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Food & Dining

Business & Tourism

Over the years, Joanne Young — founder of 

 — has made more than 2,500 pounds of toffee. What started as a childhood tradition in Honolulu grew into a passion and, eventually, a Hawai

“I grew up in Honolulu and learned to make toffee as a young girl,” Young says. “After spending years perfecting my recipes and returning home to Hawaiʻi, I turned that passion into a business.”

In 2024, Young officially launched the business, featuring both macadamia toffee and almond toffee. The almond toffee currently comes in three flavors — Blessing, the business’s original 40-year-old family recipe; Honey, which is almond toffee with pure Hawaiian honey and topped with milk chocolate; and Love, which is almond toffee with rich Hawaiian coffee, topped with dark chocolate.

The macadamia toffee comes in two flavors — Miracle, which features macadamia nut toffee paired with milk or dark chocolate, and Hope, which is macadamia nut toffee paired with milk or dark chocolate, and sprinkled with Alaea Hawaiian sea salt.

“Miracle (macadamia nut toffee with milk chocolate) is the most popular, followed closely by Hope (macadamia nut toffee with dark chocolate),” Young says. “What makes Almond Tree special is that our toffee is more than a product — it carries a story. Our recipes are handmade with care and inspired by the flavors of Hawaiʻi. Through our toffee, we hope to share the values of family, gratitude, healing and aloha.”

 this year. Young is looking forward to not only sharing her product, but also more about her business’s story.

“I wanted to participate in Made in Hawaiʻi because this is where my story began,” Young says. “Made in Hawaiʻi gives me the opportunity to share not only a product made in Hawaii, but also a story rooted in family, tradition, healing and aloha. I want people to taste the quality of our toffee, but also understand the heart and history behind every batch.”

The biz will be debuting a brand-new exclusive product at this year’s festival. Almond Tree has teamed up with Diamond Bakery Hawaiʻi to bring a new flavor — graham cracker matcha toffee. The new product, which features Almond Tree’s matcha toffee layered on Diamond Bakery’s graham cracker crust, will be available in limited quantities.

“The almond tree symbolizes my journey — deeply rooted in family, nurtured through life’s seasons, and grown into something meant to be shared,” Young adds. “The Almond Tree is more than toffee. It is a story of healing, tradition, gratitude and love, one sweet batch at a time.”

Almond Tree’s products can be found at ChefZone, Diamond Bakery Hawaiʻi, Dean & Deluca Hawaiʻi and The Kāhala Hotel & Resort.

The business also pops up at events across Oʻahu; follow the biz on 

Almond Tree toffee 081726

<title>Almond Tree is ‘meant to be shared’</title>

The first-time Made in Hawaiʻi Festival vendor hopes to share its values of family, gratitude and aloha through its toffee, according to business founder Joanne Young. Almond Tree will also be debuting a new exclusive product — graham cracker matcha toffee — at this year’s festival.

Almond Tree is ‘meant to be shared’

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Stephanie Salmons

Real Estate

An oceanfront estate on Maui, comprised of two adjacent residences sitting on two parcels that total a little more than 1.2 acres, has hit the market with a $45 million asking price. 

Located at 4640 and 4650 Makena Road in Kīhei, the estate has eight bedrooms, 7.5 baths and spans just over 7,500 square feet, according to 

. Information provided to Aloha State Daily noted that the properties are offered fully furnished with central air conditioning, a security system and attached multi-car garages. There also are "expansive" ocean-facing lāna‘is, tropical landscaping, an in-ground heated pool and indoor-outdoor living spaces.

The property is located minutes from Wailea and sits about 40 feet above a white-sand beach, the listing notes, adding that a gated path leads to a secluded stretch of sand known as "Secret Beach."

"Opportunities of this magnitude — two contiguous oceanfront parcels with elevation, privacy and direct beach access — are extraordinarily limited," the listing states. "Offered together, this is a chance to secure a one-of-one compound in a supply-constrained market where replacement is simply not possible."

The property is listed by Hawai‘i Life's 

, who told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions that "very rarely" does a listing listing like this hit the market.

"In my 45 years of real estate along the South Maui coastline, I have not encountered another listing as unique as this one," he says. "The two contiguous oceanfront lots, which front perhaps the best white sand beach in all of Maui, offer stunning views. The fully usable lots ensure security among the lush tropical grounds, making this property exceptional. Replicating this setting today would be extraordinarily difficult given the scarcity of comparable land and increasingly complex state and county regulations surrounding new oceanfront construction."

