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Matsumoto’s Okazuya by JV Kitchen is giving out free chow fun
The Kalihi okazuya is giving out complimentary chow fun with every purchase on Aug. 1 to celebrate its first anniversary under new ownership. Business owners Vanessa Pascua and Jay Palma also recently updated the business’s menu and renovated the okazuya interior.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 22, 2026
New book features Hawaiʻi film spots
A new book, set to release in August, highlights the movies and television series that have been filmed on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokai, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. Written by Ed Rampell and Luis Reyes, the book explores the cinematic histories of spots across the state, including shoutouts for recent film productions, such as "Chief of War" and Disney's live-action "Moana."
Katie HellandJuly 22, 2026
Night Marchers at the Naniloa
Babe Ruth and President Franklin D. Roosevelt are among the Mainland luminaries who planted banyan trees along Banyan Drive. The history of the Hilo area surrounding the Naniloa Hotel goes back to ancient times, and as hotel staff tell it, on some nights the old days come marching through in a mist.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiJuly 22, 2026
Years later, fate leads Hawai‘i head football coach Timmy Chang back to his alma mater
Fall camp for Chang's fifth season at the helm of his alma mater is set to begin next Wednesday, a role he may have not been in had it not been for a key decision years earlier.
Christian ShimabukuJuly 22, 2026
Iwilei acquisition advances Honolulu's long-term housing strategy
The city purchased 519 Ka‘aahi St. for $2.7 million in a sale that closed June 30. City leaders say its one of the keys that will help them unlock thousands of housing units in the area.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 22, 2026
'Get used' to new driver's licenses, says Blangiardi
New state ID cards brimming with anti-fraud features.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 22, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: The company they keep
Hawai‘i Democrats invited a special Mainland guest to their annual convention in late May, as keynote speaker. If this is their role model, ASD Editor in Chief A. Kam Napier opines, Hawai‘i is in trouble.
A. Kam NapierJuly 22, 2026
Community Voices: Why care about the Dam Special Fund
Special funds have proliferated in Hawai‘i state government, to now more than 1,800. It's to the point that the Tax Foundation of Hawai‘i says it's impossible to know how much money state government actually has. The foundation sued over one of these funds for failing to follow state constitutional limits. Here's what happened to that case.
Tom YamachikaJuly 22, 2026
The return of Hawai‘i’s Marine Affairs Coordinator
ASD political historian Perry Arrasmith noticed that the state of Hawai‘i has just created a Marine Affairs Coordinator — and it's not the first time. What will the person who gets this position do, and how is different from the last time that Hawai‘i state government created, and eventually abandoned, the same role?
Perry ArrasmithJuly 22, 2026
DKT Jesus & Coffee opens its first storefront in Wahiawā
The business — which stands for “dessert kine thingz” — has a trailer in Kapolei, but just celebrated the grand opening of its new storefront in Wahiawā. The faith-based café features drinks named after books of the Bible, according to owners Janey and Ray Decena.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 21, 2026
Hula, surf films, and more: Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 26
Ready to plan for the weekend? Aloha State Daily can help! Whether you are looking to catch the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition and Festival or watch a free movie at Queen’s Beach in Waikīkī, there are lots of options for weekend fun on Oʻahu.
Katie HellandJuly 21, 2026
Chef Chai just launched a new menu
The Kakaʻako eatery recently updated its menu based on customer feedback. Diners can now find a variety of dishes that were popular at Chai’s Island Bistro — when the eatery was at Aloha Tower — and favorites from the its monthly wine dinners.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 21, 2026
Octogenarian, city, seek settlement in suit over $600,000 fine
A federal lawsuit between Sandra May and the City and County of Honolulu over an improper rental listing is likely to end out of court.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 21, 2026
Maui's Milaniakai Padilla wins national beach volleyball honor
Padilla was named the Amateur Athletic Union's Beach Volleyball Player of the Year on Monday.
Christian ShimabukuJuly 21, 2026
Lahaina's Front Street set to reopen Aug. 1
Repairs and rebuilding in the area have been ongoing since wildfires driven by high winds struck on Aug. 8, 2023, including a blaze that destroyed much of Lahaina Town.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 21, 2026
NBC, ABC and the Trump speech: The century-old idea behind the networks’ decision
The anchors couldn’t wait for the speech to end. ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa on why the press acts like a priesthood — and why no reform will fix it.
Sterling HigaJuly 21, 2026
Here's what's new at the 32nd annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Hawaiian Airlines presents the 32nd Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival returns to Honolulu in August and organizers say it'll be the biggest festival yet, with more than 800 vendor booths spanning nearly 300,000 square feet across two nights and two full days.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 21, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Hawai‘i's election amnesia
A Civil Beat op-ed this weekend freaked out over Pres. Trump's election security speech and the SAVE Act. Memories have gotten pretty short in the Islands; however, because voting in person and showing ID to vote were uncontroversial good-government reforms that Hawai‘i Democrats themselves put in place in 1970. These reforms governed our elections reliably until Democrats changed the laws again in 2019.
A. Kam NapierJuly 21, 2026
Kyoto’s Dragon Burger is now open in Honolulu
The Japan-based burger spot — known for its gourmet wagyu patties and innovative sauces — just soft opened at Midtown Eats food hall at The Park on Keʻeaumoku. The menu is limited for now; the business will celebrate its grand opening on July 25.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 20, 2026
This Pacific Northwest-inspired coffee shop is open on Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi locals Caameron and Monica Nakasone moved back to Oʻahu from Oregon about two years ago. Their new café, Third Space Coffee, features some of their favorite flavors from the Pacific Northwest; the shop is in a shared space with Cake M in the 808 Center.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 20, 2026
Hawaiʻi Island hālau returns for Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition
Keiki from 15 hālau across the state, including Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island, will compete in the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition this week. Kumu Kenneth “Aloha” Dean Alohapumehanaokalā Victor shares how he helps the students of Hālau Kala’akeakauikawēkiu embrace fun and dream big.
Katie HellandJuly 20, 2026
Lawsuit against Hawai‘i's chief election officer could go to U.S. Supreme Court
Virginia-based Public Interest Legal Foundation sued Chief Election Officer Scott Nago over access to state voter registration data in 2023.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 18, 2026
Kimo's Restaurant set to return to Lahaina's Front Street
The restaurant was among the businesses lost in the deadly August 2023 wildfire that destroyed much of West Maui community.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 18, 2026
Hawai‘i women's volleyball releases 2026 schedule, announces assistant coach changes
The Rainbow Wahine will open their season on Aug. 28 against Georgia Southern.
Christian ShimabukuJuly 17, 2026