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A. Kam Napier

Business & Tourism

You might be toasting the New Year around this time, so let’s dive into the intoxicating statistics one can find at … the 

Booze is a billion-dollar business on O‘ahu, literally. From 2015 to 2021, annual gross liquor 

 reported to the City & County of Honolulu averaged $1.2 billion.

The liquor commission has been busy. In the fiscal year running from 

The commission doesn’t just grant licenses and inspect bars. It’s also a workforce development center providing training to servers to qualify to dispense alcohol. Throughout the fiscal year, 6,646 people registered for virtual server training classes, while 188 registered for in-person training. Almost 4,800 of these people went on to take their test, most of whom passed.

It might surprise you to know that when it comes to new liquor licenses, the commission is not terribly busy with bars and restaurants. Its single most active category was actually for special permits. These are good for up to three days and are needed by any organization holding an event that serves alcohol. The commission received 667 such applications from the nonprofit sector, followed by 251 applications from for-profit business.

For regular liquor licenses, there were 101 applications from caterers, 43 from restaurants and 16 from dispensers — the technical name for a bar.

There were also 53 applications for transient vessel licenses. Under 

, even a vessel that’s simply passing through the Islands must get a license to sell alcohol while in port here.

Entire categories of establishments saw little to no activity from 2024 to 2025. For example:

The word cabaret always makes me think of well-dressed people out somewhere swanky, with a stylish floor show. However, the reality is that, as defined by law in Honolulu, a cabaret is really just a disco or nightclub with a dance floor and which stays open until 4 a.m., or a strip joint.

What kind of license does Honolulu need to make 

 nightclub happen? That's what I'd like to know.

A. Kam Napier is editor in chief of Aloha State Daily. His opinions in Pipikaula Corner are his own and not reflective of the ASD team.

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<title>Pipikaula Corner: Honolulu drinking, by the numbers</title>

Honolulu Liquor Commission data details a billion-dollar business.

Pipikaula Corner: Honolulu drinking, by the numbers

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Stephanie Salmons

After more than four decades in Ko Olina, Paradise Cove Lū‘au will take its final bow this week, but those who want to take a piece of the history home with them can.

Items from the lū‘au are being sold in an 

 that opened last week. Managed by O‘ahu Auctions, bidding ends at 6 p.m. Jan. 13.

Up for grabs are a variety of items, including signage; benches, chair and other furniture; plants; tiki statutes; golf carts and other vehicles; clothing, outrigger canoes and kayaks; instruments and audio equipment; cameras and photography equipment, and more.

“This is not your typical offering,” O‘ahu Auctions President Dave Brandt said in a statement. “We are taking bids on inventory from departments across this well-run and long-lived local company, from facilities maintenance to entertainment.”

(ICYMI: Aloha State Daily spoke to one of the lū‘au’s longtime musicians and entertainers ahead of its closure. You can 

Paradise Cove’s Dec. 31 closure allows the landowner, James Campbell Co., to proceed with a 

The cove property — acquired by James Campbell in 1877 — has been used commercially since the 1970s and was last redeveloped in the early 1990s.

 says that the project aims to "update the commercial lū‘au show and create an authentic Hawaiian outdoor recreation facility and community gathering place for kama‘āina and visitors that honors and reflects history, culture and connection to place."

According to the EIS, plans call for demolishing several existing dated structures at the site and existing concrete walls within the shoreline setback area, after which the site will be restored to pre-existing conditions before being redeveloped.

In addition to a new amphitheater and performing arts venue, other planned updates noted in the EIS include an improved main arrival area, retail shops hosting Hawai‘i-made goods, restaurants and a marketplace and common areas.

James Campbell Co., a Hawai‘i-based and nationally diversified real estate company

told ASD in an email earlier this month that it is advancing Waianiani at the Cove in partnership with Kobayashi Group and BlackSand Capital.

“The project is envisioned as a welcoming gathering place for both kama‘āina and visitors, featuring cultural entertainment and education alongside locally focused retail, restaurants, open spaces and beach-oriented gathering areas,” the company said, noting that the project, designed to support local businesses and artisans, is expected to generate close to 500 full-time jobs when complete.

“Waianiani at the Cove represents a generational opportunity to honor the site’s cultural legacy while creating a vibrant gathering place that brings together culture, dining, entertainment, and local businesses,” Kevin Penn, president and CEO of James Campbell Co., said in a statement provided to ASD. “We look forward to being underway with construction in the new year.”

