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.

Community Voices: Help Hawai‘i farmers recover

An anonymous donor secured by Aloha State Daily will match dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000, donations made to the Hawai‘i Farmers Union Foundation's Hawai‘i Flood Response Fund.

Christian ZuckermanApril 08, 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