Latest News
News
Top 15 Aloha Spirit stories from 2025
Here are the most-read Aloha Spirit stories for 2025 ranked by page views. This year, local leaders envisioned new community spaces; individuals offered support to local families and organizations via GoFundMe; a longtime cultural exchange welcomed four orphans from Osaka, Japan, to O’ahu for two weeks; and more.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 31, 2025
Electric buses, new express routes debut Monday on Kaua‘i
The county debuts its first battery-electric buses alongside new express routes connecting Anahola and Waimea.
Daniel FarrDecember 31, 2025
Tonkatsu Kuro added new dishes to its menu
The new combo sets — which include perilla soba, spicy tsuyu soba and tenderloin and shrimp katsu — are inspired by Korean flavors. Customers can also now enjoy Suntory premium malts and Kirin Ichiban, which are poured using the eatery’s new Hoshizaki draft beer machine.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 31, 2025
Disembodied voices at Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel
Spirits ancient and modern have been heard and seen in the hallways and kitchens of this hotel, named for King David Kalākaua’s gracious wife.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiDecember 31, 2025
Aloha 1st Athletics hands out hundreds of toys in Pālolo Valley during Christmas Eve
The organization held a Christmas Caravan on Wednesday night.
Christian ShimabukuDecember 31, 2025
Two Big Island men arrested over firework smuggling scheme
Darrel Goo and Cy Tamura face federal charges over nearly a decade of illegally transporting fireworks into the state.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 31, 2025
Is the Big Island’s name changing? Here’s what the state says
State officials say the change from “Island of Hawaiʻi” to “Hawaiʻi” applies only to government maps and documents and does not affect common usage.
Daniel FarrDecember 31, 2025
Hamada: Remembering the late John Henry Felix and Cliff Slater
Both men, whom we lost this year, were passionately engaged in civic life. Felix as a longtime politician; Slater as a rail critic who brought facts and research to bear on the issue, back when it was projected to a cost a mere $1.8 billion.
Rick HamadaDecember 31, 2025
Behind the scenes at Fresh Island Fish and Pier 38 Fish Market
Aloha State Daily was recently invited for a tour at Fresh Island Fish. We learned more about the business’s “boat-to-table” process, watched whole ‘ahis being broken down, and got tips for sashimi-cutting.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 30, 2025
Inside look at Aloha Tofu Factory
Aloha State Daily got a behind-the-scenes tour at Aloha Tofu Factory, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this year.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 30, 2025
Community Voices: The tax side of charitable giving in Hawai‘i
Is your giving deductible, or not? It depends. The Tax Foundation of Hawai‘i has advice.
Tom YamachikaDecember 30, 2025
Your guide to the weekend: Friday, Jan. 2 – Sunday, Jan. 4
Highlights of activities on Oʻahu this weekend include opportunities for bargain shopping through Fukubukuro mystery bags, in addition to dance and yoga classes, plus a workshop that teaches how to crochet lei.
Katie HellandDecember 30, 2025
Where to go for Fukubukuro this year
Meaning “lucky bag,” Fukubukuro is Japanese New Year custom where shops and merchants offer mystery bags at discounted prices. Here are a few places to check out.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 30, 2025
Hawai‘i gets $260,000 in Mercedes-Benz emissions fraud lawsuit
Automaker settles with 48 states for $150 million.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 30, 2025
Survey seeks insights from home gardeners
The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience is conducting a home gardening survey that will help researchers develop “essential support programs.”
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 30, 2025
New restaurants opening on Oʻahu in 2026
From the return of Alan Wong’s to Liliha Bakery’s sixth location, here’s a look at O‘ahu’s dining scene in 2026.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 30, 2025
No mall at Shark’s Cove if city closes deal
Aloha State Daily spent time on the North Shore recently and heard talk of a mall development coming to Shark's Cove. But something completely different is in the works.