Neither Penn nor the company specified a timeline for that construction.

Last month, Maui-based T S Restaurants announced plans for Duke’s at the Cove, which it says will anchor Waianiani at The Cove. This will be T S Restaurants’ second new location in the Islands in more than 15 years, after Duke’s Kona at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa later in 2026, a November announcement noted.

“What makes this Duke’s so special is the West O’ahu community,” T S Restaurants CEO Jackie Reed said in that announcement. “We’ve always been rooted in Hawai‘i and inspired by its people and culture. This is our chance to bring the Duke’s experience closer to home for families who live, work and play on the Leeward Coast. Being more accessible to West O‘ahu residents makes this opening especially meaningful for our team.”

Family-owned T S Restaurants was founded in 1977 and owns and operates 13 restaurants in Hawai‘i and California, including Duke’s Waikiki and Hula Grill Waikiki on O‘ahu; Kimo’s, Leilani’s on the Beach, Hula Grill Kā‘anapali and Duke’s Beach House on Maui; and Duke’s Kaua‘i and Keoki’s Paradise on Kaua‘i

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Paradise cove luau acution 2

<title>Items from Paradise Cove Lū‘au for sale at auction</title>

Curtains close on the long-running attraction Dec. 31 — the closure making way for a planned redevelopment of the West O‘ahu  property — but you can take a piece of the history home with you.

Items from Paradise Cove Lū‘au for sale at auction

Lopaka and Tanya Kapanui

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya Kapanui

Hawaii History

Waikīkī in the old days was a broad wetland. Loko i‘a and lo‘i kalo, fishponds and kalo fields, were fed by numerous streams that came down from the valleys of Pālolo, Mānoa, and Makiki. It was the center of political power for hundreds of years before Western contact.

As foreign populations grew, agriculture changed, and rice replaced kalo as a major food crop. Houses and roads were built where once only ali‘i were allowed to enter. Then, in 1877, crown lands were set aside to create Kapi‘olani Park, King Kalākaua’s gift of greenery to the Hawaiian people. Kapahulu, a small ‘ili (land division) at the edge of Waikīkī, became the doorway to the park.

Decades passed, scenery changed, and Waikīkī soon became an international destination. The Ala Wai Canal drained the wetlands, and hotels crept closer to the shoreline. The neighborhood of Kapahulu grew, too. What was once a quiet road lined with small shops and homes became a lively avenue with cafes, drive-ins, and walk-up apartment buildings.

In 1969, a modern tower arose along the avenue facing Diamond Head. The Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel was named after King David Kalākaua’s gracious wife, one of the most beloved ali‘i of Hawaii’s monarchy era. Its stylized palm tree columns and decorative facade featuring ‘ulu leaves made it stand out from most other hotels in Waikīkī. It was quickly embraced by the community and became a place where weddings, graduations, and birthdays were celebrated.

Yet beneath the polished concrete and bright lights lies something darker. Some say that after the parties are over and the guests have gone or retired for the night, something else stirs gently awake.

A few years ago, my friend worked in marketing at the Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel. He called me one morning, excitedly explaining that guests and housekeepers were reporting spiritual activity on the mezzanine floor.

“I’ll explain everything when you get here,” he said, not even asking if I had anything else on my schedule.

By the tone of his voice, it sounded as if time was of the essence, and I happened to be nearby anyway. Less than 30 minutes later, he met me in the lobby with his foot in a cast and his balance supported by crutches. His foot was crushed when a heavy table fell on it, but it was a simple misjudgment of weight, nothing ghostly, he assured me.

As we stepped out of the elevator onto the mezzanine floor, we were greeted by the contents of every room sitting out in the hallway. My friend then began to explain that the mezzanine, in its present condition, was flooded with disembodied voices traveling up and down the hallway.

“Not whispers or unintelligible voices,” my friend began, “But full conversations.”

The moment he said that, we heard a shower turn on down the hall. Then we heard a male and female voice having a conversation over the running water. They spoke about credit cards, renting a car, and where to have dinner later in the evening. We heard more mundane parts of the conversation, regarding what clothes were appropriate to wear, and then the jangling of keys. We heard the door to the room open and shut. Then the conversation came down the hallway toward us, went past us, and faded once we heard the elevator door open. We heard the conversation. But we didn’t see anyone pass us.

