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Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Judy Peckenpaugh on Kauaʻi. "The calm AFTER the storm."

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

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<title>Hawaiʻi Skies: After the storm</title>

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Judy Peckenpaugh on Kauaʻi.

Hawaiʻi Skies: After the storm

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

, located at Kapiʻolani Boulevard and Kalākaua Avenue on Oʻahu, opens April 2. 

This location is unique in that there is no drive-thru and is a dine-in location only. The restaurant can seat about 260 individuals, and Kurt Milne, owner/operator of Chick-fil-A Kapiʻolani & Kalākaua, is excited for customers to see the new space.

“I’m excited to invite people back in,” he says. “As you know, we have a drive-thru on Beretania Street; there’s a Chick-fil-A in Ala Moana Center. This will be the very first dining room in the greater Honolulu area.”

Milne is also the current owner-operator of Chick-fil-A Ala Moana Center. He says his experience at that store helped him to prepare for the Kapiʻolani & Kalākaua store’s opening.

“We were the first to open on Oʻahu in October 2022,” he says. “It wasn’t until eight months later that the Makiki store opened. We’re used to busy crowds; we’ve gotten good at our speed of service, making sure that people get in line fast and get out of line fast. We’re going to do the same here, but we can add a little extra touch, now that there’s a dining room, and provide some good service.”

Customers can stand in line to order; can order via the Chick-fil-A mobile app; or they can scan the QR code located on their table to order. Their orders will be brought to their tables when this “mobile dine-in” experience is used, according to Milne.

“We encourage guests to download the Chick-fil-A app; they can place their orders ahead of time,” Milne says. “Local owners and operators send out free items via the app often; usually once a week, I’ll send out a free item. So, if you have the app, you’re going to get a free item, earn points and you can order ahead.”

Free items can range from a free lemonade to a free sandwich or kid’s meal, according to Milne.

The designated event space — which can seat around 60 people — can be used for birthdays, business meetings and celebrations. It features a flexible layout, audio and visual equipment, and free wi-fi. Customers interested in reserving this space can call 808-909-3908 or ask a team member about it; there’s also a QR code they can scan for more information inside the restaurant.

The Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich is the most popular item, but other customer favorites include waffle potato fries and the spicy chicken sandwich.

Customers can enter the restaurant’s parking lot from Kalākaua Avenue or Kapiʻolani Boulevard, but we’re told Kapiʻolani Boulevard is the preferred route.

There is also a designated area in the restaurant for delivery drivers to pick up their orders.

Open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays; closed on Sundays

Chick fil A owner 040126

<title>Inside look at the largest Chick-fil-A in Hawai‘i</title>

The restaurant — located at Kapiʻolani Boulevard and Kalākaua Avenue — opens on April 2, with set hours from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. Aloha State Daily got a preview of the new space at a media event, where we spoke with owner/operator Kurt Milne.

Inside look at the largest Chick-fil-A in Hawai‘i

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

An NCAA Tournament men's volleyball match hasn't been played at the Stan Sheriff Center since 2004, but if the University of Hawai‘i continues its winning ways, that could change in a matter of weeks. 

The NCAA men's volleyball tournament has expanded by one team each year since having seven teams in 2023. In 2026, the NCAA is making a sizable jump to 12 teams after having nine teams in the field in 2025. 

The new format in 2026 consists of the top four seeds hosting pods of three teams. After the two lower seeds in each region play each other, the winner will play the host team. Hosts and dates will be determined during the NCAA selection show on April 26. 

Each regional winner will then meet at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion from May 9-11 for the national semifinals and finals. 

In 2026, the University of Hawai‘i is currently 21-3 overall and off to a 4-0 start in Big West Conference play. The Rainbow Warriors are the No. 2 team in the country behind UCLA in both the AVCA national poll and RPI rankings. 

Although the 'Bows would be in line to host a regional as it currently stands, head coach Charlie Wade doesn't want to assume anything quite yet. 

"Pretty exciting," Wade says of the possibility of hosting a regional. "But I'm somewhat reserved on that, just from past experiences. Typically, the NCAA flying people out here has been a challenge for them to make that decision. So, we're just focused on winning as many games we can to put ourselves in a position that we're considered to be one of those teams."

The 'Bows are nearly halfway done with Big West Conference play, sweeping No. 8 UC Santa Barbara over the weekend, which was preceded by a 

convincing series sweep at Long Beach State the week before

Another test awaits the Rainbow Warriors this week in a road series at UC Irvine on Friday and Saturday. The Anteaters are currently the No. 5 team in RPI as well as in the AVCA poll. After flying back home for a few days, the 'Bows will hit the road again for a two-match series at UC San Diego on April 10 and 11. 

"We've been doing it for a while," Wade says of the back-and-forth travel between O‘ahu and California. "They're pretty used to it. I feel pretty confident that we'll be ready to play."

Kainoa Wade 040126

<title>No. 2 Hawai‘i men's volleyball on pace to host NCAA Tournament match</title>

If the Rainbow Warriors maintain their winning ways, an NCAA Tournament match could be played at the Stan Sheriff Center in May, thanks to an expanded field in 2026.

