Aloha Spirit

North Shore farm aims to expand opportunities for immigrant farmers, strengthen local food systems

Nonprofit Pacific Gateway Center has launched PGC Farms Hale‘iwa, a new 80-acre agricultural hub on land owned by Kamehameha Schools.

Stephanie SalmonsJuly 08, 2026

New cancer clinical research center unveiled in Honolulu

The state’s first dedicated center for early phase cancer clinical trials — dubbed the Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center — officially opened Monday at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center in Kakaʻako. The new facility, which cost a total of about $19.5 million for construction and equipment, will allow local patients to receive specialized treatments closer to home.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 07, 2026

Olivet Baptist Church on Beretania Street turns 100

Senior Pastor Jamie McElrath shares about the church’s history in Honolulu and his hope for the congregation’s future: “A healthy body will grow.” Olivet Baptist will be celebrating this milestone with events open to the community over the weekend.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 03, 2026

Sharing the Spirit of America heads to all 50 states

The birth of the United States started with the Declaration of Independence. Now, 250 years later, people will read the historic document in all 50 states, five territories and the Minor Outlying Islands, as well as across the world, through this initiative with Hawaiʻi America250.

Katie HellandJuly 03, 2026

Food and fireworks: Your guide to the weekend on Oʻahu

From a patriotic sing-along to a new happy hour, there are lots of events happening on Oʻahu this weekend. Get your calendar ready to make plans for this weekend!

Katie HellandJuly 02, 2026

Local high school students learn to cook under Chef Thomas Wong

As part of a scholarship-supported summer culinary cohort at Kapi‘olani Community College’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific, Wong — who is from Oʻahu and is now based in California as a professor at Culinary Institute of America at Greystone — created this custom curriculum to challenge teens in an intensive five days of training. Teamwork, timeliness, organization and having a good attitude were among the lessons learned by students.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 02, 2026

How to celebrate July 4 on Kauaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island

Looking for ways to celebrate the semiquincentennial of the U.S. becoming a nation this long week weekend? Aloha State Daily has you covered. From poolside barbecues to a chili cook-off, which will be judged by Lahaina firefighters, to a helicopter flower drop at the Flowerworks Festival, there are lots of events happening across the Neighbor Islands.

Katie HellandJuly 01, 2026

After over a decade in the NFL, Marcus Mariota continues to share his gift

On Monday, Mariota's Motiv8 Foundation held its 10th annual golf tournament, a key fundraiser for the organization's mission in supporting local communities, underserved youth and homeless populations, among other initiatives.

Christian ShimabukuJune 30, 2026

Construction Industry of Maui awards scholarships to three isle students

The CIM Bob Poulson Scholarship encourages local students to pursue a degree in the construction and design industry — away from Maui — then bring their knowledge and skills back to the Valley Isle. Three students each received a $20,000 scholarship this year and shared with Aloha State Daily their plans after college.

Stephanie SalmonsJune 30, 2026

ʻDivine disruption’ at heart of HoMA exhibit

This new exhibit by Tsherin Sherpa at the Honolulu Museum of Art features deities in unconventional poses and places. It tackles tough issues, such as displacement and immigration, and will be on display through January 2027.

Katie HellandJune 30, 2026

Hawaiʻi says ‘No can’ to Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.

Hawaiʻi government officials will not be present at the Great American State Fair, put on by Freedom 250 now through July 10, along with at least 10 mostly Democratic-led states citing cost, staffing and for some, political reasons. Gov. Josh Green says no funds were earmarked for the fair by the state or Congress and instead, has thrown support behind local celebrations.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 29, 2026

Music video filmed at Hanalei Bay gets world premiere in Hollywood

Actress turned filmmaker Carolina Espiro created a music video for four-time Grammy Award winner Kalani Peʻa’s song “Hanalei I Ka Pilimoe.” Shot entirely by moonlight at Hanalei Bay, its world premiere debuted on Friday, June 26, at Dances with Films Festival in Hollywood, California.

Katie HellandJune 27, 2026

David Earles to step down from Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i

Earles, who has called the Islands home for nearly 30 years serving in various leadership roles across the nonprofit sector, plans to move to Nevada with his family after more than four years at the helm of JAH. The organization, which provides financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs to K-12 students statewide, is looking to hire its next president and CEO. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 3.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 26, 2026

Kumu Hula Kalani Viloria heads hālau in California

Since 2023, Kumu Hula Kalani Viloria and wife Hiwa Gacutan-Viloria have operated Kapiliwaiokeao, a hālau in Southern California that offers traditional and contemporary hula classes to haumāna (students) ages 3 and older. Viloria shares more about his upbringing in dance and the Hawaiian culture, the hālau’s evolution and recent hōʻike, future goals, and more.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 26, 2026

New mural unveiling on Kauaʻi this Saturday

The Garden Island has new art, which will be unveiled to the public this weekend. The project is a collaboration between Common Ground Kauaʻi, a 63-acre regenerative farm, and Capitol Modern. The project involves 11 artists, including many who call Kauaʻi home.

Katie HellandJune 26, 2026

Warriors Don't Bully returns for sequel at Hi Fit Expo

Two anti-bullying and self-defense sessions will be held at the Hi Fit Expo at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall this weekend.

Christian ShimabukuJune 26, 2026

Inside Hunter Hayes’ new album: ʻEvergreenʻ

The singer and songwriter spoke with Aloha State Daily about his new music and upcoming performances at the Blue Note Hawaiʻi in Waikīkī, ahead of the start of a tour to promote his new album. Catch him in Honolulu on Sunday, June 28, and Tuesday, June 30.

Katie HellandJune 26, 2026

GoFundMe warns new Hawaiʻi law will impact nonprofits

Hawaiʻi's Act 205, which goes into effect July 1, requires written consent from nonprofits using GoFundMe, among other online charitable fundraising platforms, to keep its accounts active online and able to receive donations. GoFundMe VP Amanda Brown Lierman shares what local organizations need to know about the company’s process.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 25, 2026

Mid-Pacific Institute looks for next leader

The private school in Mānoa Valley has launched its search for president. The deadline to apply is Sept. 4, with the school hopeful to announce its new president on July 1, 2027. Outgoing president Paul Turnbull will head to North Carolina for a new role next summer.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 24, 2026

Northern California club brings artistic swimming to Hawai‘i

Walnut Creek Aquanuts, an artistic swimming club from Northern California, recently held an international event at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex.

Christian ShimabukuJune 24, 2026

Haleiwa Joe’s wins 2026 Kauaʻi Poke Fest

The sixth annual Kauaʻi Poke Fest took place on June 20 at Koloa Landing Resort. Poke entries from more than 20 competing teams were judged by a panel of celebrity chefs. The event featured poke tastings, live hula, and a poke demonstration by chefs Sam Choy and Emeril Lagasse.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 24, 2026

Maui-based clothing shop now open at Kāhala Mall

Waiwaolani, a Native Hawaiian-owned alohawear business featuring prints of Hawaiʻi’s native species, has expanded to Oʻahu with the opening of its first retail store on the island.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJune 23, 2026

From Lāʻie to The League: Kahuku's Tolu Smith represents the Red Raiders along NBA journey

In 2025, Smith became just the second player who graduated from a high school in the Islands to appear in an NBA game, joining Hilo's Red Rocha, who debuted in the NBA in 1950.

Christian ShimabukuJune 23, 2026

Amy Miller reflects on five years at Hawaiʻi Foodbank

The nonprofit's president and CEO shares more about the operations and ongoing partnerships at the food bank with warehouses, staff and support on both Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. Her top priority is to expand the organization’s mission of nourishing ʻohana and ending hunger.