2026 Faces of Hawai‘i
(Special Promotional Section) HONOLULU Magazine celebrates some of Hawai‘i’s prominent leaders and businesses who are making waves in their industry.
Author: Admin Staff - Darin Robertson
Your Invitation to Hawai‘i's Most Celebrated Night in Dining
Escape to Paradise Island at the 2026 Hale ʻAina Awards Celebration presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard. Hawaiʻi's top chefs come together for an unforgettable evening inspired by the beauty, adventure…
We Tried It: North Shore Huaka‘i Shuttle to Support Local Businesses
The new $5 roundtrip service to Waialua and Hale‘iwa brings people and dollars to spur economic recovery after the Kona low storms.
Where to Shop Vintage on O‘ahu This Summer
From vintage tees and Y2K gems to collectible Hawaiiana and one-of-a-kind streetwear, these markets are the perfect places to hunt for treasures all summer long.
Your 2026 Guide to O‘ahu Bon Dance Food: Part 2
Where to find takoyaki, pastele stew, root beer floats, homemade baked goods and more while you dance under the summer skies.
Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: July 23–29, 2026
Jam to soulful Polynesian artists, attend a concert at the aquarium, boogie down at a dance-a-thon, celebrate Shark Week and more.
Think you know R. Field? These four hidden gems might surprise you.
We all know Foodland is famous for their fresh, mouthwatering poke and their commitment to supporting local—sweet fruits, crisp veggies, and a snack aisle selection that has absolutely no business being that good. But if you do a little aisle-snooping—especially…
Mahalo and Aloha to O‘ahu Restaurants, Bars, Cafés and Eateries That Closed This Year
They closed for different reasons, but the closures are increasing. Here’s our running list.
Do Genki Balls Work? Discussions Continue
Hawai‘i Pacific University scientists and leaders of the Genki Ala Wai Project took part in a symposium to discuss the effectiveness of the mud balls.
Your Insider Guide to Honolulu Night Market: July 2026
Honolulu Night Market returns to Our Kaka‘ako on Saturday, July 18, with a mesmerizing evening of local food, festivities and entertainment.
Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: July 16–22, 2026
Shop second-hand styles, watch top-notch hula, visit an enchanted garden, experience a vibrant block party and more.
The Team Behind Maze’s Prix Fixe Pairings Is Slinging Chicken Sandwiches at New BirdyGo
Michelin-trained Ki Chung creates the sandwiches and tenders; James Beard Award winner Justin Park does the iced tea and lemonade.
The City Plans to Add 2,500 Affordable Homes in Iwilei
Honolulu’s Iwilei-Kūwili district is set for a major transformation centered around the future Kūwili Skyline Station.
Your Insider Guide to Midsummer Night’s Gleam
Experience a magical evening of lights, live music, food, cultural performances and activities on Saturday, July 18.
PBS Hawai‘i Presents A Golden Year for Hōkūle‘a
To celebrate Hōkūle‘a’s 50th anniversary, PBS Hawai‘i is bringing back three films about the canoe’s history.
Whimsical Cocktails and Bar Bites Star at Chinatown’s New Pigeonhole
Craft cocktails find a new home in the old Tlaxcalli space on Smith Street.
Ward Centre Shops and Restaurants: Where Are They Going?
With Ward Centre closed, many businesses that called it home are beginning new chapters. From restaurants to retailers, here’s their status now.
Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: July 9–15, 2026
See the world’s largest ‘ukulele, watch queer films, enter an open water swim race, meet farm animals and more.
9 Eateries Are Creating Gooey Specials for This Weekend’s Natto Takeout Dine-Around
Natto cookies, natto mandoo, natto eggplant bolognese linguine: Fans of the gooey bean could natto ask for more.
What’s Open or Closed in Honolulu for Independence Day
Your guide to which Honolulu City and County services will be available or suspended in observance of Independence Day on July 3, 2026.
New Hala Tree Café in Waikīkī Brings World-Class Pastries and 100% Kona Coffee
The local company moved its coffee shop from Ka‘a‘awa to town and hired an award-winning chef to lead the bakery program.
O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2026
Save the dates for these Obon festivals and bon dances happening across O‘ahu this summer.
Your Guide to the Perfect 4th of July Weekend in Honolulu: July 2–8, 2026
Immerse yourself in a Tahitian dance competition, celebrate America’s 250th birthday, see a 3D art exhibition, watch Shrek on stage and more.
Best of HONOLULU and Best of HONOLULU Family 2026
It’s time for our annual list of the best things our city has to offer, chosen by our readers and editorial staff. Here’s your guide to katsu, pastries, swimwear, personal trainers, clubs, classes and so much more.
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.
Best of HONOLULU 2026: Shopping on O‘ahu
These 16 winners deserve a spot on your must-buy list.
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 Family 2026
Every year, we look forward to celebrating a fantastic array of family-friendly products, eateries, boutiques, activity centers and more. Here are our 2026 winners.
Best of HONOLULU 2026: Entertainment & Leisure on O‘ahu
The best new place to rent watersports gear, discover up-and-coming artists, hold a celebration and more of the best ways to have fun on O‘ahu.
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.
Breakfast Scenes Around O‘ahu
From old-school comforts in ‘Āina Haina to bulletproof coffee in Pūpūkea, our writers fanned out to different neighborhoods for this snapshot of five eclectic breakfast scenes.
2027 Private School Guide: Listing of Private Schools
With the large number and variety of private schools in Hawai‘i, you may be wondering where to start. Look no further than the following list with 99 schools organized alphabetically by island, along with each school’s contact information and other important data.
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.
In His Words: How Alan Wong Got His Second Chance
Five years after closing Alan Wong’s, the legendary chef reopened at The Kāhala Hotel. Here’s his story.
Applying to Private School: The Timeline
Thinking about private school for your children? Finding the right fit and getting them enrolled can take at least a year. Here’s a timeline so you don’t miss a crucial deadline.
Cultivating Kuleana in Hawaiʻi’s Independent Schools
A message from Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools.
Pagoda Hotel Gets a Glow-Up
The 62-year-old property recently unveiled an updated new look that pays homage to its roots.
The Importance of Licensing and Accreditation
When selecting a private school, you’ll want to consider these key factors.
Spotlight on Beretania
The Beretania Block Instagram account zooms in on one of the city’s unique streets.
A Message from ALTRES
We’re proud to sponsor this year’s Private School Guide as part of our commitment to the people who make education possible.
Supporting Local
At the heart of our Best of HONOLULU issue is a desire to bolster Hawai‘i’s entrepreneurs and businesses.
5 Family-Friendly Music Experiences
From drumming and DJing to karaoke and live concerts, these activities strike the right notes.
Don’t Call Me Aunty
Locals think it’s a respectful way to address people of a certain age, but I’m not the only one who finds it offensive.
What Are You Looking For?
You and your child should have a clear idea of what you want in a private school before you begin the search. Here are some general areas to consider.
Not Just for Popo Anymore—Mahjong Is a Pastime for All Ages
Sign-ups for the Bad Luck Club’s mahjong get-togethers in Chinatown always fill up.
New in Town
Places and activities that have opened recently, featured in HONOLULU Magazine.
Making Hawaiian Language More Accessible With Hand Signs
An effort is underway to develop a new method of teaching ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i called ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Kuhi Lima.
Defining the Differences
It’s not just public or private. These categories will tell you more about a school’s focus and style of learning.