Daniel FarrDecember 30, 2025
The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports
UH's indoor sports will return to full force later in the week.
Christian ShimabukuDecember 29, 2025
Honolulu City Lights: last day extended
Missed the Honolulu City Lights? You can still catch them. The displays will be open to the public a few extra days this year due to “recent inclement weather,” according to representatives of the City and County of Honolulu.
Katie HellandDecember 29, 2025
New all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens in Honolulu
Sumo AYCE Sushi just opened in Azure Ala Moana. The eatery — originally from Las Vegas — offers an extensive all-you-can-eat menu, along with an a la carte menu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 29, 2025
TOUS les JOURS opens first Hawaiʻi location
The bakery soft opened today and is celebrating its grand opening on Dec. 28 to 30 with a variety of giveaways. The business — which has other stores in California, New York and Texas — is popular for its French- and Korean-inspired baked goods.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 27, 2025
Six court cases to watch in 2026
From student admissions policies to gun control laws, these are some of the biggest Hawai‘i court cases continuing into next year.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 27, 2025
Governor, Hilo community mourns death of emergency room doctor
Police have indicated that speed, alcohol and/or drugs, and reckless driving are believed to be contributing factors to the fatal crash on Saddle Road on Christmas Eve.
Daniel FarrDecember 27, 2025
BRUG Bakery to open soon in Kapolei
This is sixth location for BRUG Bakery, which is known for its soft breads and pastries made with high-quality flour from Hokkaido, Japan. The Kapolei location features exclusive cakes and an extended drink menu. The bakery’s soft opening will be soon; its grand opening will be in January 2026.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 27, 2025
Wai‘anae entrepreneur kicks off Hawai‘i-inspired boot brand
Leather and Lei debuted in October with its Lehua collection, offering made-to-order boots “inspired by Hawai‘i’s natural beauty and the resilient spirit of paniolo and cowgirl heritage."
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 27, 2025
Where to get mochi for New Year’s
A popular New Year’s food symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, mochi can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Ring in 2026 with the options below.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 27, 2025
North Shore mom launches new brand
Heather Young, owner of Pūpūkea Lux, a candle and lifestyle brand infused with intention, shares her goals for the biz in 2026, which include supporting local causes and other small businesses, as her ʻohana prepares for the arrival of twins.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 26, 2025
Arts & Entertainment's top 12 stories of 2025
Aloha State Daily rounded up some of the most-read stories in Arts & Entertainment for 2025. This year, musicians who grew up on the Islands won a Grammy, competed in “American Idol” and sang the soundtrack for Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch.” Here are the headlines that resonated most with readers.
Katie HellandDecember 26, 2025
New scholarship available for high school seniors on Kaua‘i
The Ho‘olei Scholarship will cover the first year of tuition at Kaua‘i Community College for eligible students after financial aid is applied.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 25, 2025
Punahou's Ka‘imi Fairbairn reaches NFL franchise milestone
The 2012 Punahou alumnus recently broke the record for most points scored in Houston Texans franchise history.
Christian ShimabukuDecember 25, 2025
CONGRESS WATCH: Senate votes to improve veterans' services
A host of veteran-related bills capped off Congress' pre-holiday activities.
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 25, 2025
Community Voices: Gaming this year?
Gambling that the Hawai‘i state Legislature just might explore legalized — and taxed — gambling in the upcoming session, here are some of the complications lawmakers will have to keep in mind.
Tom YamachikaDecember 25, 2025
Hawaiian Word of the Year: Kāhuli
Chosen as the 2025 Hawaiian Word of the Year by the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Ka Haka ‘Ula o Ke‘elikōlani College of Hawaiian Language, kāhuli speaks to fundamental transformation, “not surface change, but the kind of shift that reorders everything.”
