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Business & Tourism

[{"type":"text","text":"Frequent fliers take note."}]

A combined loyalty program for Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines will debut next month, a move that comes as the airlines continue to integrate operations.

Alaska Air Group, Inc. and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. 

 that Alaska Airlines would acquire Hawaiian Airlines in a deal that was valued at approximately $1.9 billion, including $900 million of Hawaiian’s net debt, according to an announcement at that time. The acquisition was 

The distinct Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines brands will be maintained but the loyalty programs from both will be combined into a singular program.

A Hawaiian Airlines spokesperson told Aloha State Daily in an email Thursday that the combined loyalty program will be unveiled in August, with Alaska's Mileage Plan transitioning to the new program at that time.

The HawaiianMiles program will remain through Sept. 30, but on Oct. 1 "will fully transition into the new combined loyalty program of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines," they noted.

"We're making great progress and look forward to unveiling a new combined loyalty program that will deliver the most generous and exciting benefits in the industry," the spokesperson said.

They did not share the name of the program or the date it will be unveiled but said the transition will be "seamless for members of both programs."

[{"type":"text","text":"Do members need to do anything to ensure their miles transfer?"}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Not necessarily. "}]

The spokesperson told ASD that if members do nothing, miles will automatically transfer to the new program on Oct. 1.

"That said, we do encourage HawaiianMiles members to sign up for an Alaska Mileage Plan account and link their Alaska and HawaiianMiles accounts to start taking advantage of Mileage Plan’s current benefits, including traveling on more than 30 oneworld air partners," they noted. "We will track their elite-qualifying miles, or EQMs, in both programs and award elite status in both programs, based on their combined EQM balance. Linking accounts now will also ensure the most seamless transition to the new program.

"HawaiianMiles members are welcome to covert their miles into Mileage Plan miles at any point. When the combined loyalty program is launched, any miles that haven’t converted will be moved over automatically."

But the spokesperson said the most important things HawaiianMiles members should keep in mind is that everyone's miles are safe and there are no changes to the credit card benefits.

Additionally, Huaka‘i by Hawaiian — a new free program

 for residents of Hawai‘i that offers monthly deals, travel perks and a free checked bag when traveling interisland — will also continue with the new loyalty program, they said.

"In preparation for HawaiianMiles to transition to the new loyalty program, HawaiianMiles member actions will be limited several days prior to Oct. 1," the spokesperson noted. "We will share more information with members in August. For now, members may continue to access their HawaiianMiles account as normal."

You can find more information about the combined loyalty program 

. Hawaiian Airlines also shared a blog post about it 

 of Hawaiian Airlines in September following its combination with Alaska Air Group.

ASD sat down with Sprague earlier this year to talk about the merger and future plans. You can 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Hawaiian airlines

<title>What's happening with Hawaiian Airlines' loyalty program</title>

A combined loyalty program for Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines will launch next month. Here's what you should know.

What's happening with Hawaiian Airlines' loyalty program

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

[{"type":"text","text":"When was the last time you held a CD or VHS tape?"}]

, a limited-time ’90s-themed pop-up bar now open in Central Oʻahu.

Cosmic Records just opened in the former space of Chili’s Grill & Bar at Pearlridge Center. The pop-up is open from 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays to Sundays until Aug. 31. No reservations are accepted — walk-ins only — and individuals must be 21 years or older to enter.

Cosmic Records is the latest creation by 17A Productions, the company behind other pop-ups like Halloween-themed Nightmare Honolulu (at Ala Moana Center), ’80s-themed Alpha Video Honolulu (in downtown Honolulu) and The Christmas Lodge, which debuted in the same Pearlridge Center space last holiday season.

For someone growing up in the ’90s, the whole pop-up is a trip down memory lane. For starters, the interior is inspired by Tower Records, which had a location in Pearl Kai Shopping Center across the street.

