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Puck’s Alley has a new late-night ice cream shop
MOSA! opened its second location on South King Street. The ice cream biz is known for its shaven peanut brittle topping which comes on its desserts.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 20, 2025

Ali‘i are ever-present at Mauna ‘Ala
In October 1865, a solemn procession of ali‘i moved 21 sets of royal remains from the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace to a then-new final resting place in Nu‘uanu Valley, Mauna ‘Ala, the Royal Mausoleum.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiAugust 20, 2025

Alaska, Hawaiian airlines launch joint loyalty program
As of Aug. 20, Alaska Mileage Plan members are Atmos Rewards members while HawaiianMiles members and their miles will transition into the new loyalty program on Oct. 1
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 20, 2025

COVID lawsuit against state dismissed
Two government workers unions sued the state in 2021 over an email mistake that they alleged improperly revealed the vaccination status of workers.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 20, 2025

Hale Haukani opens at UH Mānoa
You'll find the $170 million student housing complex on the mauka side of Dole Street between the East-West Center and Mānoa stream.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 20, 2025

Catch football, surf contests, Henry Kapono, and ʻOlympics of the piano’ : Friday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 24
Ready to make weekend plans? Aloha State Daily rounded up a list of things to do. From the first football game of the season for the Rainbow Warriors to performances by Henry Kapono, here are some ideas of fun things to do on Oʻahu.
Katie HellandAugust 20, 2025

Honolulu Little League eliminated in Little League World Series
Honolulu's championship hopes came to an end against South Carolina's Irmo Little League on Tuesday.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 20, 2025

This Kapahulu izakaya now serves lunch
Izakaya Nonbei’s new lunch menu includes dishes like chicken katsu curry, soba and a mouthwatering hamburger steak.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 19, 2025

Watch animals 'born to surf' in Waikīkī
Volunteer organizer Kelli Hergert shares the history behind and what to expect this year at The Raising Cane’s Going to the Dogs SurFur ComPETition at Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest this Thursday, Aug. 21, at Kūhiō Beach. Spectators can enjoy all-day surf action by dogs, a cat and their humans.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 19, 2025

Turnout for Osaka orphans at HNL ‘unbelievable,’ says gov’t official
Four 11-year-old children from Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan, landed at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Monday met with cheering, lei giving and aloha, from dignitaries, the U.S. Army “Wolfhounds,” and local nonprofit Peace Bridge and its community supporters. These orphans will stay in Hawai’i for two weeks with military host families, while enjoying Oʻahu’s culture and attractions, promoting international peace and partnership.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 19, 2025

Clock ticking for Mauna Kea leases
Negotiations for renewing Mauna Kea observatory leases need to start soon, warns IFA director
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 19, 2025

Henry Kapono reflects on new music, ahead of concerts
The Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning singer and songwriter shared the inspiration for his well known song “Sailing,” ahead of several upcoming concerts, including a tribute to his friend Jimmy Buffett on Aug. 24. Next month, the Henry Kapono Foundation will also host its “We Are Friends” fundraiser on Sept. 28.
Katie HellandAugust 19, 2025

Budget Bites: $5.99 cold noodle lunch special at Choi’s Garden
These discounted noodles are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Korean restaurant for a limited time.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 19, 2025

Pipikaula Corner: Making elections elections again
President Donald Trump is talking about an Executive Order to end mail-in voting nationwide. Hawai‘i's Legislature voted to adopt mail-in voting in 2019, starting with the 2020 election. Arguably, we have not had a real election since then.
A. Kam NapierAugust 19, 2025

Made in Hawai‘i Festival draws nearly 70K attendees
The three-day event began Friday, Aug. 15, and ran through the weekend.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 18, 2025

Korean fried chicken biz opens a second location
E Chicken just opened in the former space of Good Chicken in the Ward neighborhood. Feast on a variety of fried chicken and Korean street food.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 18, 2025

Community Voices: No tax on overtime
Here's what the "no tax on overtime" provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will mean for your pocketbook.
Tom YamachikaAugust 18, 2025

Hawai‘i football holds inaugural Braddahhood Ball
The debut fundraiser for the Rainbow Warriors saw tens of thousands of dollars raised during a live auction on Saturday night.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 17, 2025

Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival welcomes shoppers
The three-day event began Friday and continues through the weekend. Aloha State Daily spoke with a handful of the small business owners who set up shop.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 16, 2025

This Waikīkī eatery features a new culinary experience inspired by local favorites
855-ALOHA, located in Romer House Waikīkī, just launched a new menu, spearheaded by executive chef Brad Dodson. What you’ll find: poke nori wraps, kalbi ribs and the most addicting edamame hummus.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 16, 2025

Budget Bites: Kamitoku Japanese Hot Pot’s $29.99 AYCE wagyu hot pot
This all-you-can-eat hot pot deal is from Aug. 18 to 24 during dinner only.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 15, 2025

Commuters take note: Rail construction will lead to extended lane closures
Closures are planned on Nimitz Highway and Iwilei Road as part of the Skyline rail's City Center Guideway and Stations project.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 15, 2025
Visit this museum for free on Labor Day
Hawaiʻi residents and active military can now pre-register for free tickets to tour the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, including the USS Bowfin, on Aug. 30 through Sept. 1.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 15, 2025

Little League World Series pioneers among those inducted into Hawai‘i Sports Hall of Fame
The 2005 Little League Champions were among those honored in a ceremony on Thursday evening.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 15, 2025

Victims find solace as former basketball coach Dwayne Yuen sentenced
Yuen was sentenced to over 33 years in prison on Thursday on counts of sex trafficking, producing and possessing child pornography, and sexual coercion of minors.
Michael Brestovansky & Christian ShimabukuAugust 15, 2025

HART breaks ground on next phase of Honolulu rail project
A blessing and groundbreaking ceremony was held Aug. 11 at the future site of the Ka‘ākaukukui, or Civic Center, station in Kaka‘ako for the next phase of the project, the city center guideway and stations.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 15, 2025

Need to find your way around the airport? There's an app for that
Apps for the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and the Līhu‘e Airport on Kaua‘i provide travelers a new tool to help navigate the airports and find more information.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 15, 2025

Catch the Keʻalohi International Piano Competition: free quarterfinal and semifinal performances
The winner of this competition takes home a $10,000 cash award and the top finalists perform with the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra. The contest draws pianists from around the world to O’ahu, where they are competing this month.
Katie HellandAugust 15, 2025

HCAN executive director lands city job, new interim named
After 13 years leading nonprofit Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network, Deborah Zysman will be stepping into her new role as Deputy Director for the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization on Aug. 18. Former HANO President and CEO Lisa Maruyama is serving as interim.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 14, 2025

Q&A: Honolulu Little League manager Gerald Oda
Aloha State Daily caught up with Oda before his team begins play at the 2025 Little League World Series.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 14, 2025

Arancino at The Kāhala has a new tableside tiramisu experience
This location-exclusive experience features an elevated tiramisu presentation. Plus, now’s your chance to try the Italian eatery’s new summer dishes.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 14, 2025

$125,000 air conditioners, and other DOE stories
State audit of DOE air conditioning program reveals mismanagement, waste and more.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 14, 2025

CONGRESS WATCH: Hawai‘i senator tries to halt science layoffs
Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced four bills to thwart layoffs at NASA, other federal science agencies.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 14, 2025

Hotel Molokai sold
The property was acquired for an undisclosed price in a sale that closed Aug. 6.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 14, 2025

New plans for Aloha Stadium revealed
The Aloha Stadium Authority board held a special meeting on Wednesday prior to the self-imposed Aug. 15 deadline between NASED and AHDP, where a new completion date and seating capacity were revealed.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 14, 2025

Families fast-tracked at Honolulu airport
TSA launches new initiative at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport that enhances hospitality for families traveling with keiki 12 and under. The “Families on the Fly” campaign rolled out this summer across several airports throughout the country.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 13, 2025

Auction: bid to support the Bishop Museum
E Ulu A Paʻa, an online auction to benefit the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, opens for bids at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14. The 11-day event benefits the museum and its work.
Katie HellandAugust 13, 2025

Canadian restaurant chain set to open its first Hawai‘i location
Earls Kitchen + Bar will open in Waikīkī in October. In the meantime, the restaurant is looking to fill a lot of jobs.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 13, 2025

