction to the Islands over the weekend.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 18, 2026
Taimane drops new music
The Maui Music & Food Experience returns for its third year this weekend with Oʻahu-based ʻukulele virtuoso Taimane as one of its headliners. The singer and songwriter will release her new album, "Li’ulā," the day she performs.
Katie HellandAugust 18, 2026
Hawai'i Community Foundation leaders talk Stronger Hawaiʻi Fund, Maui Strong Fund, and more
Keanu Lau Hee, vice president of community resilience and strategic implementation, shares HCF’s approach to investing in communities across the state to meet the greatest needs. HCF CEO and President Terry George reflects on his first year at the helm of the organization and what he’s prioritizing now to make the most impact.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 18, 2026
Community Voices: Returning to Mākua
While visiting cemeteries is a common tradition in many cultures to honor loved ones, Aunty Muriel “Puni” Ioane cannot access the graves of her own ancestors whose ties to Mākua span generations.
Hannah Kaʻiulani CoburnAugust 18, 2026
Kani Ka Pila Grille announces finalists for talent search
Looking to catch some Hawaiian music at the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival? Stop by the Main Stage on Saturday, Aug. 22, to see the finalists for the 19th annual Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search. The winner of the contest gets a paid performance contract at Kani Ka Pila Grille, which is part of Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort.
Katie HellandAugust 15, 2026
Made in Hawaiʻi Festival to feature Mākia Market for the first time
Founder Taylor Yuen is a college senior and local entrepreneur who remembers helping at her dad’s booth at MIHF at a young age. This month, her business will participate in the festival, showcasing Hawaiʻi-based student makers — what she describes as a “full circle moment.”
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 15, 2026
City to host community outreach event in Makiki
Residents can provide feedback on traffic safety improvements at 6:30 p.m. this Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Makiki District Park to The City and Council of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services and Honolulu Complete Streets.
Haley LehmanAugust 15, 2026
Play pickleball in Downtown Honolulu to rally for a good cause
Stay out of the kitchen and paddle on at Northwestern Mutual Hawaiʻi’s charity pickleball tournament scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26. All proceeds will benefit Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children’s new Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center, slated to open next year. Individual tickets start at $100 per person, and include round-robin play, lunch and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 14, 2026
Exit interview with Mid-Pacific Institute’s president
Mid-Pac’s outgoing president Paul Turnbull, who will have served in the role for 14 years come his departure next summer, reflects on his education career, the school’s new campus improvements, and what students and staff can expect this school year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 14, 2026
“Kuleana” shares story of aloha ʻāina
Sara Kehaulani Goo, a journalist and news executive, writes about her family’s journey to protect ancestral lands and her experience living in the diaspora as part of her debut memoir “Kuleana.” She also shares the details of her first visit to the Pi'ilanihale Heiau, when she was 8 years old.
Katie HellandAugust 14, 2026
AIA Honolulu celebrates 21 years of CANstruction
The annual event will move to a new home in Downtown Honolulu this year.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 13, 2026
Hawaiian Council acquires Sea Life Park near Waimānalo
"Sometimes you go looking for opportunities, and sometimes the kuleana finds you," Hawaiian Council CEO Kūhiō Lewis told Aloha State Daily of the acquisition. "This was one of those opportunities."
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 13, 2026
Bishop Museum opens auction for E Ulu A Paʻa
This annual fundraiser for the museum includes a gala with keynote speakers Sig and Kūhaʻo Zane, as well as an online auction with more than 80 items, including behind-the-scenes tours of Bishop Museum.
Katie HellandAugust 13, 2026
LALA UPDATE: Government offices, public schools reopen Tuesday on Honolulu, Maui, Kauaʻi counties
Government offices and schools will remain closed on Tuesday, Aug. 18 for Hawaiʻi County. Here are the latest state and county updates.
Michael Brestovansky & Haley LehmanAugust 12, 2026
Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons unveiled at Punahou School
The new center, named after the Hawaiian historian and scholar who taught at Punahou in the 1930s, replaces the school’s former Cooke Library. Aloha State Daily sat down with President Mike Latham to learn more about Pukui’s history at Punahou and in the broader community, as well as how her legacy continues to shape the next generation of students.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 12, 2026
Palantir protest draws mid-sized crowd to Bishop and Queen streets
Organized by ACLU of Hawaiʻi and Indivisible Hawaiʻi, among others in the community, a peaceful protest was held Monday outside of Pacific Guardian Center, where Palantir Technologies has operated as an unlisted tenant for nearly a year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 11, 2026
Maui County hosted free community event in Lahaina, three years since the wildfires
Three years after the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires, the Lahaina community gathered in remembrance during an all-day event Saturday put on by the county and its volunteers. This year, Kuhinia Maui featured live music, free activities, meals and more, held at Lahaina United Methodist Church near Front Street.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 09, 2026
Lahaina banyan tree to remain fenced off for two more years
The 153-year-old tree was damaged by the heat produced in the August 2023 wildfires but remained largely unburned.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 08, 2026
Compassion leads Regina DoDaro's approach to Hawaiʻi Island animal control
Regina DoDaro took the helm of the Hawaiʻi County's Animal Control and Protection Agency on Aug. 3.
Haley LehmanAugust 07, 2026
Lahaina, three years after the fires
It's been three years since wildfires destroyed much of Lahaina Town. Recovery is still underway but work to rebuild is progressing.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 07, 2026
Castle High School kicks off 75th anniversary with community event
Last week, the public high school in Kāneʻohe celebrated its 75th anniversary with an open house free to the public, complete with food trucks, vendors and live performances. This was the first event of a few planned for the school year, which will culminate in March. Aloha State Daily spoke with Principal Bernadette Tyrell, Ph.D., as well as teachers, alumni and students who helped put together this fundraiser.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 07, 2026
Hawai‘i soccer makes lei for Lahaina wildfire victims ahead of weekend Maui trip
The Rainbow Wahine will play an exhibition game against Seattle on the Valley Isle on Sunday, a trip in which both programs will also honor victims of the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 07, 2026
Crews start Mānoa Stream flood mitigation
Crews started work on the Mānoa Stream this week in an effort to improve water flow, reduce potential flooding risks and maintain the functionality of Oʻahu's drainage system.
Haley LehmanAugust 05, 2026
Tickets on sale for 32nd annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival
The largest-ever MIHF is set for Aug. 20-23. We've got more details about what you can expect during the event.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 05, 2026