But what makes the property unique is the history and evolution of the estate, Richardson told ASD.

"The original home was built in 1990 by San Francisco venture capitalist Pierre Lamond, who used exceptional materials for its time, including black glazed roof tiles, copper downspouts integrated into the walls, cedar eaves and stucco walls with extensive glass windows and doors to capture the ocean views," he says. "In 2000, Lamond purchased the neighboring property for $10 [million] and thoughtfully remodeled it to complement his original home, using the same materials and creating what is now a cohesive estate."

Lamond and his wife sold the property for $42 million in 2021, according to a 

Today, Richardson said the two properties encompass 1.26 acres and 200 linear feet of ocean frontage, with both lots elevated about 35 feet above the beach.

"The estate combines privacy, security, mature tropical landscaping, direct beach access and extraordinary views," he says. "It is the combination of these elements, particularly the two contiguous oceanfront lots and their elevation above the coastline, that makes the property impossible to replicate."

Richardson says it's hard to choose a single favorite feature of the property, but the lāna‘i on the second residence is a fave.

"It wraps around the whole front of the home and cantilevers over the lava rock cliff; the views are stunning, and you would not be able to replicate its location due to today’s setback laws," he told ASD. 

According to Richardson, views from the upper-level primary suite of the original home stretch from Makena to Lahaina, and the elevation gives you "a soaring perspective over the coastline."

"I also love the sense of arrival and discovery throughout the property," he says. "Behind the gated entry, you have beautifully maintained, tropical grounds, two residences that share a cohesive architectural language and a 640-square-foot pool. Every time I enter the property, there is still a sense of wonder because of how much it offers while remaining remarkably private."

4640 4650 Makena Road13

<title>Maui oceanfront estate is on the market for $45M</title>

The offering includes two adjacent oceanfront residences that span more than 7,500 square feet of living space on a little more than 1.2 acres.

Maui oceanfront estate is on the market for $45M

 just opened today in Waimalu Shopping Center. This is the business’s third and newest location. It features a full-service, sit-down dine-in experience, along with a takeout window. 

The biz is celebrating its grand opening tomorrow, Aug. 15, with a lion dance at 11:30 a.m.

Customers can expect a variety of manapua, along with dim sum, peking duck and plate lunches; this location features an expanded menu.

The business’s Hong Kong-style dim sum selection was crafted in partnership with its sister restaurant, Mei Sum Dim Sum. The dim sum menu comprises spring rolls ($4.95), potstickers ($6.35), shrimp pork hash ($6.35), half moon dumplings ($6.35), shrimp dumplings ($6.35) and more.

[{"type":"text","text":"The business’s classic char siu manapua is a bestseller."}]

Besides manapua and dim sum, customers can choose from a variety of local-style plate lunches. Entrees include ginger fried chicken, kalbi ribs, garlic butter shrimp, hamburger steak and more. Seafood and steak combo plates are also available. 

Island Manapua is re-branding its other two locations in Mānoa and Waipahu as Aloha Manapua.

“Over the years, we’ve grown from being a neighborhood manapua counter into a gathering place for families, friends and our community,” states Christy Tong, owner of Aloha Manapua. “Rebranding as Aloha Manapua celebrates our local roots, our commitment to serving our community, and the relationships we’ve built with our customers. While our name is changing, our dedication to the food and service our customers know and love remains the same.”

The ‘Aiea store will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For the rest of August, customers can take advantage of a 10% discount.

Aloha Manapua shrimp dim sum 081426

<title>Aloha Manapua is open in Waimalu Shopping Center</title>

This is the business’s third and newest location; it’s celebrating its grand opening Aug. 15. Customers can enjoy its signature manapua, along with dim sum and plate lunches. The business is featuring a 10% discount for the rest of the month.

Aloha Manapua is open in Waimalu Shopping Center

Giezel Alimboyoguen, owner and founder of 

, recalls how she used to prepare a Filipino-style shawarma for friends and family at potlucks.

“It wasn’t until someone asked if they could place an order that I truly saw the potential (in our product),” she says. “It (the shawarma) was inspired by a favorite vendor I grew up with, back in the Philippines, and I wanted to recreate that experience here on the Island. Our business was driven by a desire to bring a taste of home to our community.”

Shawarma Break officially started in 2024 and started popping up at events around Oʻahu. The business name came to Alimboyoguen while she was eating shawarma.

“I was eating while taking a much-needed break, and it just clicked,” she says. “It perfectly captured that moment of pause and enjoyment that I wanted our customers to feel.”

