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Rick Hamada

Sports

The Bee Gees once posed the musical question, "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?"

My answer is for the PGA Tour to return to Hawai‘i after its sudden yet not surprising departure.

 of The Sentry tournament on Maui (reportedly due to drought issues) and a lack of contract extension by SONY that both professional tournaments were coming to an end. So, for the first time in over five decades we will be without a PGA Tour event. 

I am a recreational golfer and a big fan of the sport. I have been for decades. If you're one too, then you know exactly what I mean. If you are a player, you understand the allure of the game and if you're not you may have zero understanding why a sane person would purposefully hit a little ball hundreds of yards and do that 18 times in a row. I'm not here to recruit you but to firmly state that the loss of the PGA Tour will have an effect on you.

[{"type":"text","text":"The game of golf is a popular one."}]

 age 6+ played golf — both on-course and off-course — in 2025.

This record-setting total includes 29.1 million people who played on a golf course and another 19 million who participated exclusively in off-course golf activities at places like traditional and tech-enabled driving ranges, indoor golf simulators, or golf entertainment venues like Topgolf.

Approximately 500,000 local residents and visitors play golf in Hawai‘i annually. Golf in the state includes roughly 12,600 acres of land, primarily used for recreation. The sport is 

 and supports a significant economic impact, featuring various municipal, private, resort, and military courses. 

And the game itself remains on a positive path from a generational and financial aspect.

• After three years of declining golf participation, from the 2021 pandemic peak, 

 shows a modest rebound in 2025. At the same time, average annual spend per golfer has increased for four consecutive years, suggesting a smaller but more enthusiastic group of participants.

• Gen Z has continued to gain share in golf participation, likely driven by lower‑cost, more accessible formats like driving ranges and simulators. At the same time, participation among younger Millennials has declined, potentially reflecting competing life priorities and tighter budgets - though those who remain active appear to be spending more.

• Regionally, the West has recorded the strongest golf spending growth by region in 2025, supported by domestic migration, destination-style "stay‑to‑play" courses, and expanded offerings. 

Popularity is driven by performance personalities and those are found on the PGA Tour. In recent history, it's been somewhat generational. Arnold Palmer ushered in the television era of professional golf, and the rivalry with a young Jack Nicklaus captured the attention of even non-golfers. Fast forward to the Tiger Woods era where he was the dominant force of the PGA with his magical use of a golf club and unprecedented intensity. He served as an inspiration to many of the current PGA stars and, despite questionable decisions in his personal life, remains a force as he in now 50 years old. The question is who the next generational inspiration for the increased popularity of golf will be, both for amateurs and professionals.

Professional golf in Hawai‘i has a rich, century-long history, headlined by the 

 (since 1965 at Wai‘alae Country Club) and the 

 (formerly Tournament of Champions) which accentuates the impact of their departures.

There are also iconic moments in the history of Hawai‘i golf, such as the eagle by Isao Aoki holing out on the 18th defeating Jack Renner in the 1983 Hawaiian Open; David Ishii defeating Paul Azinger by one stroke in the 1990 Hawaiian Open; and, at 14 years old, Michelle Wie famously competed in the 

i, missing the cut by just one stroke after rounds of 72 and 68 (even-par 140). As the youngest player to compete in a PGA Tour event, her second-round 68 was the lowest round by a woman in a PGA Tour event. And there is one other local name who became the first to win the Hawaiian Open back in 1966 and that is the legendary Ted Makalena.

I've reached out to people who know and love the sport for their interconnected observations and reactions to PGA leaving Hawai‘i.

One is the emotional side and the other is the economic side, although they are not mutually exclusive.

Dean Wilson is a former PGA Tour member, winner of 12 professional tournaments on three tours plus and is a local boy from Kāne‘ohe. He's back home and is an ardent supporter of junior golf and the growth of the game. He recently shared about the end of professional PGA golf at home. "Yeah, I just think it's sad," he said to me. "The Sony Open, which back in my high school days was The Hawaiian Open, was always something I looked forward to attending when I was a junior golfer growing up. Being able to play in all my years on Tour was always something that I looked forward to, it was perspective to get my year started off. It's just so sad to hear that news."

