Aloha Spirit

'Groundbreaking' film combines Chile, Hawaiʻi and hula

The short film “Pilina” combines cultural influences from Chile and Hawaiʻi with a common language: dance. Chilean American Filmmaker Carolina Espiro and Mānoa-based Producer Jana Park spoke with Aloha State Daily about the production, which will debut in early 2027.

Katie HellandMay 16, 2026

And the Nā Hōkū Hanohano finalists are…

The Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts has released the list of finalists for its prestigious Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. Nominees were selected for each of almost 30 categories. Awards include Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and more.

Katie HellandMay 15, 2026

Mākaha waterman receives lifetime achievement award

Brian Keaulana got his start in the movie industry as a stuntman. Recently, the waterman was a producer for Apple TV’s “Chief of War,” which stars his cousin, Jason Momoa, and Fox’s “Rescue: HI-Surf.” Keaulana reflects on the ocean, plus opportunities for youth to grow into careers in the film industry, where he has worked for more than three decades.

Katie HellandMay 15, 2026

'Play with a purpose' at this kids gym in Honolulu

Owner of We Rock the Spectrum Honolulu John Ross shares the intention behind his first venture inspired by his son with autism and the families who are navigating a similar path. He describes it as "a place where every child, neurotypical or not, is genuinely celebrated."

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 15, 2026

Hawai‘i Realtors Charitable Foundation offering grants to residents affected by March storms

The foundation — the charitable arm of Hawai‘i Realtors — will distribute a total of $200,000 in grants to aid in storm relief.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 14, 2026

Fundraiser for farms surpasses goal

Thanks to you and an anonymous donor, we raised more than $200,000 for the Hawai‘i Farmers Union Foundation's Hawai‘i Flood Response Fund. The GoFundMe page remains open as more donations come in that will help Hawai‘i’s farmers and rural communities devastated by recent Kona Low storms.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 14, 2026

Biodynamic farm on Maui seeks support after storms

Lokelani ʻOhana, a Wailuku farm that offers therapeutic programs rooted in Hawaiian culture for adults with developmental disabilities, is fundraising via GoFundMe and its website to aid in rebuilding following the back-to-back Kona Low storms in March. Donations to the nonprofit will also go toward bringing on an organic farmer, according to Farm Director Christina Chang.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 12, 2026

Uncles and Aunties: Ron Montgomery, finds 'thrill' repairing planes

Ron Montgomery served in the Navy for 28 years as an aircraft mechanic and air crewman, and shortly after worked a 25-year career with Hawaiian Airlines. Now, you can find him volunteering to restore a variety of vintage planes, mostly World War II-era, at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. On May 23, the museum will hold a community event, themed Armed Forces Appreciation.

Cheryl Chee TsutsumiMay 12, 2026

Molokaʻi-based nail art business owner's tips for design

Līhau Willing, founder of Hawaiʻi-born brand Iwi Nails, talks about the evolution of her business since 2021.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 11, 2026

Community Voices: Last week to apply for OHA’s Mahiʻai Micro Fund Program

Farmers impacted by the recent Kona Low storms may be eligible for awards of up to $5,000, while other eligible farmers may receive awards of up to $3,000 to support ongoing operational costs. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 15.

Bill BrennanMay 11, 2026

Mai Tais & Burgers to Malama campaign runs through May

The Marriott Waikīkī Collection and Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa have launched this fundraising campaign to support the Hawaiʻi farmers affected by the Kona Low storms. Until May 31, five resort restaurants are donating $1 from every designated burger and mai tai sold to the Hawaiʻi Farmers’ Disaster Relief Fund.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 09, 2026

Native Hawaiian author makes debut as novelist this month

California-based writer Kauakanilehua Māhoe Adams is set to release her first Young Adult novel in verse, “An Expanse of Blue,” on May 19. The fiction story loosely drawn from the author's own life experience, follows a teen with ties to Hawaiʻi and Washington as she navigates faith, family and love.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 08, 2026

'Of course we take that personally': Hawai‘i men's volleyball set to battle Long Beach State in Final Four

A pair of upside down shakas gestured toward UH's fans in the most recent matchup between the 'Bows and The Beach has stoked the rivalry's fire.

