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.
SPJ Hawai‘i 2025 Excellence in Journalism Awards: First Place, Best Overall News Site, for “Aloha State Daily,” by the ASD Newsroom, and Second place, Online Feature Reporting, for “An exclusive tour of Sumida Farm,” in the Internet Division.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
Latest from Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
West Oʻahu’s first matcha and coffee festival is coming this weekend
Whisk & Brew: Matcha + Coffee Fest is this Sunday, Sept. 13, at Wai Kai. This new event features a variety of matcha and coffee businesses, along with other food vendors and food trucks.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 10, 2026
Roy’s Hawaiʻi Kai just launched Sunday brunch
The Hawaiʻi Kai restaurant has offered brunch for holidays and special occasions, but brunch is now weekly from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feast on dishes like souffle pancakes, crab cake eggs Benedict, meatloaf loco moco and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 10, 2026
Pho N Grindz is opening in Kailua
The eatery — in the former spot of Hot Pot Heaven Kailua, but under the same owners — is opening today. Instead of hot pot, the restaurant now features authentic Vietnamese cuisine and plate lunch staples. As part of its grand opening special, the biz is offering 20% off for one week.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 10, 2026
Tonkatsu Sakazaki is now open in Honolulu
The tonkatsu eatery just opened in Sam Sung Plaza. Customers can take advantage of a grand opening special — discounted $9.99 pork loin cutlet rice bowls (regular price $19) — for about three weeks. The restaurant specializes in tonkatsu, ranging from pork tenderloin to chicken katsu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 09, 2026
Dim sum restaurant relocates to Kapolei Commons
West Emperor, which opened in Embassy Suites Kapolei last December, relocated to Kapolei Commons and opened in the former space of La Tour Café. The eatery still offers dim sum and wagyu specialties — including wagyu manapua and wagyu chow funn — but has expanded its menu to feature Chinese-Japanese fusion and catering.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 09, 2026
Seguin Family Farms is recovering after flash flooding
The farm experienced flooding for the third time this year, according to farmer Jordan Seguin. The family-owned farm — located in Waiāhole — is known for its banana and ti-leaf crops. The farm experienced flooding and devastation following the Kona Lows, Hurricane Lala and, now, Hurricane Lowell. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Seguin Family Farms recover; Seguin says updates will be posted on social media.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 08, 2026