No. 2 Hawai‘i men's volleyball on pace to host NCAA Tournament match

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Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Aloha Spirit

The Construction Industry of Maui is continuing its efforts to support Valley Isle students.

A trade council of the Maui Chamber of Commerce that operates as an independent association, 

 recently donated $44,000 to the University of Hawai‘i Maui College, which will fund 12 scholarships for students enrolled in the school’s construction vocational program.

“CIM supports students pursuing careers in construction and the skilled trades by helping reduce financial barriers and providing access to education, certifications and hands-on training,” a recent announcement from the organization noted. “These scholarships are awarded to students with demonstrated need who are committed to building careers in the construction industry.

The UH Maui vocational program provides students with “hands-on learning, technical training, and industry-recognized certifications designed to prepare graduates for careers in construction, project management and the skilled trades,” CIM says. “The program plays a critical role in developing local talent and strengthening Maui’s construction workforce.

“Supporting the construction trades on Maui is essential because our workforce and resources are limited and the demand for skilled labor continues to grow,” CIM Secretary Kevin Keller, with 

, told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. “With ongoing housing needs, infrastructure improvements and disaster recovery efforts, the industry is under constant pressure to deliver projects efficiently and safely with a limited labor pool. Long-term, supporting the trades is about building local capacity — ensuring Maui has a stable, qualified workforce that can meet demand without relying heavily on outside labor, while also creating sustainable career opportunities for residents.”

Keller says that across Maui and the state, the construction industry is facing a “significant workforce gap,” driven by sustained demand and a limited pipeline of new workers entering the trades.

“Many experienced tradespeople are staying in the workforce longer and delaying retirement, which is helping to maintain current capacity — but it also highlights the lack of younger generations coming in to replace them,” he says. “To meet ongoing and future construction needs — especially with housing, infrastructure, and recovery efforts — there is a critical need to grow the local workforce. This includes expanding trade education, increasing apprenticeship opportunities, and creating clear career pathways that attract and retain the next generation of skilled workers in Hawai‘i.”

Funding for the UHMC scholarships came from proceeds raised at a golf fundraiser last year. CIM says those wanting to support or participate in the 2026 Golf Tournament — planned for Sept. 19 at The Dunes Maui Lani — should  contact Jennifer Girard at 

In addition to the UH Maui College scholarship, CIM also supports vocational programs in 

. That support includes helping cover the costs of traveling off-island for construction-related competitions as well as expenses for industry certifications, the announcement notes.

CIM also offers its annual Bob Poulson CIM Scholarships.

Scholarship applications are open until April 27 for Maui County high school seniors who graduate this spring. CIM says the scholarship aims to support Maui students who plan to seek degrees in construction- and design-related fields outside of Maui, with the goal of returning home with their skills.

 this year, will be selected by the CIM Advisory Board and recognized at a banquet in May.

Donations and proceeds from the auction at the CIM holiday party fund these scholarships, the 

To date, more than $350,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded to 15 Maui high school students, a representative for the organization told ASD.

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CIM UH Maui College scholarship donation 0326

<title>CIM funds scholarships for construction students at UH Maui College</title>

The Construction Industry of Maui has donated $44,000 to the school, which will provide 12 scholarships for students enrolled in its construction vocational program. Meanwhile, the deadline is approaching for another scholarship opportunity.

CIM funds scholarships for construction students at UH Maui College

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

 is one shop in Haleʻiwa impacted by slower traffic as a result of 

 last month, said Chris Chang, its owner.

The eatery, which serves up poke and sushi bowls, and salads, cut its hours by 50% on Monday, March 30. It reduced its normal 10-hour day, which is usually 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., to five hours. Now, the eatery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

“We did a 50% reduction, just to target our main lunch hour,” he said. “Really, it's about trying to keep staff on the schedule because everyone has bills to pay.”

As people filed in for lunch, Chang remarked it was the most customers he had seen in a while.

In the immediate days after the floods, the business gave out free breakfast bentos and musubi, as well as poke bowls, roast pork with gravy, chicken katsu and other meals to families impacted by the devastation and volunteers helping to rebuild.  

Chang hopes hotel staff can share that the North Shore, except for 

, is open. Chang used to be a teacher and noted that spring break for Los Angeles Unified School District, the 

“Most of the local plus tourist economies / businesses really rely on these breaks,” he said. “Because spring break is the time you can kind of catch up from those slow periods.”

 have led to less tourists going to the beach, although cleanups are helping, he said. Those advisories have also impacted surf schools and led to cancelations of shark boat tours. As of Tuesday, March 31, 

, which is less than a mile away from the poke shop. They were also in place at other spots across Oʻahu. A little more than a week ago, the 

entire island was under a brown water advisory

“Just getting the word out there: still don't go to Waialua,” he said. “There's cleanup efforts happening there. But the rest of the North Shore or anywhere else on the island — it's open. I am just speculating, but there's a lot of people in town ... I think they are kind of staying in Waikīkī. They are not venturing out.”

Chang hopes people will head to the North Shore and support local businesses.

