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Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

Given its location, the University of Hawai‘i football team is annually the sport's most 

 squad. In 2025, the Rainbow Warriors could also be one of the most well-rested by the time the regular season is over.

Due to a unique quirk in the team's 2025 schedule, the Rainbow Warriors will have three bye weeks, all of which come after the regular season's halfway point. The first came after the team's 

. The 'Bows are currently in their second bye week of the season after clinching bowl eligibility in a 

Hawai‘i's last bye week of the regular season will come after its penultimate home game on Nov. 8 against San Diego State. Each bye week for the Rainbow Warriors will come after two games, allowing the team's coaching staff to plan ahead in hopes of having the players peak at season's end.

"The timing kind of helped us out. We had to go through our gauntlet of things early on, and I thought we came out as healthy as you could. It just gives us an opportunity to get healthy again," head strength and conditioning coach 

 said after Friday's practice. "Give us everything you got for two games, and then we'll take care of you. It's been unique, because I haven't really seen a lot of those where it's been set up like this, but it's really in our favor and we just got to take advantage of this."

While the wear and tear of a game week is physically strenuous for the Rainbow Warriors, the bye weeks provide more time for the players to get in the weight room and maintain muscle.

Thomas, who is in his first year with the program, credits Chang and the university for investing in technology such as 

Kinexon vests that provide key metrics for players. Some data points, such as speed tracking, showed that running back Landon Sims is one of the team's fastest players at 22 miles per hour despite being one of the heaviest offensive skill players at 220 pounds. 

"As far as that stuff goes, you're able to see, OK, (a given player) didn't really touch his numbers today. We know what everybody's true player load is of what they can handle. They have a max number that they've hit. Now we can kind of watch and monitor, OK, hey, we need to be able to touch 85% of that today, this is a go day. Or, OK, this is a light day, we need to stay below 50%.

"We have our days where they need to touch 90% of speed in order to help maintain the hamstring strength and stuff like that. We can see change of direction, how many cuts to the right, how many cuts to the left, monitor those things as well. So, I mean, there's so many metrics, it's unbelievable. I can't thank coach Timmy and this in the university enough. It's a financial burden, but it shows the investment. They already had a plan in place."

When asked about Thomas' contributions to the program, Chang said "Bobby Thomas has done an unbelievable job for us. He's giving us his life's work and there's really a true alignment from me to him and the rest of our coaches and our players. During this bye week, it's a balance between us playing football and getting our bodies ready to just continue to be better."

While the bye weeks will help the Rainbow Warriors physically, players on the team also believe the idle weekends will benefit them in additional ways. 

"Especially in the phase that we have now, two games, bye week, two games, bye week, it helps us a lot," co-captain and standout left guard Zhen Sotelo said. "It helps us get our bodies back, and it helps us stay on top of school as well. We got to do a good job at being student-athletes. ... I feel like the bye weeks are great times for us to just reconnect as players as well, because in this time of the season, we get so caught up in just being athletes and stuff and lose the personal side of it. So, these bye weeks bring us closer together as brothers, and that's what we need."

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Hawaii Football 102425

<title>Hawai‘i football team utilizing unique 2025 schedule to its advantage</title>

The Rainbow Warriors are in the second of their three bye weeks in the 2025 regular season, all of which have come after the halfway point of six games.

Hawai‘i football team utilizing unique 2025 schedule to its advantage

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

 a documentary that looks at the behind-the-scenes lives of students who work at the Polynesian Cultural Center, is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

The film opened in Consolidated Theatres in Hawai’i on Friday, Aug. 29.

“We’re honored to share ‘Sharing Aloha’ with an even wider audience through Prime Video,” said Alfred Grace, president and CEO of the Polynesian Cultural Center, in a written statement. “This film offers a heartfelt look at the people and purpose behind the PCC, and we hope it inspires viewers to connect with the values of aloha that guide everything we do.”

Leading up to the launch on Amazon Prime Video, the documentary also had showings on the Mainland. Several of the students featured in the film are part of PCC’s signature show, “Hā: Breath of Life,” and talk about getting ready for performances and balancing work with being a student.

“This film has already made a huge impact on those who had a chance to watch it,” said Blair Treu, the film’s producer and director, in a written statement. “We hope those who are watching from home can feel that same impact of strength, joy and aloha that was captured in this film.”

The movie is free for those who have Amazon Prime subscriptions. 

Viewers have the chance to win a free trip for two to Hawai’i if they watch the movie within 48 hours of its release, take a selfie or screenshot while watching and post to their Instagram stories and tag @SharingAlohaTheMovie with the hashtag #WatchSharingAloha. The post must be made by 3 p.m. HST on Saturday, Oct. 25. For more information, go to 

Polynesian Cultural Center

<title>“Sharing Aloha” now streaming on Amazon Prime Video</title>

This documentary, filmed almost entirely on O’ahu, is now headed for an international streaming service: Amazon Prime Video. Learn more about the film, which was showing in Consolidated Theatres in August.