The business offers shawarma wraps ($18) — available with beef, chicken or shrimp fillings — shawarma rice bowls ($19), loaded hot dogs ($15) and keiki quesadillas ($13). Shawarma Break’s tagline is ‘The Home for Sharing,’ according to Alimboyoguen, who says that customers can take advantage of a permanent “buy one, get one free” deal for every menu item.

“‘The home for sharing,’ isn’t just a phrase; it’s a foundational value for our family,” she says. “We built our business model around a permanent ‘buy one, get one free’ deal as a way to teach our two daughters about the joy and importance of sharing with others. We are committed to keeping that BOGO deal as a permanent part of our menu, ensuring that every meal is an opportunity to share something delicious with a loved one.”

Shawarma wraps are the most popular option for the BOGO deal. Wraps include onions, cucumbers, garlic yogurt sauce and tomatoes, along with a protein of choice.

The business also offers double break wrap combos ($22) or double break bowl combos ($23), which include the business’s signature soda floats.

So far, the business has been a vendor at events like Foodie Con, Taste of Aloha Night Market, Honolulu Night Market and the Pineapple Festival in Wahiawā, to name a few. Alimboyoguen is especially excited for her business to participate in Made in Hawaiʻi Festival for the first time.

“The most important thing I want people to know is that Shawarma Break is about so much more than just a quick meal,” Alimboyoguen says. “It’s a project rooted in our family values. By committing to our permanent ‘buy one, get one free’ model, we aren’t just serving food. We are actively teaching our two daughters about the value of generosity.

“When you support us, you’re supporting that vision,” she adds. “You’re helping us build a legacy that puts people, community and sharing at the very center of everything we do.”

For updates and information, follow the biz on 

“We are so grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received across the Island,” Alimboyoguen says. “We can’t wait to grow alongside the community. We have some exciting plans in the pipeline, so keep an eye on our Instagram to see where we’ll be popping up next. We’d love to see everyone there.”

Shawarma Break owner 080726

<title>Shawarma Break features a permanent buy one, get one free deal</title>

The business, which started doing pop-ups in late 2024, is a first-time vendor at Made in Hawaiʻi Festival. Shawarma Break’s tagline is “The Home for Sharing,” according to business owner Giezel Alimboyoguen, who explains the meaning behind its BOGO menu items.

Shawarma Break features a permanent buy one, get one free deal

Several new retailers and restaurants have recently opened at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu and more are set to open soon, the center announced Wednesday. Here’s what you should know.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"What's new:"}]

, a locally owned coffee roaster serving breakfast, lunch and craft coffee, has opened on Street Level 1 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

 can be found on Mall Level 2 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

Korean beauty retailer Lume Harmony can be found on Street Level 1 near Center Court.

, offering a selection of toys, plushies, collectibles, stationery, beauty essentials, home goods, fragrances, electronics, snacks and other accessories, can be found on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

, an ear piercing and jewelry brand, has opened on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Coming soon: "}]

, which will showcase contemporary works by local and international artists, is set to open this month in an 8,000-square-foot space on Street Level 1 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

, an indoor family entertainment venue and indoor playground spanning more than 42,000 square feet, will open in October on Mall Level 2 of the Mauka Wing. The space will have multilevel play structures, slides, an indoor zipline, trampolines and other play areas, along with amenities like supervised drop-off services, private party rooms, luggage storage and the Kids City Café.

, a modern beauty and wellness boutique offering a curated selection of facial and body spa treatments, personalized skin consultations, lash services, permanent makeup, Korean beauty products and more, will open this month on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

, known for designer toys, blind boxes and collectible figures, will open its first Hawai‘i location this month on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

, a luxury wellness and recovery destination, and 

, offering a modern take on traditional tea culture, are expected open in October. You'll find BB Wellness on Street Level 1 of the Diamond Head Wing and Molly Tea on Mall Level 2 of the Mauka Wing.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Relocations and renovations:"}]

 will reopen its expanded and newly renovated permanent location on Street Level 1 near Center Court in September.

 will relocate to a temporary boutique on Mall Level 2 of the Diamond Head Wing later this month, while its permanent location undergoes renovation. The newly renovated permanent shop is currently expected to open in late 2027.

Ala Moana Center opened in 1959 and is the world's largest open-air shopping center with more than 2.4 million square feet of retail space. It offers more than 350 stores and restaurants, including more than 160 dining options.