As soon as you enter the pop-up, you’ll see a wall of hanging headphones — you can wear them for a fun photo opp — and a VHS display with popular movies of the era like “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie,” “Pokemon: The First Movie,” and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.”

Speaking of movies — you can also easily spot the pop-up from the outside by the movie posters hanging in the window. You’ll see everything from “The Goonies” to “Labyrinth.” Inside the pop-up, if you look closely, you’ll also see VHS tapes that line the walls.

When you enter the pop-up, to the left is the majority of the seating area (if you remember the Chili’s restaurant layout, it’s similar). There’s also an arcade game where customers can play “Mortal Kombat.”

When you enter the pop-up, the bar area is to the right, next to a dance floor with a live DJ who’s playing ’90s hits, of course. The bar menu features mostly drinks with fun names, though one snack is included — the Fanny Pack ($15) contains assorted candies and Pringles, and guests can take the keepsake home.

Popular drinks include Orange Bangarang ($15) — Tito’s and Orange Bang topped with whipped cream — and Neon Spritz ($15). The latter features Tito’s and Harders Hawai

i tropical sparkling water with Blue Vanilla or Green River. Saturday Morning Toons ($15) — a mix of RumChata, Tanduay Silver and Cinnamon Toast Crunch milk — is an especially fun option.

If you’re there with a group, getting the Rum Punch Cooler ($45) makes for a fun, photogenic opportunity. The drink comes in an iconic Igloo cooler — remember those? — and features a mix of passionfruit, orange and guava puree, and Koloa Kaua‘i white rum. It’s complete with huge straws to use for drinking.

Stay tuned — we’re told after this pop-up ends, a 2000s-themed one will take its place. 

Open from 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays to Sundays until Aug. 31

Cosmic Records headphones 072325

<title>Cosmic Records is a limited-time ’90s pop-up bar</title>

Located in the former space of Chili’s Grill & Bar at Pearlridge Center, the themed pop-up is around until the end of August.

Cosmic Records is a limited-time ’90s pop-up bar

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Arts & Culture

Aloha Spirit

Oʻahu-born and raised Tanya Uyehara launched 

meaning rare, choice, unique — in 2013 while on maternity leave with her fourth child, whom the business is named after.

“It started out as a hobby. I would make jewelry to kill time at baseball practice, and today, I still hand make jewelry,” she told Aloha State Daily.

As its namesake suggests, Lahaʻole Designs’ pieces are meaningful and highlight Native Hawaiian culture, Uyehara said, adding, “I used to beat myself up a lot because I don’t have a Hawaiian studies degree. But at the end of the day, I am Hawaiian, and I can share me and the things that I’ve learned.”

Her design inspiration — whether for jewelry, clothing or home décor — comes from Native Hawaiian plants and flowers like pōhuehue (beach morning glory), pīkake, puakenikeni and more.

She recalled seeing pōhuehue during a family beach day. “It’s gentle and delicate. It blooms in the morning and to protect its petals from the sun, it closes up.”

“For me, it’s about creating a connection for people from here or for visitors to our values of malama ʻāina and moʻolelo (storytelling),” Uyehara said. “Pīkake reminds me of my tutu and our naupaka print shares the story of my sister.”

These stories “add intention and purpose” to the brand, she said. “It’s not just cute stuff.”

Lahaʻole Designs currently occupies a storefront in Chinatown; however, Uyehara said she is looking for a “bigger and better space.”

“I still want to be in town, but somewhere more industrial,” she said. “We fought for this space’s visibility, but after three years our lease will expire."

 across the Islands and Mainland also carry select products.

’s Cohort 2 in 2018, and earlier this year, its newer sister business, 

, Kāholo, a play on words meaning a hula step and a long 

stitch, supports more than 10 local clothing stores by manufacturing 500 units or fewer at a time. The small factory has five staff members and was created to “uplift community,” she said.