“Sharing Aloha” now streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Thanksgiving is coming up on Thursday, Nov. 27. Whether you’re dining out or looking for an at-home feast, check out the following options:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"53 By The Sea"}]

: 53 By The Sea is offering standard ($275) and deluxe ($650) Thanksgiving packages. The standard package includes a half turkey, twice-baked potatoes, mushroom and leek bread pudding, frisee salad (apple, beets, farro, spiced orange vinaigrette), roasted squash with honey macadamia nuts and pomegranate, pineapple-cranberry sauce, gravy and ‘ulu custard pie. The deluxe package includes a full turkey, standing rib roast (6 pounds bone-in), kalo au gratin, twice baked potatoes, mushroom and leek bread pudding, frisee salad, roasted squash, pineapple-cranberry sauce, gravy, ‘ulu custard pie and pomegranate tiramisu.

Limited quantities available; preorder online. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Artizen by MW"}]

 888 Kapi‘olani Blvd. Ste. 102, Honolulu

: The turkey dinner “bento” meal ($39) includes organic free-range turkey, truffle smashed potatoes, yuzu kosho cranberry sauce, Arabiki sausage stuffing, roasted vegetable medley and MW chocolate cake. Preorder online at 

: Nov. 27, pick-up from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Big City Diner"}]

: The eatery’s Thanksgiving Big Meal to-go ($159.99) includes a fresh roasted half turkey (5-6 pounds cooked), 1.5-pound Portuguese sausage stuffing, 2 pounds famous garlic smashed potatoes, 2 pounds chef’s homemade giblet gravy, 1.5 pound baked cane sugar cinnamon sweet potatoes, sweet roasted corn with real butter, cranberry Maui pineapple relish, and eight pieces of Grandma’s macadamia nut pumpkin crunch.

Big City Diner’s oven roasted turkey special ($27.99) will also be served from 10 a.m. until sold out. It includes fresh roasted turkey with Portuguese sausage stuffing, chef’s homemade giblet gravy smothered on garlic smashed potatoes, cranberry Maui pineapple relish, baked cane sugar cinnamon sweet potatoes, and Grandma’s Mauna Loa macadamia nut pumpkin crunch with real whipped cream for dessert. 

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

: Hard Rock Café’s Thanksgiving menu (starting at $35.99 per adult, $12.95 per child) includes a seasonal autumn apple fizz cocktail, traditional slow-roasted turkey and gravy, creamy sweet potato mash and seasonal roasted vegetables, housemade cranberry sauce, and fresh apple cobbler or pumpkin pie for dessert.

The Thanksgiving menu will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

: Hy’s Thanksgiving ‘Ohana feast-to-go ($585) is designed to serve eight to 10 people. It includes:

: Pick-up 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 27 (select time when you preorder online)

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Jolene’s Hawaiʻi"}]

: These turkey ($220) or brisket ($280) feasts are designed to feed six to eight people. The turkey feast includes a 17-pound roasted turkey, stuffing and gravy, mashed potatoes and gravy, 24 pieces of gau gee and hot mustard, 24 dinner rolls, chicken salad and dressing, and pumpkin pie. The brisket feast includes a 6-pound, 18-hour smoked brisket, housemade barbecue sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, 24 dinner rolls, 24 pieces of gau gee and hot mustard, chicken salad and dressing, and pumpkin pie.

A la carte add-ons like smoked pulled pork, smoked brisket and candied pork belly are also available. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Little Sparrow"}]

: Little Sparrow’s Thanksgiving takeaway feast ($85 per person) is designed for customers to simply reheat at home. Each dish includes easy heat and serve instructions. It includes:

[{"type":"text","text":"Preorders accepted until Nov. 15."}]

: Pickup from 1 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 26 and 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 27

888 Kapi‘olani Blvd. Suite 201, Honolulu

: MW Restaurant’s Thanksgiving family feast ($695) is takeout only and is designed to feed six to eight people. It includes Brandt beef prime grade prime rib, organic free-range turkey breast and leg meat, smoked Kurobuta pork, miso honey glazed butterfish with taegu salad, truffle smashed potatoes, Arabiki sausage stuffing, yuzu kosho cranberry salad, farmer salad, and an 8-inch pumpkin crunch cheesecake. 