The scenario I just described was impossible. We checked for ourselves, only to find that the room at the end of the hall was empty, just as all the other rooms were. What’s more, every piece of furniture and decoration from every room was out in the hallway. Mattresses, chairs, sofas, tables, pictures in frames, and more were piled in the hall as the rooms were scheduled for renovations. We stood there for a minute wondering what had just happened, when another pair of disembodied voices drifted past us. This time, I turned on my heel, determined to find its source.

My friend called out to me, “Please don’t leave me here with my broken foot!”

Of course, I couldn’t leave him there alone. So, I stopped and waited for him to catch up. He then took me to the kitchen, where a pair of cooks shared their stories.

Every morning, the two men arrived at 3:00 a.m. to prepare breakfast. They said that more often than not, a little Hawaiian boy wearing a white shirt with a wide collar under a Victorian-style waiscoat with knee-high shorts would appear in the kitchen. Whenever they asked the boy his name or why he was there, he’d disappear right in front of them. Although it was strange, he seemed harmless.

But the boy wasn’t the only apparition to show up in the hotel’s kitchen. Now and again, the staff would encounter a large Hawaiian man wearing an all-black mahiole and ahu‘ula (a Hawaiian helmet and long cape covered in black feathers).

“He’s a very threatening presence,” one cook said, “But we have a deadline to get breakfast ready, so we do our best to work around these spirits and try not to let them distract us.”

Queen Kapiolani Hotel

<title>Disembodied voices at Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel</title>

Spirits ancient and modern have been heard and seen in the hallways and kitchens of this hotel, named for King David Kalākaua’s gracious wife.

Disembodied voices at Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel

Welcome the new year with savings — and a lucky bag or two.

Meaning “lucky bag,” Fukubukuro is Japanese New Year custom where shops and merchants offer mystery bags at discounted prices.

Here are a few malls and retailers participating in 

AMC Fukubukuro2026 Lifestyle Images 8

<title>Where to go for Fukubukuro this year</title>

Meaning “lucky bag,” Fukubukuro is Japanese New Year custom where shops and merchants offer mystery bags at discounted prices. Here are a few places to check out.

Where to go for Fukubukuro this year

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

ahu — a variety of local favorites and international chain eateries are expected to open in 2026.

[{"type":"text","text":"Here’s what’s on our radar:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Alan Wong’s"}]

 Alan Wong’s first opened its King Street location in 1995

 and the restaurant closed in November 2020, after 25 years of operation. The 

 will be opening in the former space of Hoku’s At The Kāhala and will highlight a curated selection of signature dishes from the King Street restaurant. 

 will be its sixth location. This store is unique in that it will offer cakes and an expanded drink menu. 

: Soft opening soon; grand opening in January 2026

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Chick-fil-A"}]

: Located near Hawaiʻi Convention Center, 

 will not include a drive-thru, but will still offer ample dining space. 

: The popular café will offer bagels, grab-and-go coffee and more. The 

second location will be on level 1 of Building A

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Jalapenos 808"}]

: Paina Lanai Food Court, Royal Hawaiian Center, 

 is known for its authentic Mexican food and offers burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more. 

: Liliha Bakery will open its sixth location in Waikīkī Beach Walk (former space of The Blue Fish Waikiki). The beloved Hawaii restaurant is known for its signature Coco Puffs and nostalgic charm. 

: Located on the ground floor of The Park on Ke

eaumoku, this food hall will include renowned vendors like FEAST by Jon Matsubara, Middle Eats, Soul Chicken, Serg’s Mexican Kitchen and more. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Molly Tea"}]

: Founded in China, Molly Tea offers a modern take on traditional tea culture. It’s recognized as the first freshly made tea brand dedicated to floral aromas. The Ala Moana Center store will be the brand’s first location in Hawaii. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Nori Bar"}]

: The hand roll bar’s original location is in Ward Village. Its sushi hand rolls are known for their crisp nori and Koshihikari rice. It will be opening on Kūhio Avenue in the former space of Ice Monster. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Paris Baguette"}]

: Paris Baguette, a popular café that originated in South Korea, will be opening its third O

parisbaguette.com/location-list/hi/Honolulu

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Pepper Lunch"}]