“When we source materials, or anything really, it’s always Hawaiʻi first, USA first, then overseas if I have to. We’re trying to support our [gross domestic product] as much as possible,” she said. “We work with local suppliers for eco-friendly fabrics, and we maximize our cuts to create jewelry pouches, scrunchies, etc. Slow fashion is my goal.”

She said her current priority is to build her team and capacity. “I’m looking to hire locally, open more slots to manufacture, create more partnerships and find more work-life balance for myself.”

Uyehara added, “I want more fun. Making things is more fun for me.”

Lahaʻole Designs will release at least one to two more collections this year, she said, in addition to an exclusive drop with Hawaiian Airlines at 

 mid-August. Earlier this month, new fabric was arriving and the team was planning a photo shoot around the “special, first-time item I designed," she said.

When asked what she enjoys most about living and working in Hawai’i, Uyehara said, “This is where I’m from. I’m raising my kids in culture, and I hope what I do encourages my kids to do more in the community.”

Her advice to other local small business owners? “Play hard and don’t give up. Ask for help, but let yourself try first. And fail forward.”

Made in Hawai‘i Festival is scheduled for Aug. 15 to 17 at the 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Lahaʻole Designs 001

<title>Native Hawaiian-owned design and manufacturing companies aim to ʻuplift communityʻ</title>

Tanya Uyehara, owner and designer of Lahaʻole Designs, also runs Kāholo Manufacturing Co., both of which currently operate out of Chinatown. She shares how her products share stories that “add intention and purpose” in a fast-fashion age. As Uyehara eyes a new location to take on more manufacturing clients, she's also getting ready for an exclusive release at Made in Hawai'i Festival.

Native Hawaiian-owned design and manufacturing companies aim to ʻuplift communityʻ

’s huge Kapolei store just got more enticing with its newest vendor — a tonkatsu business.

Located in Don Don Donki’s food court area, Katsudon Katsumitei is currently open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays to Sundays (until the business increases its staff). As its menu implies, the biz specializes in tonkatsu.

The menu is simple, but tasty. Choose from teishoku — set meals that include rice, shredded cabbage, pickles and miso soup — and katsu bowls. Customers have the choice between regular pork loin that’s thick, rich and flavorful, and pork tenderloin, which is tender and leaner.

If you’re extra hungry, go for the mega pork loin tonkatsu teishoku ($24.99), which features a thick cut of tonkatsu. We’re told the mega size is fried twice to ensure the exterior is ultra crispy, while the interior stays juicy and tender.

For katsu bowls ($19.99 regular, $22.99 mega katsu bowl), choose between Tokyo-style and traditional-style bowls. Tokyo-style bowls feature thick pork cutlet over a fluffy egg mixture, which preserves the katsu’s crispy exterior. 

Meanwhile, in the traditional-style bowls, the cutlet is simmered in a savory egg mixture, resulting in a rich, savory flavor. The tonkatsu itself isn’t as crunchy because it’s mixed into the egg, but the dish overall is still hearty and comforting. This reminds me of oyakodon, except it’s made with pork.

Whether you choose the teishoku or bowl, a sauce of your choice is included with your meal. Select from katsu, sweet soy or miso sauce; sauces are made in house.

Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays to Sundays

Katsudon Katsumitei teishoku 070225

<title>New tonkatsu spot now open in West Oʻahu</title>

Katsudon Katsumitei brings katsu bowls and teishoku to Don Don Donki in Kapolei.

New tonkatsu spot now open in West Oʻahu

Orange creamsicle. Banana split. Jack Daniels Chocolate. Blueberry Poptart. These are just of the few unique flavors you’ll find at recently opened 

 in Koko Marina Center. The shop took over the former Bubbies Ice Cream space, which was recently home to Moena Sweets.

The dessert shop is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, June 7, from 12 to 9 p.m., according to Trang Hammond, who owns the business with her husband, Ryan. The grand opening event is designed for the community to enjoy, with support from other local businesses. Keiki can enjoy free glitter tattoos from 12 to 3 p.m. Attendees will also have the chance to win gift cards from Moena Café, Boba’s Crystals and custom crocheted ice cream pint totes.

