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

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.

Daniel FarrDecember 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

ʻĀina Haina Public Library adds robot to staff

Pepper the Robot is the newest addition to a library in East Oʻahu. Staff shared a robot demonstration where Pepper answered questions on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Katie HellandDecember 11, 2025

Lahaina shop to support two nonprofits

Hana Hou by Hale Zen’s Sip and Shop, a community event featuring sparkling beverages and festive items for sale, will benefit two nonprofits — Maui Food Bank and Maui Humane Society — on Dec. 12 and 13, respectively. Owner Lisa Payne shares what to expect and why to give.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 11, 2025

What to do this weekend: Friday, Dec. 12 – Sunday, Dec. 14

Ready to plan the weekend? Aloha State Daily can help. Here are five events happening this Friday, Saturday or Sunday, including performances of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” by Ballet Hawaiʻi, as well as Christmas on the Avenue in Nānākuli.

Katie HellandDecember 10, 2025

Hawaiʻi among most generous states, according to GoFundMe

The ranking from the crowdfunding platform's 2025 Year in Help report, released Tuesday, is based on the percent of repeat donors.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 10, 2025

PHOTOS: The Eddie, opening ceremony

Were you stuck in the office during the opening ceremony for the Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational? Check out photos of the event, which occurred Friday, Dec. 5. The holding period for the invitational started Sunday, Dec. 7, and runs through March 6.

Katie HellandDecember 09, 2025

Jamba Hawaiʻi fundraising initiative raises thousands for nonprofits

Here are the nonprofit beneficiaries so far from Jamba Hawaiʻi's Blend it Forward program, which launched this summer. Nonprofits may apply online for the next fundraiser in the new year.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 09, 2025

Community Voices: Restoring abundance along our Skyline

The city’s new vision to bring food, culture and connection through food access hubs.

Kealoha FoxDecember 08, 2025

Christmas event on Nānākuli Avenue promotes unity

The festive street party hosted by Ahupua’a O Nānākuli Homestead is planned for Saturday, Dec. 13, on Oʻahu’s Leeward side. Organizers says it will feature 80 vendors, free gifts for keiki, a resource fair, live performances, and more.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 06, 2025

Filmmaker Connor Trimble releases new film about Haleʻiwa

This film about the North Shore celebrates the surf community that calls Haleʻiwa home. The collaboration between “The Inertia” and Hawaiʻi-based filmmaker Connor Trimble is now on YouTube.

Katie HellandDecember 05, 2025

New wellness concept coming to Honolulu

All too familiar with injury, former UH athlete Steele Dubar aims to help bring healing to everyday people and life through new dual venture.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 05, 2025

‘Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice opens in Honolulu

This immersive winter wonderland runs until Jan. 4 at Hawaiʻi Convention Center. The limited-time exhibit is known for its dazzling lights and festive holiday décor. New this year: an expansive indoor ice-skating rink.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 04, 2025