Ala Moana Center 052526

<title>What's new at, and coming to, Ala Moana Center</title>

The shopping center has recently welcomed a number of new tenants with more coming soon.

What's new at, and coming to, Ala Moana Center

 — which has locations in Japan and California — is bringing is signature Japanese kissaten-style café experience to Honolulu for a limited time.

The pop-up will be open to the public starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 13, according to Takuma Lathrop, president of Dining Innovation West. It’s located in an enclosed section of TsuruTonTan, which is located in Royal Hawaiian Center.

“We’re friends with the owners of the brand in Japan,” says Lathrop. “They opened in California and we went to check it out; we started talking about the possibility of partnering up.”

Right now, there is no set end date for the pop-up, but Lathrop says it should be open for at least one month. To start, the pop-up will be open to the first 60 customers — no reservations accepted; first-come, first-served — but Lathrop says its hours will eventually be extended.

“As soon as we feel more comfortable to handle more people, we’ll get to a point where there won’t be a limit,” he says. “We just want to make sure we are making the best possible dishes correctly so everyone can enjoy the taste.”

Takagi Coffee is known for its handcrafted, made-to-order souffle pancakes and freshly roasted coffee. The Honolulu pop-up’s menu is more limited, compared to the brand’s California and Japan locations, but will still feature signature dishes, according to Lathrop.

The coffee menu features a house blend ($5), cold brew ($6) and lattes ($7). Customers can also choose from several hot or iced matcha lattes ($7-$9). The matcha cream ($2 add-on) comes highly recommended for the iced matcha lattes.

Souffle pancakes come with toppings like strawberry, mango and matcha (two pieces for $17, four pieces for $22). In addition to your fruit of choice, pancakes are topped with whipped cream, cookie crumbles and vanilla ice cream.

A savory option (two pieces for $18, three pieces for $23) — topped with thick-cut bacon, sunny side-up eggs and hollandaise — is also available. 

“Personally, I like savory things; the savory pancake is really good,” Lathrop says. “It’s surprisingly very hearty and good for people who aren’t super into sweets.”

The pop-up also features Yoshoku (Japanese-style Western dishes) plates, which are served with miso soup.

Choose from omurice ($19), tonkatsu with rice ($20) and wagyu hamburger steak ($22).

The omurice features a more traditional version, according to Lathrop. The Japanese tomato-flavored rice comprises bacon, onions and mushrooms, and is enrobed with a fluffy egg and topped with demi-glace sauce.

The hamburger steak features American wagyu beef and is served with rice and miso soup. The demi-glace is served on the side, so customers can add as much or as little as they want.

Customers can opt for the tonkatsu plate or the katsu sando ($16), which features pork cutlet, veggies, mustard mayonnaise and katsu sauce between pieces of Japanese bread. It’s served with wedge fries on the side.

Customers can also look forward to Japanese-style parfaits ($13), which are layered with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, cornflakes and more.

[{"type":"text","text":"Choose from matcha, fresh strawberries and coffee jelly."}]

The pop-up might add dishes to the menu as time goes on, according to Lathrop, who encourages customers to follow the business on Instagram for updates.

“It’s simple dishes, but executed with very high-quality ingredients,” he says. “Because we’re slowly rolling out, we want to make sure that we can give everybody a good experience.”

Open from 10 a.m. Aug. 13; limited to 60 customers per day (to start)

Takagi Coffee Takuma Lathrop 081026

<title>Takagi Coffee is a new Japanese-style cafe pop-up in Honolulu</title>

The pop-up is opening to the public on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. It’s within Royal Hawaiian Center’s TsuruTonTan, and for the first few days, the pop-up will be limited to the first 60 customers. Takagi Coffee is serving up sweet and savory Japanese souffle pancakes, omurice, wagyu hamburger steak and layered parfaits.

Takagi Coffee is a new Japanese-style cafe pop-up in Honolulu

Ed Rampell

Ed Rampell is a Hollywood-based film historian who has lived in Hawai‘i, Tahiti, Samoa, and Micronesia for many years and has co-authored four movie books about Hawai‘i, most recently "On Location in Hawai‘i, A Guide to Where Your Favorite Movies & TV Shows Were Filmed from Jurassic to Eternity."

<title>Ed Rampell</title>

Arts & Entertainment

Written by and starring Colby Haines, crime story "Kāhala Sunset" was filmed entirely in the Islands with a cast and crew featuring 
"NCIS: Hawai‘i," "Five-O" and "Magnum P.I." alums.

Ed Rampell

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