Zippy’s Restaurants and others weigh in on Taylor Swift’s new album
Taylor Swift is in her orange era. And Hawaiʻi-based brands are joining in the fun with creative posts on social media. Aloha State Daily rounded up a few from the past 48 hours, following Swift’s announcement of a twelfth studio album: “The Life of a Showgirl.”
Katie Helland & Kady PascualAugust 13, 2025

New poke and sushi shop now open in Māpunapuna
Souza’s Fish House, which started as a seafood catering company, is now open in the former Kau Kau Grill restaurant space. Its new daily menu features sashimi donburi and poke — and local-style plates are coming soon.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 13, 2025
Beneath the moon at Alakoko
Historians say that on certain nights, the Kauaʻi fishpond is not so still, and the riverbank not so empty.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiAugust 13, 2025

Learn to line dance at Windward Mall
Every Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Kāne‘ohe, The Aloha Line Dancers Association teaches popular line dancing techniques free to the community. Instructor Bev Braun shares more about the group’s history and goals, as well as upcoming festivals and where else one can go to line dance.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 13, 2025

Meet the University of Hawai‘i's 29-year-old freshman punter
Billy Gowers left his life behind in Australia, which included a barbershop business, to pursue his NFL aspirations.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 13, 2025

UH launches officer-specific degree program
Police officers can study for an Administration of Justice degree while working full time
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 13, 2025

Business owners question Downtown improvement proposal
Town hall for proposed Downtown Honolulu Business Improvement District draws support, concerns
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 13, 2025

Goodwill Goes Glam, Made in Hawaii Festival and music: Friday, Aug. 15 through Sunday, Aug. 17
From watching musicians Paula Fuga and Tavana take the stage, to buying locally made products at the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival, there is so much happening across the Islands. Aloha State Daily rounded up a list of ideas of things to do, so you don’t have to.
Katie HellandAugust 13, 2025

Hawai‘i County seeks bids for renovations of former Hilo hospital
The century-old former Hilo Memorial Hospital needs a new roof, among other improvements, to prepare for improved services for the homeless.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 13, 2025

Aloha Collection to release Hōkūleʻa special edition bags
This brand is teaming up with the Polynesian Voyaging Society to honor the 50th birthday of Hōkūleʻa, which has inspired generations of new voyagers. The collaboration led to a group of special edition splash-proof bags, which release later this month.
Katie HellandAugust 12, 2025

Meant to BE: This coffee trailer is worth the drive to West Oʻahu
BE. owners Cody and Kaitie Miyashiro-Carvalho created their business to be a space where “kamaʻaina and kanaka can find BElonging.” Plus — find out what they’re bringing to this year’s Made in Hawaiʻi Festival.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 12, 2025

Two years later, too little rebuilding in Lahaina
Hereʻs how federal, state and county policymakers could go about speeding up the process for displaced residents and business owners.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.August 12, 2025

Texas de Brazil is starting a new $1 mimosa brunch special
This $1 mimosa deal starts Aug. 16 at the all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse. Plus, kamaʻāina can score a 20% discount on Tuesdays from 5 to 9 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 11, 2025

University of Hawai‘i drops PPV as part of one-year deal with Spectrum Sports
Spectrum Sports will not charge local fans extra to tune in to UH football games this fall, among other conditions in its new one-year deal.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 11, 2025

Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement gets a new name
After more than two decades as the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, the nonprofit has a new name, which replaces five words with just two.
Katie HellandAugust 11, 2025

Conservation easement protects 74 acres of Hilo farmland
The Pu‘u‘eo Mauka conservation easement protects about 74.3 acres of land along the Wailuku River and Rainbow Falls that the Keolanui family, co-founders of O.K Farms, have cared for and stewarded for more than 20 years.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 11, 2025

Goodwill Goes Glam! fashion show tickets still available
Goodwill Hawaiʻi’s three-day annual fundraiser is back from Aug. 14 to 16, featuring upcycled designs from Rumi Murakami and a sale of curated goods from various Isle stores.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 11, 2025

Mariposa’s new executive chef revamps its Sunset Lounge experience
Starting this week, the Sunset Lounge is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with live music, a new menu and scenic sunset views. Returning executive chef Marc Freiberg shares more about the updated menu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 11, 2025

Community Voices: Encumbrance for the stadium
Under the State of Hawai‘i's constitution and accounting rules, the $350 million budgeted for a new stadium has lapsed, and yet authorities are proceeding as if it hadn't.
Tom YamachikaAugust 11, 2025

