Latest News
News
Hamada: Tourism on the rocks
We said we wanted fewer visitors and our wish was granted — and now revenue is dropping. Where do we go from here?
Rick HamadaOctober 01, 2026
Global golf star Lydia Ko looks to reach new milestone in Hawai‘i
Ko, the 2021 Lotte champion, looks to replicate her success from five years ago at Hoakalei Country Club and has a chance to make some history in the process.
Christian ShimabukuOctober 01, 2026
City compost program grows islandwide
Thousands of Oʻahu residents can now put food waste in their green compost carts, thanks to The City and County of Honolulu's expanded its GROW program.
Haley LehmanOctober 01, 2026
Lego bricks inspire sky-high imagination on display at Bishop Museum
The sky might be the limit for this Lego enthusiast, who is a Hawaiian Airlines engineer and after work creates custom-built aircraft currently on display as part of the museum’s special exhibit “Aloha Bricks '26: Stories of Hawaiʻi.”
Katie HellandOctober 01, 2026
Former Congresswoman Pat Saiki dead at 96
Flags to fly at half-staff this weekend to honor the state's first Republican delegate
Michael BrestovanskyOctober 01, 2026
Bidding on this online auction benefits Native Hawaiians through college scholarships
JoNelle Sood, a Kanaka Maoli who was born, raised and resides in California, founded Ho‘omau Foundation in 2020 to provide scholarships, mentorship and networking opportunities to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students pursuing higher education. She shares more details about the organization’s fundraising silent auction that runs through Oct. 2, which is the same day as its gala in Northern California. Tickets to the event are sold out, though, sponsorship opportunities remain.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosOctober 01, 2026
Maui Frozen features affordable, chilled treats
The business, which specializes in Maui slush and pineapple scoop ice, originated as a food truck in 2024 and recently opened its first storefront in Kīhei. According to Maui Frozen owner Jason Kashtan, all desserts do not feature any dyes, flavorings or extracts, or high fructose corn syrup, and are kept at a $4.75 price point to serve the community.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 01, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Limiting the wrong terms
It's an election year, and some people are running on the popular idea that legislators and Congress should have term limits to prevent lifers from working the system. ASD Editor in Chief A. Kam Napier argues this is a great idea, with the wrong target. What if it's actually the government workforce itself that needs a term limit?
A. Kam NapierOctober 01, 2026
Community Voices: Significant fuel shipments quietly head to Hawaiʻi under Jones Act waiver
Hawaiʻi has received four shipments of fuel from refineries along the U.S. Gulf Coast — something that hasn’t happened for at least two decades.
Keliʻi AkinaSeptember 30, 2026
Nori Bar has a new 'rollmakase' experience for a limited time
The hand roll restaurant’s twist on omakase includes sashimi, nigiri, hand rolls and a choice of dessert. The $85 curated menu is only available at Nori Bar’s Waikīkī location for a limited time.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 30, 2026
What Haunts Waterfront Plaza
Back in the day, when this complex was known as Restaurant Row, many of us enjoyed being pleasantly haunted by ’50s tunes at Rose City Diner or catching sight of celebrities at Black Orchid. But even then, some people were haunted by far more disturbing sights, perhaps owing to a cemetery that had been at the same location long ago.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiSeptember 30, 2026
Moanalua won four state titles: Who paid?
In 2012, a parent accused a Roosevelt coach of kissing a 13-year-old wrestler. The next year, Moanalua hired him and he won four state titles. ASD columnist Sterling Higa on idolatry, mandated reporting, and the trophy case nobody wants to look inside.
Sterling HigaSeptember 30, 2026
Walk, feast, and party: What to do on Oʻahu this weekend
From the Hawaiʻi Walk & Roll to Cure ALS to First Friday celebrations and Hawaiʻi Children & Youth Day, there are lots of events happening on Oʻahu this weekend.
Katie HellandSeptember 30, 2026
A silent constitutional amendment for the courts
One of the things you'll be asked to decide as a voter in the general election is whether or not the State Constitution should be changed to give the state Senate more time to review people nominated to be judges. ASD political historian Perry Arrasmith explains how this got on the ballot and what the change could mean for the judicial system.
Perry ArrasmithSeptember 30, 2026
This biz showcases authentic paella
Santi's Paella, which officially opened last year, is known for its paella, which is always cooked fresh on-site. Customers can find Santi’s Paella at farmers markets and events across Oʻahu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 29, 2026
San Jose State and its familiar faces return home to Hawaiʻi for UH football matchup
The Spartans — who feature multiple players and coaches from the Islands including Craig Stutzmann, Ken Niumatalolo and Luke Weaver — will play a desperate Rainbow Warriors squad at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
Christian ShimabukuSeptember 29, 2026
Aloha Beer Co.’s Oktoberfest celebration is coming
The event, which is from 5 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 2 at the Kakaʻako brewery, is open to the public and free to attend. Attendees can look forward to giant steins, a seasonal Aloha Fest Bier, German-inspired dishes, dancing and more. A limited number of VIP tickets are also available for the event.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 29, 2026
Hawaiian Airlines to launch Leihōkū
The Leihōkū experience will be anchored by updates to Hawaiian's Airbus A330 fleet.
Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 29, 2026
'Archives change lives': Archives Month kicks off this week
The Hawaiʻi State Archive kicks off American Archives Month on Thursday with a five-week long virtual program about Waikīkī. Aloha State Daily sat down with State Archivist Adam Jansen to learn more.
Haley LehmanSeptember 29, 2026
The Hawaiʻi GOP’s real problem isn’t its platform
Today, a party that runs on “faith, family, freedom” has a lieutenant governor candidate who traces mankind to the kalo plant. ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa on why civic renewal in Hawaiʻi starts with what we worship, and why the greatest Hawaiian statesman — Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli) — is the proof.
Sterling HigaSeptember 29, 2026
UPDATED: Woman arrested for weekend Kailua shooting
Photos and videos from the Kailua Fall Festival have helped identify alleged shooter Sunday at the Target in Kailua. On Monday, HPD also named the victim: 30-year-old Thomas Malone, the son of Michael Buntenbah, who owns the Defend Hawai‘i clothing brand. Malone had a decorated athletic career during high school, having played football, soccer and track and field at Kaiser High School.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 29, 2026
Rainbow Drive-In is celebrating 65 years with $6.50 chili plates
The eatery is offered discounted chili plates on Friday, Oct. 2, all day at its Kapahulu location and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Pearlridge Center location. Customers will also have the chance to win prize giveaways and meet Rainbow Drive-In third generation owner Chris Iwamura. The business’s 65th anniversary shirts will also be for sale starting that day at its Kapahulu location and online.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 29, 2026
Lumpia on menu at Consolidated Theatres
“Forgotten Island," an animated film by DreamWorks about best friends, is bringing Filipino food to local movie goers at concessions across Consolidated Theatres on Oʻahu through this weekend.
Katie HellandSeptember 29, 2026
Former wrestling coach arrested for child porn
Sean Sakaida, 44, was arrested Thursday for receiving and possessing explicit photos of one of his former wrestling students, after someone tipped off the FBI about a possible inappropriate relationship between an adult and a minor earlier this year. If convicted, Sakaida faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a maximum of 20 years, along with possible fines of up to $250,000.
Michael BrestovanskySeptember 29, 2026