: The fast-casual eatery, known for its teppanyaki dishes, just opened its first Hawaiʻi location in Moanalua Shopping Center. The eatery will be opening locations in Kapahulu and Waikiki (at Hyatt Centric Waikīkī). 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sip Café"}]

: 1199 Dillingham Blvd. No. C104, Honolulu 

: The café will offer coffee, banh mi and more. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sonic Drive-In – Kapolei"}]

: Corner of Fort Barrette Road and Kapolei Parkway 

ahu Sonic Drive-In will feature the classic drive-in, roller skating servers, and Sonic’s iconic menu, including burgers, hot dogs and shakes.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Westman Café + Lounge"}]

: Known for its brunch — with dishes like souffle pancakes — Westman Café + Lounge closed its location at Waikīkī Beach Walk in early 2024 and will be opening its new location soon at Ward Village. 

Restaurants in 2026 Paris Baguette 122925

<title>New restaurants opening on Oʻahu in 2026</title>

From the return of Alan Wong’s to Liliha Bakery’s sixth location, here’s a look at O‘ahu’s dining scene in 2026.

New restaurants opening on Oʻahu in 2026

[{"type":"text","text":"There’s a new all-you-can-eat sushi spot in Honolulu."}]

Sumo AYCE Sushi recently opened in Azure Ala Moana. It’s located in the former space of Debu (the new restaurant sign isn't up yet). The all-you-can-eat experience costs $26.95 per person during lunch (Mondays to Thursdays) and $36.95 for the all-day menu.

The eatery is originally from Las Vegas; this is its first Hawai

i store. Since it’s in its soft opening, only walk-ins are accepted (no reservations).

The restaurant is currently open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last seating at 9 p.m.; last call for the kitchen is at 9:45 p.m.). There’s a 90-minute time limit for the all-you-can-eat experience. If customers leave leftover rice, they will be charged.

Customers also have the option to order a la carte, if they don’t feel like doing AYCE. All members of the same dining party must choose the same experience (either all-you-can-eat or a la carte). 

The menu features a variety of nigiri, appetizers, sushi rolls and all-day specials like salmon carpaccio, lobster garlic bread, poke nachos and more.

On the AYCE menu, certain dishes — like uni nigiri, ama ebi nigiri and salmon cut center steak — can only be ordered once.

Recommended appetizers include KFC — Korean fried chicken with Korean sweet and spicy sauce — chicken karaage and crispy rice. The latter features crispy rice topped with spicy tuna, jalapeno, garlic ponzu, spicy mayo and eel sauce.

Popular nigiri so far include seared salmon and yuzu yellowtail nigiri. Classic nigiri options include tuna, shrimp, yellowtail and more.

Choose from unique options like corn cheese garlic bread, bulgogi garlic bread and lobster garlic bread. The latter features soft garlic bread topped with crab, lobster, mozzarella cheese, eel sauce, spicy mayo and scallions.

While filling up on carbs is not usually recommended for AYCE experiences, these breads are trying at least once and are easy to share.

Customers can choose from a variety of four-piece and eight-piece sushi rolls; there are more than 40 options. Popular options include the Chanel roll (shrimp tempura, spicy crab and avocado topped with tuna and salmon); Lisa Lisa roll (shrimp tempura, avocado, crab and cream cheese topped with tempura crunch and eel sauce); and the lemon salmon roll (crab and avocado topped with salmon, lemon and ponzu).

End with desserts like honeydew or ube Melona bars, or vanilla mochi ice cream.

Customer parking is available at Azure Ala Moana; look for the designated retail parking stalls within the structure.

Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last seating at 9 p.m.)

Sumo AYCE Sushi dinner spread 122925

<title>New all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens in Honolulu</title>

Sumo AYCE Sushi just opened in Azure Ala Moana. The eatery — originally from Las Vegas — offers an extensive all-you-can-eat menu, along with an a la carte menu.

New all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens in Honolulu

Donalyn Dela Cruz photo

Donalyn Dela Cruz is passionate about storytelling and strategic communications. From reporting to guiding communications for notable leaders in Hawaiʻi, she now runs DDC Consulting. A Wahiawā native who once danced hula under the guidance of the late Kumu Hula Hokulani DeRego, Donalyn earned her BA in journalism at UH Mānoa and a master’s in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School.

<title>Donalyn Dela Cruz</title>

Donalyn Dela Cruz

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