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

: The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach, 

: This family-style Thanksgiving menu ($99 per adult, $49 for children ages 6-12 years) features seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. It includes sweet potato casserole, Ho Farms kale and tomato strata, herb-roasted turkey breast with Small Kine Farms mushroom and turkey gravy, crispy honey walnut Mountain View Farms pork belly with cranberry and fig chutney, Hy’s signature mashed potatoes, corn bread with honey-herb butter, seasonal roasted vegetables, Egan’s pumpkin crepe roll cake, and housemade spiced apple doughnuts. 

: Tanioka’s Thanksgiving package ($284.95) is designed to feed four to six people. It includes sliced roast turkey, turkey gravy, housemade stuffing, pineapple-glazed ham, garlic mashed potatoes, spicy ‘ahi on sushi rice, fresh cranberry sauce and pumpkin crunch squares. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Zippy’s Restaurants"}]

: Zippy’s is offering pre-cooked whole or half turkey packages, plus pumpkin and custard pies.

Whole turkey packages ($204.95 online, $224.95 via store and phone) are designed to serve eight to 10 people (allow 2 to 2.5 hours reheating). They include a 10-12 pound turkey, 3 pounds of stuffing, 4 pounds of mashed potatoes, 4 pounds of poultry gravy, 1 pound of cranberry/pineapple relish and 12 King’s Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls.

Half turkey packages ($119.95 online, $129.95 via store and phone) are designed to serve four to five people (allow 1 to 1.5 hours reheating). They include a 5-6 pound turkey, 1.5 pounds of stuffing, 2 pounds of mashed potatoes, 2 pounds of poultry gravy, a half pound of cranberry/pineapple relish, and six King’s Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls.

Customers can receive a $25 promotional money coupon with every whole turkey package, or a $10 promotional money coupon with every half turkey package (the coupon will be included with your order at pickup and expires on Jan. 31, 2026). 

: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 26 and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 27 (excluding Hilo)

Thanksgiving part 1 53 By the Sea 102225

<title>Where to go for Thanksgiving 2025 – part 1</title>

Celebrate turkey day with these dine-in and takeout experiences.

Where to go for Thanksgiving 2025 – part 1

 is opening at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort in early 2026.

, the resort’s signature fine dining restaurant, will conclude service in the first quarter of next year to prepare for the new restaurant. Since its opening about 30 years ago, Hoku’s has been a staple in Hawaiʻi’s fine dining landscape. The eatery has been known for its attentive service and refined approach to regional flavors.

A founding figure of Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine, James Beard Award-winning chef Alan Wong will be a consultant to guide the restaurant’s menu development and opening. The restaurant’s revamped concept will highlight a curated selection of signature dishes from Wong’s popular King Street restaurant.

Alan Wong’s first opened its King Street location in 1995. The restaurant was known for its innovative use of local ingredients and refined island hospitality, and it helped shaped Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine. The restaurant was ranked twice by 

 among America’s Top 50, and Wong has been named “Master of Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine” by 

. The King Street restaurant closed in November 2020, after 25 years of operation.

“What I look forward to most is welcoming back guests who have made cherished memories at our King Street restaurant and inspiring new moments of connection and celebration in this new era at The Kahala,” states chef Alan Wong. “It’s an honor — and in many ways, a full circle moment — to call The Kāhala our new home.”

Chef Joe Almoguera, the resort’s current executive sous chef, will be promoted to executive chef of the resort. Mark Shishido, general manager of the Pineapple Room by Alan Wong and beverage director at Alan Wong’s King Street location, will be the general manager of the new restaurant.

“For more than six decades, The Kāhala has been defined by timeless luxury, gracious service, unforgettable experiences and a legacy of aloha,” states Joe Ibarra, general manager of The Kāhala Hotel & Resort. “This transition is not an ending — it’s an evolution. After nearly 30 years of exception culinary experiences at Hoku’s, welcoming Alan Wong’s represents both a return to our roots and a bold step forward in celebrating Hawaiʻi’s extraordinary culinary heritage.”

Chef Alan Wong headshot 102325

<title>Alan Wong’s is opening at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort</title>

The eatery will be replacing Hoku’s as the new signature restaurant at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort in early 2026.

Alan Wong’s is opening at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort

[{"type":"text","text":"The newest Halloween pop-up opened recently in Honolulu."}]

 is located in the former Surfers Bakery space in Ala Moana Center. The Halloween-themed pop-up bar is open daily from 6 p.m. to midnight until Oct. 31. Individuals must be 21 years or older to enter.

The pop-up features a spooky, bewitching Halloween theme. It’s not as gory as its sister pop-up, 

The different sections of the pop-up have various themes. The right side features a scary pumpkin patch.

Meanwhile, the left side of the pop-up is inspired by a vampire’s lair. The middle section boasts an impressive pumpkin display.