Entrepreneurship and Hawai‘i Pacific University
As Amy Nguyen-Chyung settles into her new job as dean of Hawai‘i Pacific University's College of Business, HPU also is working to support innovation and entrepreneurship across its campus thanks in part to a recent gift from philanthropist and entrepreneur John Scarpa. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Nguyen-Chyung about her new role, entrepreneurship in Hawai‘i and the new entrepreneurial pathway.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 11, 2025

Kahuku football remains united despite offseason turbulence
Interim head coach Nihoa Pule says the Red Raiders have remained committed to the team through an offseason coaching change that in which former coach Sterling Carvalho was removed.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 10, 2025

Saint Louis makes statement in season opener over Kahuku
The Crusaders blanked the Red Raiders in a road victory on Saturday night, overcoming distractions off the field prior to game day.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 10, 2025

Iowa senator calls for cuts to Skyline "boondoggle," HART responds
Sen. Joni Ernst targeting over-budget, delayed public projects
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 09, 2025

Artists take history and “put it in a song” for upcoming Oʻahu concert
How do you share a message in Hawaiʻi? Through music and dance, according to Berkeley-based Kumu Hula Māhealani Uchiyama. She will join Grammy winner Kalani Peʻa and a number of Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners to perform songs from the new album, “Pōpoloheno: Songs of Resilience & Joy,” which celebrates the stories of people of African descent in Hawaiian history.
Katie HellandAugust 09, 2025

Bus fares to rise?
Council mulls updates to TheBus fee structure, looking to close the gap between $50 million in passenger revenue and $430 million in expenses.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 09, 2025

Restauranteurs talk rebuilding and expanding two years after Maui wildfires
Qiana and Michele Di Bari are the restauranteurs behind Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina, which was lost in the 2023 wildfires and reopened earlier this year, returning to Lahaina. They also recently opened Via! by Sale Pepe, a "fast casual twist" to the Italian flavors made popular at its sister restaurant. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with the Di Baris ahead of the second anniversary of the fire to talk about their experience during the tragedy, their rebuilding — and their newest endeavor.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 08, 2025

Dipped by Dee is bringing signature dipped delights to Made in Hawaiʻi Festival
Business owner Daniela Fry gives us an update on her second store in Las Vegas, the newest dipped treats, and what to expect at the 31st annual Made in Hawaiʻi Festival.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 08, 2025

Intrigue surrounds Saint Louis-Kahuku opener as high school football kicks off in Hawai‘i
The Crusaders and Red Raiders met in the 2024 HHSAA Open Division championship game, with Saint Louis prevailing. Both programs have endured off-field drama since then.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 08, 2025

Community Voices: Grassroot views on housing reform going mainstream
You might be surprised which U.S. Senator is taking the YIMBY approach — yes, in my backyard.
Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.August 08, 2025

Photographing ʻThe Eddieʻ : John Hook takes us behind the lens
If you’ve watched The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, you’ve seen photographers bobbing in the waves to capture iconic images of surfers from around the world. On Friday, Aug. 8, several photographers, including Oʻahu-based John Hook, will share what it is like to capture photos from the water. Hook reflects on how he got started, as well why these photographers wear helmets.
Katie HellandAugust 08, 2025

Patience and loyalty leads to deep receiving corps for Hawai‘i football team in 2025
Receivers Pofele Ashlock and Nick Cencale were named to the Mountain West preseason All-Conference team in July, the first time UH had two players on offense make the team.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 08, 2025

CONGRESS WATCH: Leave with pay on Election Day
Hawai‘i Senator introduces bill requiring paid leave to Election Day voters
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 08, 2025

Local teachers turn to GoFundMe to fundraise for classroom needs
It’s crunch time for many Hawai’i teachers readying to welcome students back to school this month. To help relieve some of the financial burdens on families, a couple have taken matters into their own hands to provide supplies and cozy spaces for students.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 08, 2025

The Hawaiʻi United Okinawa Association’s 43rd Okinawan Festival is coming
Early admission tickets are available for pre-sale starting Aug. 8 at 8 a.m., but general admission tickets will still be available for purchase at the door. This year’s festival on Aug. 30 and 31 commemorates the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawaiʻi.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 08, 2025