Justin George, Former Golf Tournament Director and now with the Maui Foodbank also expressed the emotional impact. George said, "The loss of the Sentry and the Sony Open to begin the PGA TOUR season is heartbreaking for the people of Hawai‘i. So many community members and organizations poured countless hours and resources into these tournaments that benefited numerous non-profits."

 made by the PGA Tour in Hawai‘i exceed $26 million via the SONY Open while in 2025 alone. The Sentry tournament raised approximately $747,000 for Maui charities, with another $120,000 in the name of participating professional golfers and an additional $1 million for Maui relief. 

There are those who are not affiliated with the business of golf but simply love to play the game who expressed a commingling of emotional and economic reactions.

Larry Gonzales, Navy Veteran, Hawai‘i resident for 17 years and a self-described hack golfer (he's an excellent stick) says, "It is a shame that these two PGA events go the way of other sport events like the Pro Bowl. I think the State and local governments are missing out on the opportunity to bring in revenue. We have an opportunity to showcase our state; we should take advantage of that to boost our lagging tourism industry. What's next? Lotte LPGA?"

But Gonzales continues, "I took my son, Ty, and my daughter, Jordan to the SONY Open often. It was a really terrific opportunity to see some of the world's best golfers play."

That is a notable impact with the loss of professional golf. Families and friends that bond over attending these class events that cannot be duplicated. As Dean Wilson mentioned earlier, PGA events can be inspirational to future golfers.

This is confirmed by Brandon Asato of Roger Dunn Golf in Honolulu. Reacting to the loss of the PGA in Hawai‘i, Asato shared, "It's hard, right? The impact is tangible. The tournaments create a ton of buzz and inspire kids and first-time players. And the kids, they see the pros and have so much fun. It's good for the players and the community. It's a tough one."

Wes Wailehua is the Executive Director of the Aloha Section of the PGA and represents our local PGA professionals and more. His statements cut to the core sentiments surrounding the PGA Tour's exit. "On behalf of the Hawai‘i golf industry we are deeply disappointed by the PGA TOUR's decision to discontinue its Aloha Swing. The Sentry Tournament of Champions and the SONY Open are both endemic to our Hawai‘i golf industry DNA." Wailehua continues, "Their absence will be felt not only in tourism and charitable contributions but also in the visibility and momentum they have provided to our local golf industry and the generation of players."

Another local golf executive further expressed concerns especially for the Valley Isle. He stated, "It'll really hurt the Hawaii economy especially West Maui, the people who need it the most."

To further expand on the economic impact to our state overall, I spoke to President and CEO of the Hawai‘i Hotel and Lodging Association, Mufi Hannemann. He said, "We have been part of the PGA Tour for over five decades and to lose both in one fell swoop is a blow economically and to our image as a sports destination. When it comes to major golf tournaments to wit:

The news of the PGA Tour departure from Hawai‘i is on the national radar, too.

Jonas Knox, syndicated sports talk show host on Fox Sports Radio's "Two Pros and a Cup of Joe" (heard locally on iHeart Radio's Fox Sports 990) expressed his sentiments as a sports pundit and vibrant supporter of Hawai‘i. "It's another example of money, power and ego taking away from the essence of tradition. We saw it with the Pro Bowl leaving and now it's happened with the PGA." Knox adds, "Almost every sport from football to baseball to surfing to MMA and everything in between, has a connection to Hawai‘i. That should be treasured and celebrated. Not alienated."

The announcement by the PGA Tour has understandably generated reactions from so many. It's one of those rare occasions where the impacts that are universally shared transcend race, age, creed, or class.

Hawai‘i has been wounded with this PGA Tour development but not mortally. 

Give it some time and when we rip the bandages off let's see if we'll be healed enough to get back into the game.

[{"type":"hardBreak","text":""},{"type":"text","text":"  "}]

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Sony Open Getty Images 2256719243

<title>Hamada: Hawai‘i golf lovers lament PGA loss</title>

ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada just happens to love golf. He spoke with people in and around the game and its related businesses for their reactions to the loss of the PGA Tournaments.

Hamada: Hawai‘i golf lovers lament PGA loss

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

MĀNOA — After conducting a national search for the next University of Hawai‘i women's basketball head coach, athletics director Matt Elliott realized the answer was in Mānoa the whole time. 

Khalilah Mitchell was introduced as the ninth head coach in program history during a press conference at the Stan Sheriff Center's Ed Wong Hospitality Room on Wednesday morning, emerging as Elliott's top choice. 

