Best of HONOLULU 2026: Beauty & Self-Care on O‘ahu
Indulge in beauty and self-care products and services like the best med spa treatments, massages, Korean skin care and more.
Diane Seo
Articles
Best of HONOLULU 2026: Food and Drinks on O‘ahu
Brownies, bagels, burgers, banchan and more reader-voted winners and editor picks make up this year’s best food and drinks.
Best of HONOLULU 2026: Services on O‘ahu
You need pet grooming, travel planning, auto repairs or another service? Consult this list of businesses voted and selected as most reliable in their fields.
Best of HONOLULU 2026: Health & Wellness on O‘ahu
The best personal trainer, fitness studio, naturopath, pilates instructor and more places and ways to help you live well.
Pursuits: Ben Lillibridge Is Wild About Mushrooms
Ben Lillibridge believes they can save the world—and he’s devoted himself to helping make that happen.
Pagoda Hotel Gets a Glow-Up
The 62-year-old property recently unveiled an updated new look that pays homage to its roots.
Supporting Local
At the heart of our Best of HONOLULU issue is a desire to bolster Hawai‘i’s entrepreneurs and businesses.
Meet Our Two June 2026 Cover Doctors: Dr. Janice Harada and Dr. David Cho
Dr. Janice Harada and Dr. David Cho were named among this year’s Castle Connolly Top Doctors.
Hawai‘i Doctors Answer Your Health Questions
We asked some of the state’s top physicians, many of them straight off this year’s Castle Connolly list of top doctors, about everything from GLP-1s to brain health and hormone replacement therapy.
The Value of Good Health
I’m not alone in wanting wellness, and I’ve learned a difficult lesson this year about what happens when you lose it.
Pursuits: For Nicole Kahale, Her Calling Came During the Waialua Floods
Amid the devastation of the Waialua floods, Nicole Kahale stepped up to help the North Shore community regain its health and strength.
How Kainoa Wade Stays Healthy
The standout UH men’s volleyball player prioritizes protein, sleep and mental health.
We Tried It and You Can Too
22 fun and exciting things to do that we personally recommend.
Hawai‘i Folks in the News
From athletes to actors, these people from Hawai‘i are making their marks.
Love for Honolulu
Our cover story is all about finding fun and celebrating our city.
Pursuits: Ichthyologists Richard Pyle and Brian Greene Dive Deep
Richard Pyle and Brian Greene have devoted their careers to discovering and documenting marine life in the ocean’s depths.
Rediscovering Hawai‘i’s Soul TEDx Thimphu Talk
Duane Kurisu, founder of the Rediscovering Hawai‘i’s Soul movement, reflects on how his humble plantation upbringing shaped his values of caring for one another.
Pagoda Hotel Unveils New Modern Look
In its new chapter, the longstanding landmark pays homage to its legacy while introducing new rooms and public spaces, restored koi ponds and plans for a new Rainbow Drive-In.
Merrie Monarch Festival Returns in April
Hula hālau come from near and far to participate in this world-renowned competition.
Talk Story with Hawaiʻi Poet Laureate Lee A. Tonouchi
We caught up with the writer, teacher and Pidgin advocate after his appointment.
How the Arts Benefit Kids
Children and teens gain cognitively, socially and in many other ways when they take part in music, dance, visual arts and theater programs.
Connections
Our lives in Honolulu are intricately woven together.
Spill the Tea Café Expands Its Mental Health Services in a New, Larger Location
The nonprofit helps teens with their mental health by providing therapy as well as workshops and a safe space for them to hang out.
Home Industry Answers You Need, from People Who Know
Industry experts weigh in on some of the most pressing issues related to real estate buying and investments, mortgages, homebuilding and remodeling.
Tails of the City: Ready to Serve
Summer Kozai says her assistance dogs have helped her regain her independence. More importantly, they’ve brought joy and connections.
“We’re Going to Keep Going”—Genki Ala Wai Project Continues Undeterred After HPU Study
Amid a damaging PR crisis, organizers are determined to continue cleaning the notoriously polluted Ala Wai Canal with Genki Balls.
Chinatown Through A Lens
It’s edgy, vibrant, dynamic and diverse, and that’s what makes it a focal point for many of our city’s street photographers.
Two Young Filipinas, Matched on the National Marrow Donor Program, Are Now Blood Sisters
Mariel Tadena in Hawai‘i was a marrow donor for Nicole Fabela in California; since then, the two have been forever entwined by the gift of life.
Welcome the Year of the Fire Horse in 2026
Local artist Kahi Ching interprets the Fire Horse of the upcoming Lunar New Year in watercolor and charcoal.
Hawai‘i Is Your Place, So Fight for It
Former two-term governor John Waihe‘e III calls for young people to rise up. Now.
Take Care of Other People, and Be Bold About Showing Your Aloha
Blanche McMillan chose to shelter houseless people in her community during the pandemic despite lacking government approval.
Tails of the City: Meet Super Foster Darlene Ogoshi
Darlene Ogoshi has taken in nearly 100 animals since 2020, helping them develop so they can find forever homes.
Should You Still Get Vaccines?
We asked our state epidemiologist to help clarify the confusion.
We Tried It: Breathwork Class at Elevate
Breathwork classes are becoming increasingly popular as more people realize the health benefits of conscious breathing.
With Traffic Fatalities Rising, Campaigns Have Been Launched to Make Our Roads Safer
To curb the alarming increase of traffic fatalities, the state, city and police are urging the public to do their part with the Safer Roads, Together and Vision Zero campaigns.
