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
Community Voices: Seattle artist reclaims culture through kapa making
“I’m not trying to gatekeep knowledge,” she said of her school and work experience both on the Mainland and on Oʻahu. “I’m trying to share it as much as possible.”
Megan Ulu-Lani BoyantonAugust 04, 2026
‘Past, present and future’: Hawaiian Council’s Native Hawaiian Convention and keiki hula competition focused on next generation of ʻŌiwi leaders
Aloha State Daily recently attended the Native Hawaiian Convention hosted by Hawaiian Council on Oʻahu. The organization’s CEO Kūhio Lewis shares highlights from the events, which this year included new technology and opportunities for keiki to gain confidence by showcasing dance and selling their locally made products.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 03, 2026
Exclusive video: North Shore brothers talk about ʻAmerica’s Got Talent’
Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, the North Shore brothers who are also the nephews of Bruno Mars are back on “America’s Got Talent.” Catch them singing for Simon Cowell at his house in an episode that airs Tuesday, Aug. 4. They also unpack their latest single “Heartbeat,” which was inspired by their grandmother, and the cheehoo that calmed their nerves during auditions.
Katie HellandAugust 01, 2026
Community Voices: Giving Kūpeke Back to Itself
Located on the east end of Molokai, the ahupuaʻa of Kūpeke includes about 300 acres, from the top of the mountain to the shoreline and out to the fishpond wall. Laʻa Poepoe’s stewardship of Kūpeke is the confluence of his Molokai lineage, aloha for his community, a passion to mālama ʻāina, an unshakable work ethic, and his foresight.
Puanani Fernandez-Akamine & Hannah Kaʻiulani CoburnJuly 31, 2026
Q&A with Bishop Museum CEO Kris Helgen
This mammal-discovering scientist is now the president and CEO of Bishop Museum. Helgen shares some of the biggest challenges and accomplishments of the past year, which is his first 12 months in the role.
Katie HellandJuly 31, 2026
UPDATED: Spectrum, Charter Communications lay off several local employees
Spectrum’s local news division has recently laid off all of its journalists, per an employee, in addition to fewer than 10 employees at the Spectrum Store near Mililani Tech Park and neighboring corporate call center facility, officials with the company recently told Aloha State Daily.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 31, 2026
Inside Ballet Hawaiʻi’s ʻForces of Natureʻ
From a volcanic eruption to the four seasons, Ballet Hawaiʻi will put music to movement as part of the capstone performance of its summer intensive, which features students as well as soloists from across the country.
Katie HellandJuly 30, 2026
Bon dance, 'Les Misérables,' and laughs: what to do on Oʻahu this weekend
Ready to plan your weekend? Aloha State Daily can help! From a Bon dance in Waipahu to a Comedy U and Consolidated Theatres collaboration in Kapolei, there are lots of events happening across Oʻahu this Friday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 2.
Katie HellandJuly 29, 2026
Here's the 'Best in Hawai’i Architecture' in 2026
AIA Honolulu's 68th annual Design Awards, which took place July 24, recognize excellence in architectural design.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 28, 2026
Oʻahu hālau wins top awards at Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition
An Oʻahu-based hālau took top honors at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, while one from Maui captured the Hawaiian Language Award. Check out the full list of winners.
Katie HellandJuly 28, 2026
Frank De Lima is still making everyone laugh
The legendary Island comedian, who recently celebrated his 77th birthday, now resides in Las Vegas and still writes new material.
Christian ShimabukuJuly 24, 2026
Uncles and Aunties: Vicky Holt Takamine, legendary kumu hula
“My mother was my inspiration,” Takamine told ASD. “I used to watch her dance on the ‘Lucky Luck’ TV show in the 1950s. I begged her to let me go to hula classes, but she said I was too young and that I would quit after a year. I proved her wrong!” In 2025, she was recognized as a Living Treasure of Hawai‘i for her accomplishments — one of several accolades, both local and national, she has received over the years for her contributions to hula and Native Hawaiian arts and culture.
Cheryl Chee TsutsumiJuly 22, 2026
30th annual Walk in the Country Gala is coming this August
The fundraiser, which benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi, will be at the Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina on Aug. 8. This is one of the highlights for BGCH, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 22, 2026
DKT Jesus & Coffee opens its first storefront in Wahiawā
The business — which stands for “dessert kine thingz” — has a trailer in Kapolei, but just celebrated the grand opening of its new storefront in Wahiawā. The faith-based café features drinks named after books of the Bible, according to owners Janey and Ray Decena.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 21, 2026
Maui's Milaniakai Padilla wins national beach volleyball honor
Padilla was named the Amateur Athletic Union's Beach Volleyball Player of the Year on Monday.