The process began with the surprise retirement of former UH head coach Laura Beeman, who 

on March 30. Mitchell was an assistant coach under Beeman at UH for seven seasons across two different stints — the first was from 2018 to 2022, while the second began in 2023 and ended upon her recently accepting her first career head coaching gig. 

Two thoughts crossed Mitchell's mind when Beeman broke the news to the team: the first was melancholy towards Beeman's departure from the program. Her second thought was that she wanted Beeman's job, a manifestation that came to fruition in recent days. 

"I was in a meeting where she talked to us as a staff, and (Beeman) told us her reasons why, and we were all sad, right? Like, it's like our leader, our chief. We're sad, but we're happy for her, because she's doing something that's best for her," Mitchell recalled to Aloha State Daily following her introductory press conference. "Same meeting, 'Coach B, I'm applying for your job.' Same meeting. Both things are true for me. I can be sad and I am still sad about it, happy for her and her next journey, but also I want to make sure that I'm prepared for the opportunity, and I wanted everybody to know I'm committed to this, and that's what I did."

Over 60 current college coaches applied for the job. The crop consisted of a mix of assistant coaches, some coming from the Power 4, as well as active head coaches at the mid-major level. Elliott hosted the three final candidates on campus on Monday. 

"My mind was really open to hiring the best person, the absolute best person, during the process," Elliott recalled to ASD. "We had met with every candidate and all the finalists, then we went into kind of those really deep conversations about what is the right choice."

Mitchell was sitting on her bench in her bedroom when Elliott called her on Monday night to offer her the job, which starts off with a three-year contract.  

"I'm sitting on my bench, and honestly, I just started moving my feet really fast, like, 'Yes, yes, yes. I'll take it. Yes.' I was just so excited about the opportunity to represent the state and still be able to lead these girls," Mitchell said. "So, that was my reaction: just pure excitement and joy." 

The more Elliott got to know Mitchell during the interview process, the more he was convinced she was the right choice. Elliott says each time they communicated, Mitchell was thoroughly prepared. He also said they were able to relate to each other in terms of wanting to 

 in Hawai‘i. Mitchell lives on O‘ahu with her wife, Kim, and their daughter, Nola. 

"I think I had a sense Khalilah was ready from the moment that we started this process," Elliott said. "How she demonstrated it over the course of a couple weeks, in every element, in every moment of taking it to the next level. What is your plan? How did you prepare? Show that, document it. I just kept getting more and more impressed.

"All of our candidates that we really vetted thoroughly, we wanted somebody who we believed this was the destination. That's how I feel myself, personally, about my job. So many of the great head coaches we have on our staff want to be here, and Khalilah wants to be in this place, so that was really critical."

Mitchell, a native of New Orleans, played collegiately for LSU from 2004 to 2008, reaching the Final Four each year she was on campus. She began her coaching career as a graduate assistant at UCF from 2009 to 2011, then was the staff as a full-time assistant coach from 2011 to 2014. After moving to Mānoa in 2018, she's spent each season with the Rainbow Wahine since then, excluding the 2022-2023 season, when she was the top assistant at San Jose State. 

A bevy of UH players and coaches were present to support Mitchell at her introductory press conference. It is there that she laid out her vision for what the product will look like on and off the court. 

"Excellence here will not be accidental," she said. "It will be intentional, systemic and persistent. Rainbow Wahine basketball is going to be up-tempo, free-flowing and relentless, and it is going to be built on the foundation of aloha. That means we play for each other, we prepare like champions, and we represent the state with everything we have every single night. The foundation has been set. We're paying homage to that.

"Everything that was built before us, every standard that was established, every young woman who gave everything she had to wear this uniform, that matters. We honor it. We don't walk away from it. We will keep what got us here: the culture of hard work, the expectation of excellence, the pride in representing this university and the state. ... We will elevate our preparation, elevate our recruiting, elevate our game. We will be relentless in the pursuit of being better today than we were yesterday. That is not a criticism of the past, that is a commitment to the future."

Beeman sat alongside UH president Wendy Hensel during Mitchell's introduction, nodding along with pride at each point Mitchell was making. From standout freshman guard Bailey Flavell to veteran Jovi Lefotu, nobody voiced their approval for Mitchell louder than the players on the Rainbow Wahine roster on Wednesday. 