The pictures along the wall are inspired by the 

, located at Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village in Waipahu. The bar area features a graveyard-like set-up. If you look closely, the back wall features “poison bottles,” set up to look like an apothecary.

Ghost Bar features a variety of festive drinks, including witches’ brew ($15), slasher sour ($15), Hocus Pocus ($15), syringe shots ($12) and blood punch cauldron ($45).

Hocus Pocus ($15) features Butterbeer and Tanduay Especia with a whipped topping. The blood punch cauldron ($45) is designed to share and features a mix of passion fruit, orange and guava puree with Kōloa Kaua

Syringe shots ($12) feature Green River, Blue Vanilla or Bubble Gum with a choice of Tito’s, Jameson or Espolon Blanco.

Like the Nightmare Honolulu pop-up, Ghost Bar will have a DJ every Friday and Saturday night starting from 9 p.m.

Ghost Bar pumpkin patch 102025

<title>Ghost Bar Halloween pop-up just opened</title>

Located in Ala Moana Center — in the former Surfers Bakery space — Ghost Bar features a spooky, bewitching Halloween theme.

Ghost Bar Halloween pop-up just opened

Government & Politics

There are so many people who simply hate President Donald Trump and their sentiments was on display at the recent “No Kings/Dictator” rallies across the state and the nation.

I know there may be some that take exception to that statement, but let’s be honest. The speech and messaging during the rallies targeted the president professionally, personally and politically.

I believe in the right of free speech which was visibly and audibly on display at the rallies. People of all ages and all lifestyles were in attendance expressing their messages. Agree or disagree with the messages; we should uphold and defend the right to freedom of speech.

However, the First Amendment right to free speech does not define that speech be anything other than free. That is where our legislative and judicial branches of government weigh in. There are provisions within our laws that have legal consequences for certain speech.

[{"type":"text","text":"That’s slander in the spoken word and libel in the written word."}]

Slander is the act of making a false, spoken statement that damages someone's reputation. It is a form of 

 (written defamation). To be considered slander, a statement must be untrue, communicated to a third party, and cause harm to the individual's reputation, though the extent of proof required can vary depending on the circumstances.

Despite this definition and available legal instrument, we’re confronted publicly and privately with statements that are untrue and with clear intent to harm. This dynamic was found in the “No Kings/Dictator” rallies, and it can be argued that this occurs on all sides.

Nearly 7 million nationally with approximately 22,000 statewide literally took to the streets in protest. While there were expressions of grave concern for our nation, many others were celebratory being vulgar and obscene for the sake of vulgarity and obscenity.

Naiveté would assume there would be nothing less given the tone and tenor of our society today.

Good decorum and proper etiquette prevent me from sharing the sordid details, but the obscene F word followed by Trump seems to be a favorite. What was surprising was that these provocative images and others were on full display in front of children and families here at home and across the country. Apparently, the ends justify the means which is to generationally imprint youth with a hatred and disdain for President Trump and Republicans.

Finally, I do commend the organizers for turning out impressive numbers. But we must consider this was far from a “grassroots” effort.

is a part of a national organization founded in 2016 to oppose Trump and, by extension, his voters. The group itself says it aims "to defeat the Trump agenda of racism, misogyny, and authoritarianism," and claims to have 11 chapters across the state.

The national umbrella group, Indivisible Project, boats a nearly $12 million budget from a variety of leftist organizations and individuals, according to 

. It has received since its inception a total of $7.6 million in funding from the George Soros “Open Society Foundations” including a $2.3 million, 2-year grant in 2023, according to 

If you’re not familiar with George Soros he is renowned for his ultra-support of the Democrat party, candidates and non-profits who oppose Republicans and specifically President Donald Trump. With substantial backing such as this combined with messages of fear and blame, it’s no wonder folks with a pre-disposed opposition to President Trump took to the streets.

And just in time for the mid-term campaigns to begin.

I Stock 2222331543

<title>Hamada: "No Kings" anything but grassroots</title>

A well-funded, Washington, D.C., organization supports these protests and while we can all applaud the right to free speech being celebrated in the streets, it's worth pointing out that the content of that "No Kings" speech borders on defamation and libel.

Hamada: "No Kings" anything but grassroots

Lee Wang 3 Large

As Executive Director of Housing Hawai‘i’s Future, Lee Wang leads youth-driven advocacy and education efforts to ensure Hawai‘i’s next generation can afford to live and thrive at home.

<title>Lee Wang</title>

Lee Wang

On Oct. 28, Housing Hawai‘i's Future will host a conversation among the seven living generations who call Hawai‘i home, because housing — and Hawai‘i's lack of affordable housing — affects everyone. Come join the conversation.

Lee Wang

Latest from Lee Wang

Community Voices: With housing, let's have an intergenerational conversation

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