Christian ShimabukuJuly 21, 2026
Lahaina's Front Street set to reopen Aug. 1
Repairs and rebuilding in the area have been ongoing since wildfires driven by high winds struck on Aug. 8, 2023, including a blaze that destroyed much of Lahaina Town.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 21, 2026
Here's what's new at the 32nd annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Hawaiian Airlines presents the 32nd Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival returns to Honolulu in August and organizers say it'll be the biggest festival yet, with more than 800 vendor booths spanning nearly 300,000 square feet across two nights and two full days.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 21, 2026
Hawaiʻi Island hālau returns for Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition
Keiki from 15 hālau across the state, including Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island, will compete in the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition this week. Kumu Kenneth “Aloha” Dean Alohapumehanaokalā Victor shares how he helps the students of Hālau Kala’akeakauikawēkiu embrace fun and dream big.
Katie HellandJuly 20, 2026
Native Hawaiian Convention returns to Honolulu
Following a convention in Washington last year, the Native Hawaiian Convention hosted by Hawaiian Council has returned to Oʻahu. Learn about the speakers, hands-on cultural workshops and panel discussions planned for this year’s event. There will also be special dedicated events to remember the 50th anniversary of the first landing on Kahoʻolawe.
Katie HellandJuly 17, 2026
Chick-fil-A Kamokila to host fundraiser for River of Life Mission
On Monday, July 20, patrons of Chick-fil-A Kamokila in Kapolei can help support the local, faith-based organization, which for more than 40 years has served neighbors across Oʻahu who are experiencing homelessness, poverty and crisis. Learn more about how to participate in the upcoming Community Care Event.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 17, 2026
Hawai‘i's Mountain West representatives soak up Las Vegas homecoming
Micah Alejado, Cam Barfield, Jamih Otis and Elijah Palmer all played high school football at Bishop Gorman High School, a national powerhouse in Vegas.
Christian ShimabukuJuly 16, 2026
Hawai‘i's Bretman Rock makes 2026 Time100 Creators list
The list recognizes 100 of the "most influential digital voices" of 2026.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 16, 2026
Lahaina homecoming planned; Front Street to reopen in near future
Nearly three years after deadly wildfires destroyed much of the West Maui community, 103 former residents are set to return this weekend — and the public is invited to help celebrate the community's spirit.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 14, 2026
Community Voices: Molokai is ready for another option
Lānaʻi Air will begin flying between Oʻahu and Molokai in September.
Philamer FelicitasJuly 14, 2026
Free soil, plant testing for Kona Low-affected farmers ends July 21
Three months of free testing offered by the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa's Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center ends soon. Tests can identify soil and plant health issues and shifts in pest populations since the storm.
ASD StaffJuly 14, 2026
And the Nā Hōkū Hanohano winners are ...
The winners of Female Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year, as well as many other Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards have been announced. These artists took home the top awards on Saturday, July 11.
Katie HellandJuly 12, 2026
Kamaka ʻUkulele celebrates 110 years
The ʻukulele company which makes instruments played by ʻukulele virtuosos and movie stars is celebrating more than a century of business. The instruments will be featured at the International ʻUkulele Festival of Hawaiʻi, a free event that returns to the Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand, this Sunday, July 12.
Katie HellandJuly 12, 2026
Maui-based apparel brand to debut at Made in Hawaiʻi Festival
Jared Nagura, owner of Aloha Ke Akua Clothing Co., “fell into business” during college and credits God to its success over the past decade. The faith-based company, known for designs that blend Hawaiian language and culture with biblical messages, will for the first time be at Hawaiʻi's annual celebration of locally made products come August.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 11, 2026
'Haagua' featured at Honolulu Surf Film Festival
The 15-minute film features Kaliko Kahoonei, who grew up on the Oʻahu's West Side on a paipo board. The short explores Indigenous knowledge of the ocean and surfing and will screen at the Honolulu Surf Film Festival.
Katie HellandJuly 10, 2026
New law increases access to colorectal cancer screenings and treatment statewide
House Bill 1969, which became a law on July 1, aims to reduce colorectal cancer — the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in Hawaiʻi — by providing $1.8 million in state funding over the next fiscal year to the uninsured for screening and follow-up tests. Aloha State Daily caught up with Rep. Cory Chun, who reintroduced policy from 2012 into this year's legislative session, as well as Mark Vasconcellos, a colorectal cancer survivor and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteer.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJuly 10, 2026
Community Voices: By Restoring Our Reefs We Restore Ourselves
When corals are ripped out, we lose more than coral — we lose shelter for reef life, habitat for fish, and part of the reef’s natural ability to take the punch out of waves before they reach our shoreline. That loss affects our food systems, livelihoods and community health, says Alika Peleholani Garcia, executive director of Kuleana Coral Restoration.
Alika Peleholani GarciaJuly 08, 2026
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