"We were very happy. We were in the locker room yesterday, and when they brought her out, we were all cheering and excited, and we were really hoping it was her," Lefotu said. "She's really a player development coach. The relationship she builds with each and every one of us is unique, and she really cares about us as people and not just as athletes." 

When the 2026-2027 season arrives in November, Mitchell will be the new head coach that leads the Rainbow Wahine through the transition of joining the Mountain West Conference. Her immediate future involves a 30-day plan in which she hopes hits the ground running. Among her top priorities is finalizing the team's roster via the NCAA transfer portal. Though players had until Monday to enter, the Rainbow Wahine already lost promising freshman guard Keiara Curtis to future conference opponent New Mexico. 

"My job, literally, is to get to the transfer portal," Mitchell said. "I absolutely want to make sure that I get the right people here, then most importantly, getting to the community as much as I can and get with our boosters and donors."

Mitchell said she spent her Tuesday night responding to over 150 congratulatory text messages. The role of college head coach, especially in her first days of being one, promises to be hectic. But it's a life she wouldn't trade for anything. 

"It means everything. It is a dream come true. To be a parent and a coach, I think, is super awesome. And the other thing is the community here," Mitchell said. "It's a place that I want to raise my daughter. It's a place where we feel safe, it's a place where we feel welcome, it's a place where people are supporting you, the community, and everybody's rooting for you, and those things are super important to me. This is a place now that I call home, and so to be able to do this is really special, which is why I just couldn't hold my excitement."

Khalilah Mitchell 042226

<title>Khalilah Mitchell introduced as new University of Hawai‘i women's head basketball coach</title>

Mitchell, the ninth head coach in program history, was an assistant coach under the retired Laura Beeman at UH for seven seasons.

Khalilah Mitchell introduced as new University of Hawai‘i women's head basketball coach

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Heads up, Honolulu — popular Seattle bakery 

The business is popular for its Eastern European turnover sandwich — a Piroshky — that’s available with both sweet and savory fillings.

The bakery will be bringing its bestseller pastries to 

 on June 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. While this still more than a month away, customers can already place their pre-orders. The business’s full menu will be available for 

, so there’s a wide variety to choose from.

“We chose to partner with Honolulu Beerworks because it felt like a great fit,” says marketing lead JD Toves. “They’re a local, family-oriented business like us, and the idea of pairing craft beer with our handcrafted pastries just made sense.”

Piroshky Piroshky’s best-selling pastries include the chocolate cream hazelnut roll ($6), beef and cheese Piroshky ($8), potato and cheese Piroshky ($7), cinnamon cardamom braid ($6) and smoked salmon pate Piroshky ($8).

[{"type":"text","text":"Here’s how the Piroshky Piroshky pick-up works:"}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Pre-orders must be accepted by June 9 at 11 a.m."}]

Piroshky Piroshky pop-up at Honolulu Beerworks

Piroshky Piroshky pastries 042126

<title>Seattle-based Piroshky Piroshky is popping up in Honolulu</title>

The Eastern European bakery’s flagship location is in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. It’s bringing its popular pastries to Honolulu Beerworks on June 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. While this event is in June, customers can already place pre-orders.

Seattle-based Piroshky Piroshky is popping up in Honolulu

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

Ready to make plans for the weekend? Here are a few of the events happening on Oʻahu this weekend. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Friday, April 24"}]

Catch the final shows of “Blu’s Hanging.”

 The production is based on the coming-of-age novel by Lois-Ann Yamanaka and is on stage now at Kumu Kahua Theatre. The story follows a Hansen’s Disease survivor as he mourns the death of his wife and struggles to provide for their kids. Shows run Thursday through Sunday with the last performance on this Sunday, April 26. Tickets start at $28, plus fees. Get a 20% discount with the code "MOLOKAI" at checkout. There are also discounts for group orders and seniors. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Saturday, April 25"}]

The 2026 Waikīkī Spam Jam Festival returns this year with more than 40 food and retail booths. The event features food vendors with a 

creative line-up of dishes featuring Spam

, including nachos, manapua and gelato. There will also be a Spam-themed drone show and limited-edition OluKai slippers. Check out Aloha State Daily’s booth where you can play games and win prizes, including a plushie of our mascot, the pueo. 