“I have some friends in the community that do art,” business owner Trang Hammond says. “We’ll have custom-made artwork just for the grand opening. The first 25 people in line will get free ice cream, no questions asked. The grand prize is free ice cream for a whole year.”

The business, known for its premium ice cream that’s handmade in small batches by Ryan, originally opened in 2014 in San Diego. The Hammonds sold it once they moved to Hawai

“We wanted to have an owner that was there in San Diego to take care of it, but after Covid-19, they weren’t able to sustain it,” she says. “We had wanted to open an ice cream shop here — Hammond’s was available again; the person we sold it to closed it, so we reopened it. Basically, it’s full circle; we’re re-doing everything that we did.”

The shop is especially known for its ice cream flights, complete with mini waffle cones, which are made in house. Flights include two to six mini scoops of ice cream.

“Ryan came up with the idea to do flights because we have so many flavors,” Hammond says. “He, of course, has the beer flights when he goes to breweries. The idea was, how can we create an experience where you can try a bunch — like sample — but still experience the ice cream cone in each. I executed a tray that has the mini waffle cones in it, but Ryan came up with the idea that it should be a flight.

“The flights allow our customers to experience a bunch and have fun with it,” she adds. “I like the flights because people sit down. They don’t just walk and get ice cream; it gets people to really interact. I feel like we really need that nowadays.”

Customers can still try samples of ice cream — which is necessary with about 20 flavors to choose from — and popular choices include dragon fruit cream, Jack Daniel's Chocolate, banana pudding and mango sorbet.

“The Jack Daniel's chocolate has Jack Daniels just for the taste,” Hamnond says. “It’s really interesting; all the sorbets are really good. All of our sorbettos and sorbets are oatmilk-based.”

For our flight, we got cookies and cream, orange creamsicle, mango sorbet, blueberry poptart, caramel praline and dragon fruit cream. The orange creamsicle and mango sorbets were especially refreshing. If you’re looking for a more traditional flavor, though, the cookies and cream is a winner. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive 30 minutes to this shop just to get it again. The caramel praline is another unique flavor that we enjoyed because of its delightful crunch.

During our visit, the shop ran out of Vietnamese caramel coffee — which I highly recommend getting if you’re a coffee lover.

If you decide on a single scoop instead of a flight, you can still get a split scoop to try more than one flavor. The shop also offers affogatos ($6.25) and ice cream floats ($5.50).

i Kai; our children go to school here,” Hammond says. “It was about creating a space for the community, but we’re also realizing that there was a need to have a handmade product.

“Our logo is a sun coming out of a cloud,” she adds. “There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel; that’s what our logo represents.”

7190 Kalaniana‘ole Hwy. Ste. D-103, Honolulu 

Hammonds Ice Cream ice cream flight 060325

<title>Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream is celebrating its grand opening this Saturday</title>

The Hawaiʻi Kai ice cream shop offers housemade flavors — and adorable waffle cone ice cream flights.

Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream is celebrating its grand opening this Saturday

Jack Danilewicz square

Sports reporter Jack Danilewicz has written for such publications as Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Honolulu Magazine, San Diego Union-Tribune, among others. He is author of "The Greatest Upset Never Seen," 2019, University of Nebraska Press, about the historic 1982 Chaminade-Virginia game.

<title>Jack Danilewicz</title>

Jack Danilewicz

Sports

Hawaii History

Merv Lopes was already well-known in the local community from his time at Kailua and Kalāheo High Schools when he burst onto the college basketball scene like a meteor on December 23, 1982. That night, with much of the nation asleep, Lopes coached tiny Chaminade to a win over three-time Player of the Year Ralph Sampson and No. 1-ranked Virginia in what is considered the Greatest Upset in the History of College Basketball.

Jack Danilewicz

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