Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
“Where should I go to eat?” Is a question I get a lot — whether it’s in person or via Instagram, from both friends and acquaintances via social media. I’m excited to share my findings and adventures with our community — not necessarily to tell them where to eat, but to give an accurate representation of what’s available out there. I love covering the new restaurants and new, local businesses popping up. Limited-time offerings (holiday cocktail bars, weekend pop-ups, etc.) are also exciting because sometimes they’re the result of fun collabs between local businesses.
I received my bachelor’s degree from Biola University, as well as my master’s degree in journalism at the University of Southern California. I was the associate editor of Frolic Hawaiʻi from 2017 to 2021 under Honolulu Magazine, and then worked most recently as the dining editor of Crave with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
My goal is for ASD’s dining section to be the premiere guide for the state. I’m excited to cover the food and dining scene, and to help our readers stay updated with all things food-related. It’ll be a fun, fresh start and I’m excited to be able to cover everything.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
Latest from Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
Biryani King serves Punjabi-style soul food
The eatery, which recently opened on Sheridan Street, offers a casual cafeteria-style dining experience in which customers can create their own one- or two-choice plates with options like butter chicken, meat biryani, samosas and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 10, 2026
Choco leʻa launches summer specials
The Mānoa dessert shop is offering its Hokkaido-style soft serve and popular iced chocolate drink with cold brew coffee on a regular basis for the next few months. The latter is a collaboration with Morning Glass Coffee.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 10, 2026
The Corndog Company of Hawaiʻi offers savory, hand-dipped treats
The Kahuku-based business now pops up at events across Oʻahu. It’s most known for its Epic dog — a one-fourth pound all-beef corndog — that’s coated in sweet and savory, golden-brown batter. The business will be popping up at the Haleʻiwa Arts Festival on June 13 and 14.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 10, 2026
The Well Kailua just launched a new summer menu
The Kailua coffee shop — which opened last September — just started seasonal specials like mango sticky rice matcha lattes and tiramisu lattes. Its summer menu will be available until August.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 10, 2026
House Without a Key launches new Sunday dinner buffet
The Halekulani eatery’s Aha ‘Aina Plantation Pā‘ina is a new Sunday dinner buffet that will run until Sept. 6. It celebrates Hawaiʻi’s diverse cultures, and guests will also have the chance to try the legendary KONG burger, created in partnership with radio icon Kamasami Kong.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 08, 2026
Coco’s Cravings 808 offers sweet and savory Japanese milk breads
While the business is known for its Cocobonz — cinnamon rolls made from Japanese-style milk bread dough — and savory pastries, connection through food continues to be essential for business owner Colleen Bui.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 08, 2026