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 25, 2025
KoLab offers Korean fusion brunch in Kakaʻako
KoLab — located within Okome Ten-don & Poke — is offering a brunch menu inspired by Korean flavors and street foods. It’s only available on Sundays for now, but the menu will eventually expand.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 25, 2025
Hawai‘i shocks California with historic comeback to win Hawai‘i Bowl
The Rainbow Warriors were down 21-0 in the second quarter before their improbable rally.
Christian ShimabukuDecember 25, 2025
Volunteers bring holiday cheer to IHS
For the fifth consecutive year, Hawai‘i Modern Realty (formerly Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawaiʻi Realty) spent time at The Institute for Human Services this month helping decorate for the holiday season. Realtor Ululani Nauka talks about her experiences, what it takes to plan community events and why it’s worth it.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 24, 2025
There’s a new dessert lounge at Nanzan Giro Giro
Victor’s Dessert Lounge pops up at Nanzan Giro Giro on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only. The dessert menu changes monthly and is inspired by seasonal ingredients.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 24, 2025
Kauaʻi County seeks proposals for homeless services grants
Housing Director Adam Roversi said several homeless services on Kauaʻi remain underfunded, including street outreach, emergency shelter, transitional housing, homelessness prevention and mental health services.
Daniel FarrDecember 24, 2025
Get tickets to first Wayfind Music Festival
This event at the Capitol Modern brings together kānaka voices. Featured artists include Lōʻihi Records' Pulitzer Prize-finalist Leilehua Lanzilotti and headliner T.J. Keanu Tario, as well as Grammy Award-winners Kalia Vandever and Andrew Yee.
Katie HellandDecember 24, 2025
Residual energy manifests at Ali‘i Place
More than a century ago, the site hosted stables that were burned down during an outbreak of bubonic plague. Now, it's home to the Ali‘i Place office tower. One tenant, the Prosecuting Attorney for Honolulu, is the kind of place where strong emotions leave a mark on their surroundings, resulting in eerie experiences.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiDecember 24, 2025
Sheer will vaults Jackie Johnson III into impact player for UH football team
Undersized and lightly recruited, the All-Mountain West defensive end is no longer flying under the radar.
Christian ShimabukuDecember 24, 2025
Hawai‘i Bowl experience creating new memories for past, present UH football players
A steady climb under head coach Timmy Chang has manifested into the program's most successful season of the decade. Players and coaches alike have savored the additional time with each other.
Christian ShimabukuDecember 24, 2025
What to do this weekend on O‘ahu
Looking for something to fill the between-holiday lull? Aloha State Daily has rounded up a few things to do this weekend, Friday, Dec. 26; Saturday, Dec. 27; and Sunday, Dec. 28.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 24, 2025
Hamada: Why you should vote, especially if you think it doesn't matter
Through taxes and regulations, government touches your life 24/7, from your morning coffee to the clothes on your back. Voting is one way you can stand up for yourself — and with the number of races that are quite close, your vote really does matter.
Rick HamadaDecember 24, 2025
Suspect identified in 15-year-old Kaua‘i murder case
Gregory Glaser is wanted for the 2010 suspected murder of Amber Jackson in Kapa‘a
Michael BrestovanskyDecember 24, 2025
Nonprofit plants native trees
Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative is nearly halfway toward its goal of planting 1.3 million native trees, representing one tree for every resident in the state. Executive Director Susanne Kurisu shares more about the organization’s approach to conservation and plans for the new year.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 23, 2025
26 places to party for 2026: New Year’s Eve on O’ahu
Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year! Looking to ring in 2026 on Oʻahu? Here are 26 events, listed by neighborhood, happening between ʻEwa Beach and Hawaiʻi Kai.
Katie HellandDecember 23, 2025
West Oʻahu has a new dim sum spot
West Emperor Dim Sum Restaurant just opened in Embassy Suites Kapolei. It’s a re-branding of former wagyu eatery Gyu-Masu Steak & Seafood. Restaurant owner Victor Jian has teamed up with the former chef from Legend Seafood Restaurant to bring dim sum to the West side.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 23, 2025