Enjoy live music, rides for keiki, resource booths, ʻono food and local crafts at the ʻEwa Fest at Hoalauna Park. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free for keiki and kūpuna who show IDs. There will be food vendors and craft booths. 

Love cars? And coffee? Combine them with this event hosted by the ʻOhana Motorsports Foundation. There are 350 spaces, so RSVP online. There will be food, coffee and snack options on site at the Ko’olau Center, located on Oʻahu’s Windward side. 

Catch Ho'onua'a live at Moani Waikīkī. Christian Yrizarry and Jared Keo, the voices behind Ho'onua'a, recently released new music. The duo also performed at the 

 concert on Oct. 25, 2025. Pre-sale tickets for the upcoming show are $20. Seating is first-come, first-served. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the one-night only show. Limited VIP and bottle service is available. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sunday, April 26"}]

The recent storm led to evacuation orders for residents of Haleʻiwa and Waialua. It 

. Senior Editor Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros compiled this guide for 

, including the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Foundation’s Hawaiʻi Flood Response Fund, which has an 

anonymous donor matching gifts up to $100,000. 

 Still need to make plans for Mother’s Day coming up Sunday, May 10? Aloha State Daily’s Food and Dining Reporter Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can help. Check out the guide to 

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day – part 2

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Waikiki Spam Jam 2026 Waikiki Shokudo 041526

<title>Spam Jam, ʻEwa Fest and more: Your guide to this weekend on Oʻahu</title>

Ready to make plans for the weekend? Aloha State Daily has you covered. From Spam Jam to ʻEwa Fest, there are plenty of family friendly events happening on Oʻahu this weekend.

Spam Jam, ʻEwa Fest and more: Your guide to this weekend on Oʻahu

Hawaiian Council has announced its Aloha in Action Benefit Concert to raise funds for those impacted by the 

, which caused widespread flooding and damage across the state.

, alongside internationally recognized artist 

It is set to take place on Thursday, April 23, at the Ko Olina Grand Lawn, which is adjacent to Ulua Lagoon 4. The event starts at 5 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

All proceeds from the concert will go to 

, which provides direct assistance and resources to those impacted by the floods.

“During times like this, we come together as a community,” said Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of the Hawaiian Council, in a written statement. “We are seeing firsthand the impact on families, and we are focused on supporting them and helping communities recovery, while showing what it means to truly kākoʻo one another. As a Native Hawaiian organization, it is our kuleana to rise up and take care of Hawaiʻi and its people.”

The recent storm led to evacuation orders for residents of Haleʻiwa and Waialua. It 

This event is a non-alcoholic, family friendly concert with music and cultural performances that will feature food and merchandise vendors.

Here is the tentative line-up of acts, which is subject to change:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"5 p.m. The Mākaha Sons"}]

5:45 p.m. Amy Hānaialiʻi & Osorio ʻOhana

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"6:30 p.m. Jason Momoa & Öof Tatatá"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"7:15 p.m. Three Plus"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"8 p.m. Jack Johnson & Kimié Miner"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"8:45 p.m. The Green"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"9:30 p.m. Kolohe Kai"}]

Jack Johnson and his wife, Kim, are based on the North Shore. Earlier this month, they announced a 

commitment of $500,000 for flood recovery

, is a Kapolei-based nonprofit that focuses its programs on business incubation, housing, policy, tourism and workforce development to support Native Hawaiians.

It is produced by Hawaiian Council and led by a Native Hawaiian creative team that includes Kipe Ebana, 

, Tiana Nonosina and Kayla Faʻamaligi. Through a partnership with Ko Olina Resort — which includes Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa; Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina; Beach Villas at Ko Olina; Ko Olina Golf Club; Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club; and Ko Olina Marina — Hawaiian Council will have 

use of the land for the lūʻau, the marina that supports the lūʻau, and a parking area for 18 months free of rent

Tickets are $25 for keiki who are 12 years old and younger. General admission is $50. VIP tickets, which include preferred seating and a benefit T-shirt and lanyard are $100. 

The Mākaha Sons and Henry Kapono

<title>Benefit concert with Jason Momoa, Jack Johnson, Kolohe Kai, The Green and more</title>

Hawaiian Council has teamed up with nine acts, including The Mākaha Sons and others, to host a benefit for those impacted by the recent Kona Low Storms. The list of performers includes artists who are regular headliners at various events.