Christian ShimabukuMay 08, 2026

7 things to do for Memorial Day 2026

Looking for ways to celebrate Memorial Day? The City and County of Honolulu is looking for help creating 38,000 lei for service members laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. There are also opportunities to visit Pearl Harbor and attend a Memorial Day lantern floating ceremony.

Katie HellandMay 08, 2026

Bishop-elect Michael Castori appointed as Bishop Larry Silva's successor

Castori, a member of the Society of Jesus, took a moment to thank God, Pope Leo XIV, the Most Rev. Silva, staff of the Diocese of Honolulu and more, who gathered for his official appointment as Bishop-elect on May 6. Bishop Silva, 76, submitted his resignation in August 2024 with plans to stay in Hawaiʻi following the episcopal ordination and installation ceremony for Castori in July.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 07, 2026

Why these volunteers return to Memorial Day lantern floating ceremony

Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi is a Memorial Day ceremony that brings thousands to the water’s edge at Ala Moana Beach. Jacob Kam and his mother, Betty Lou Kam, have been volunteers for several years and share what keeps them coming back.

Katie HellandMay 07, 2026

Community Voices: Hawaiʻi’s rural nurses hold the line. It’s time the state holds them up

In honor of National Nurses Day on May 6, HPU School of Nursing Dean Edna Magpantay-Monroe shares how the state has begun to take steps to strengthen rural health infrastructure, though more work is needed.

Edna Magpantay-MonroeMay 06, 2026

Keep it Aloha Events brings together Pokémon card collectors and community

This past weekend, Kamaka Dias of Keep it Aloha convened Pokémon card traders and members of the community at its debut card show in Kakaʻako. For those who missed it, the free event with more than 50 vendors and live entertainment will return on June 5.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 06, 2026

Master featherworker shares kuleana as consultant for 'Chief of War'

Feather cloaks, capes, helmets and lei are featured throughout the Apple TV miniseries “Chief of War.” Aloha State Daily speaks with Kumu Hulu Nui Rick Makanaaloha Kia'imeaokekanaka San Nicolas, a master featherworker who helped the show's costume department develop pieces that could be worn by actors and actresses in a variety of scenes, including battles.

Katie HellandMay 05, 2026

Honolulu Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes in Waimānalo

Meet the nonprofit affiliate’s new Executive Director Melissa Bruhl, who has lived on Oʻahu for more than two decades holding various leadership roles in the private sector, along with her team comprised of staff, contractors and volunteers.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 02, 2026

Baritone Quinn Kelsey returns to stage where he started his career

The opera singer who performed as Sharpless in Giacomo Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” at The Metropolitan Opera in March, has roots in the Islands. This week, baritone Quinn Kelsey is back on stage where he started his career: Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre. Catch him in one of the lead roles of “Kamalehua: The Sheltering Tree,” which is performed in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and English and will have its world premiere this week.

Katie HellandApril 30, 2026

Honolulu to host second 'Rebuild O‘ahu' event

The event, which aims to offer support to residents and businesses affected by recent severe storms, will be held in Lā‘ie on May 2.

Stephanie SalmonsApril 30, 2026

Debbie Cabebe to retire from Maui Economic Opportunity after 26 years

Aloha State Daily caught up with Cabebe, who joined the nonprofit in 2000 and took the helm nine years ago, about what she’ll miss most working alongside staff to serve its clients. Meanwhile, Executive Director Maggie Clark Batangan readies to become CEO in August.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 30, 2026

Punahou School grad is guest conductor for new opera

Lance Inouye is the principal guest conductor for the world premiere of a new opera “Kamalehua: The Sheltering Tree.” The opera, which is being presented by Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre, opens Friday, May 1, in Honolulu.