
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

Hawaiʻi’s first solo dining katsu experience is opening in Honolulu
Katsu Zen — located in the former space of Little G Café in the 808 Center — is opening to the public on Wednesday, July 29. Customers can scan the QR code and choose from a variety of katsu bowls and sets; options include pork loin, pork collar, chicken katsu and tiger shrimp katsu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 26, 2026

53 By the Sea has a new weekend lunch and happy hour
The restaurant, known for its oceanfront dining, recently launched its weekend lunch and happy hour experiences. The happy hour menu features exclusive dishes like a wagyu burger, seafood roll, and ham and cheese croquettes.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 24, 2026

Miya Bowls is a new acai bowl shop in Wahiawā
The shop — located next to Teapresso — opened recently in the space of Mia Bella gelato shop. Miya Bowls offers build-your-own acai bowls with a variety of bases, ranging from acai and pitaya to mango, coconut, guava and lilikoʻi.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 24, 2026

SinIceStir Speakeasy opens in Honolulu
The hidden lounge — tucked away behind SinIceStir Shave Ice — features handcrafted cocktails and boozy shave ice in a cozy setting, complete with views of Waikīkī Beach. Customers must message the business on Instagram for the speakeasy password, which changes periodically.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 23, 2026

Common Ground launches The Food Fix in downtown Honolulu
AC Hotel Honolulu’s elevated coffee shop just started a new grab-and-go menu with comforting eats like breakfast burritos, grilled cheese sandwiches, croissant sandwiches and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 23, 2026

30th annual Walk in the Country Gala is coming this August
The fundraiser, which benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi, will be at the Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina on Aug. 8. This is one of the highlights for BGCH, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 22, 2026