Benefit concert with Jason Momoa, Jack Johnson, Kolohe Kai, The Green and more

, the award-winning contemporary Japanese restaurant from New York, is celebrating its grand opening tonight at 

. The restaurant rose to fame as the first hand roll bar in New York in 2015, and now offers everything from hand rolls and nigiri to a la carte dishes and its signature Domokase (DOMODOMO’s omakase).

The brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary on the East Coast, and has other locations in Jersey City and Dallas. The Hawaiʻi location is open to the public starting tonight for dinner. 

i is to create a space that feels both familiar and fresh — one that connects our East Coast roots with the Pacific’s welcoming spirit,” states Brian Kim, co-founder and DOMODOMO executive chef. Kim is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with more than 20 years of experience.

i’s design features natural light and warm wood textures. The 3,000-square-foot restaurant boasts panoramic views of the ocean and golf course.

The extensive menu goes beyond hand rolls. You’ll find izakaya-style appetizers, sushi, katsu sets, rice and noodle dishes and a la carte hot dishes. 

The menu is inspired by popular Japanese and Korean comfort foods.

No visit to DOMODOMO is complete without trying the brand’s popular hand rolls. The hand roll combo ($24 for four pieces) includes spicy tuna, salmon cream cheese, spicy crab and shrimp tempura.

Sushi and sashimi options are plentiful, ranging from yellowtail crudo ($26) and chef

’s choice sashimi plate ($38) to a variety of rolls (shrimp tempura, salmon cream cheese, spicy crab and more). If you want a sampler, go for the chef’s choice sushi plate ($32), which features eight assorted nigiri.

During dinner, the eatery even offers a sushi and hand roll course ($42). It includes yellowtail crudo, chef’s choice of premium sushi, and choice of two hand rolls.

Appetizers range from shrimp yuzu salad ($16) and fried corn ribs ($14) to menchi katsu ($14), truffle salt French fries ($12) and fried kanikama ($14). The fried corn ribs are topped with corn cheese powder and shio kombu. We especially enjoyed the crispy fried kanikama (crab), which was topped with nori powder and served with smoked aioli.

Katsu sets include rice, cabbage salad and miso soup; choose from pork loin ($24), pork tenderloin ($24) or ebi katsu ($25).

Hot entrees are also served with rice, cabbage salad and miso soup (the NY-style smashburger with fries is an exception). Options include miso black cod with kabocha puree ($28), spicy pork bulgogi ($25) and tteokgalbi loco moco ($23). The latter features tender tteokgalbi (minced beef short rib patties) over rice with savory brown gravy and a sunny-side up egg.

The Korean-style chirashi bowl is a colorful medley of seasonal fish, tobiko, mixed vegetables, egg and yuzu chojang. The Korean fried chicken ($21) — complete with garlic soy glaze and pickled celery — is expected to be another customer favorite.

During dinner, customers can opt for the eatery’s signature Domokase ($79) experience, or its take on the chef’s choice omakase. The dining experience includes Kona kampachi, octopus, beef carpaccio, grilled seasonal fish, chef’s choice premium sushi, choice of one hand roll and choice of dessert. 

Speaking of dessert, options include sweet potato crème brulee ($13) and kakigori ($12), or Japanese-style shave ice. Choose from three flavors — strawberry, matcha or grapefruit.

i location represents a return to the essence of DOMODOMO’s spirit.

“After 10 years, bringing DOMODOMO to the Islands feels like the most natural step in our journey,” Kim states. “Hawai

i embodies harmony — between nature, culture and people. That spirit aligns perfectly with who we are as a brand.”

Open 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 4-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 4-9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays

DOMODOMO Hawaii owners 111925

<title>DOMODOMO Hawaiʻi is open in ‘Ewa Beach</title>

The contemporary Japanese restaurant from New York — known for its hand roll bar — is open in 360° Ewa Beach Country Club. DOMODOMO New York was featured on the MICHELIN Guide’s Bib Gourmand list from 2017 through 2023. Here’s what you’ll find at its new Hawaiʻi location.

DOMODOMO Hawaiʻi is open in ‘Ewa Beach

Kalani Akana Cultural D opt

Kalani Akana, Ph.D., is a kumu of hula, oli and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. He has authored numerous articles on Indigenous ways of knowing and doing. 

Kalani Akana

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