“Everyone's doing what they can, but everyone is still hurting,” he said. “Just supporting local. It's easy to say, hard to do sometimes, because local is not always cheap. I get it. We do what we can to keep our prices down and affordable.”

For Mainland tourists deciding whether to visit, Chang says come.

“Sun's out, beaches are getting clean,” he said. “Still come. Minor adjustments, but still a great place to visit.”

Follow Poke for the People for updates via 

Poke for the People

<title>Kona low storms slow business on North Shore</title>

Poke for the People has been giving away meals to community members impacted by the floods as well as the volunteers helping them rebuild. But this week, the eatery cut its hours in half due to a decrease in sales. In Haleʻiwa, spring break for Mainland schools doesn’t look quite the same as it has in prior years, according to the shop's owner.

Kona low storms slow business on North Shore

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Arts & Entertainment

North Shore resident Kim Johnson, wife of musician Jack Johnson, recalled looking at the list on GoFundMe 

of Hawaiʻi families in need after the floods 

and recognizing some of their faces from her own community.  

“Jack and I, we're making a large donation [to GoFundMe] and to several individual GoFundMe fundraisers, as well as different groups that are contributing,” she told Aloha State Daily. “Anyone could plug in, even $20 goes a long way.”

The Johnsons recently announced a commitment of $500,000 for flood recovery and rebuilding efforts through their 

 was also created "to provide immediate assistance to verified families and community members working to rebuild," the announcement notes.

“The North Shore is my hometown, and this flooding is affecting our community in a very real way,” said Jack Johnson in a statement. “Many of our friends, neighbors, and local farmers were hit hard. Recovery will take time, and we hope this pledge encourages others to come together to support the people who need it most.”

, though, public sales for the May premiere at Honolulu’s Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall were postponed due to the storm, according to Kim Johnson. The tour includes a new documentary, music and more.

She told ASD that their home and vehicles were affected by the back-to-back storms last month, but not to the same degree of devastation as others in the area.

“We know firsthand how much work it is to clean up,” she said, adding that their Kōkua Learning Farm in Haleʻiwa had no equipment or structural damage. It did, however, lose crops.

“The farm is doing well despite some flooding,” she noted. “For immediate food relief, we donated produce and protein from the farm stand to 

, and they're using that to cook and give out to families and volunteers. 

, also run by the couple, will host Farm Fun(d) Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Kōkua Learning Farm, 66-249 Kamehameha Highway.

The fundraising event is free to attend and includes community connection, arts and crafts activities, food, music and more. Donations are welcome and will benefit the 

“Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Foundation is planning workdays on farms and mobilizing large groups to help clean up, recover lost equipment, things like that,” Kim Johnson said. “We’re excited to raise money for farmers and will also be collecting non-perishable food items to donate to 

When asked about how to get involved, she added: “Give time. Give supplies. Give money. Give aloha.

“It’s been amazing to see this community come together. … We should be asking everybody how they are doing, giving them space to share in a real way and making sure we’re all taking care of each other,” she continued. “There’s a call out now for skilled tradesmen: contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc. If you have a skill you can share, reach out directly to organizations filling those needs.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"How can I support?"}]

The following organizations are assisting affected communities:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Looking for support?"}]

Families who have been impacted can create a GoFundMe fundraiser to receive direct assistance. Instructions available 

 2-1-1: Call 211 for updates on emergency shelters, food distribution centers, and other non-emergency needs.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list. If we missed something that matters to you, please email us.

Kokua Learning Farm Fun Day North Shore 20241116

<title>Johnson ‘Ohana Foundation, Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation donate to flood recovery</title>

Musician Jack Johnson and wife Kim Johnson, who reside on Oʻahu’s North Shore, have teamed up with GoFundMe to give directly to ʻohana impacted by the recent Kona Low storms. The pair is pledging $500,000 in total, some of which is being dispersed to local nonprofits, and plan to host a fundraiser this Friday at the Kōkua Learning Farm in Haleʻiwa.

Johnson ‘Ohana Foundation, Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation donate to flood recovery

Adam manalo camp

, raised in the homestead community of Papakōlea, is a writer, poet and researcher, with a strong focus on Native Hawaiian histories and cultural preservation. Holding a degree in anthropology, his work centers on Indigenous epistemologies, historic preservation, and the revitalization of Native Hawaiian narratives. He examines the intersections of identity, colonialism and cultural continuity through his research and creative writing. To learn more about his work, follow him on Instagram: @adamkeawe.

<title>Adam Keawe Manalo-Camp</title>

Adam Keawe Manalo-Camp

Hawaii History

In Nuuk, the capital of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), thousands gathered in what the Naalakkersuisut (the Greenlandic government) described as the largest protest in the country’s history. Similarly, Kanaka Maoli march annually to mark 133 years since the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. For both island homelands, foreign powers attempt to determine their futures.

Unsplash Greenland Flag

Community Voices: Threats to Greenland recall the annexation of Hawaiʻi

In the 19th century, organizations such as Hui Kālaiʻāina and Hui Aloha ʻĀina mobilized tens of thousands of Kānaka Maoli to defend constitutional governance, national sovereignty and the authority of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Adam Keawe Manalo-Camp

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