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Hawai‘i’s evolution, as related by Tom Coffman
“Statehood wasn't the end of history, but a transition to a new history,” Tom Coffman once said. “Statehood allowed Hawai‘i to open up, and to let people assert themselves more, and allowed the genie of the Hawaiian movement to get out of the lantern.” Here, our political historian examines Coffman's life in the Islands as an investigative journalist, historian and filmmaker.
Perry ArrasmithJanuary 26, 2026
Community Voices: Alternatives to ‘pausing’ Hawai‘i’s income tax cuts
A Grassroot analysis of the governor’s proposed budget shows that rather than walk back the tax cuts, the Legislature could simply identify and reallocate about $350 million a year in current state funding to make up for the governor’s projected expenses.
Keliʻi AkinaJanuary 26, 2026
Kaiser volunteers at Kaʻala Farm in Waiʻanae
Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi’s Annual Day of Service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day spanned nine cultural sites on four islands. We joined its hundreds of employees statewide, some of which worked in Waiʻanae Valley to restore ancient taro terraces and maintain a heiau. Learn more from physicians who look forward to this event every year, as well as the team who stewards this land daily.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 24, 2026
County to rebuild Coconut Island Bridge after collapse
County officials say full reconstruction is the safest option after last fall’s partial collapse shut down the island park and cut off its only pedestrian access.
January 24, 2026
House Republicans tax cuts, election reform, and more
House Minority Caucus legislative package includes 28 bills; House Majority and Senate caucuses release slimmer packages
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 24, 2026
Hawai‘i organizations outline their top legislative priorities
With the state Legislature now open, Aloha State Daily asked several organizations about their priorities the 2026 legislative session.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 24, 2026
Q&A: Hawai‘i head football coach Timmy Chang reflects on 2025 breakthrough and looks ahead to 2026
Following the program's best season of the decade, Chang and the Rainbow Warriors are hungry for more. In an interview with ASD, Chang reflects on recent success and what's next ahead of a highly anticipated 2026 campaign.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 24, 2026
Five For Fighting returns to Waikīkī
John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting will soon be performing in Waikīkī for the first time in more than 10 years. Catch one of four shows at the Blue Note Hawaiʻi from this artist who has more than 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Ondrasik shares about his career and how the Islands have inspired his music in this exclusive interview with Aloha State Daily.
Katie HellandJanuary 24, 2026
Traffic, drug deaths rise in Honolulu
Methamphetamine remained the leading contributor. Fentanyl-related deaths rose sharply, increasing by nearly 60% over three years. Cocaine-related deaths also increased during that period.
January 24, 2026
Where to eat on Valentine’s Day – part 2
From prix fixe menus and specials to limited-time desserts, we’ve got your Feb. 14 covered.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 23, 2026
Irie Love hosts Waikīkī experience
The singer and songwriter, who was mentored by Fiji, is holding an event that combines sound healing, storytelling and singing to benefit the Mana Wāhine Movement, which empowers women.
Katie HellandJanuary 23, 2026
Maui-based brand aims to give back to native ecosystems
Roselani Aiwohi, owner of Waiwaolani, a local clothing business featuring prints of Hawaiian plants, shares how the venture got started and what community initiatives its spearheading today.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 23, 2026
Restocked roster leads to optimistic outlook for 2026 Hawai‘i football team
Following the closure of the NCAA transfer portal, the Rainbow Warriors were able to retain a handful of impact returnees.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 23, 2026
Hawaiʻi restaurateur, chefs among James Beard semifinalists
There are nine semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards who hail from the Islands, including Neale Asato of Asato Family Shop, Peter Merriman of Merriman’s, and more.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 23, 2026
Little Sparrow showcases spaetzle in Kaimukī
The business, which started in 2021, can be found at farmers markets across Oʻahu and opened its brick-and-mortar in a Kaimukī alley last fall. Customers can enjoy spaetzle in half- or full-sized portions — along with exclusive flavors — at Little Sparrow’s shop on Waiʻalae Avenue.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 23, 2026
Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista reflect on ʻThe Wrecking Crew’
The action comedy launches on Prime Video on Jan. 27. It features two estranged brothers as they try to figure out who killed their father. Actors Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista share how the idea of the film got started and the role X played in its creation.
Katie HellandJanuary 23, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: Confusion reigns at Legislature opening day
Attendees spent the morning asking "Where do we go? What do we do?" No one seemed to know.
A. Kam NapierJanuary 22, 2026
New takoyaki trailer opens in Kakaʻako
Coco Balls specializes in traditional, Osaka-style takoyaki. You can find the recently opened trailer by Up Roll Café Kakaʻako.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 22, 2026
Hawaiʻi County Council approves property tax relief for longtime agricultural homeowners
Many of the affected landowners are seniors on fixed incomes.
January 22, 2026
Theater on Oʻahu: your guide for this week
Ready to catch a show? From a murder mystery thriller to a musical sharing a complicated love story, there are several productions to choose from at the moment.
Katie HellandJanuary 22, 2026
Hawai‘i looks to keep top spot in Big West standings in upcoming homestand
The Rainbow Warriors will host Cal State Bakersfield on Thursday and Cal State Northridge on Saturday night.
Christian ShimabukuJanuary 22, 2026
Lawmakers ring in new legislative session
Hundreds gathered at the Capitol Wednesday to celebrate the start of the 2026 session
Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 22, 2026
Zippy's newest Las Vegas location opens Jan. 27
Zippy's at Summerlin is the restaurant's fourth location in Southern Nevada.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 22, 2026
New spot for lobster rolls in Honolulu
Mānoa-based FEAST by Jon Matsubara — popular for its signature lobster rolls — recently opened in Midtown Eats food hall at The Park on Keʻeaumoku. This location has several exclusive dishes, including prime rib, poke bowls and a bestselling loco moco.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 22, 2026