Honolulu Stories
We asked five local writers to share a personal story that would resonate with a broader audience for its authenticity, humor and heart.
Author: Admin Staff - Lou Badillo
Honolulu Stories: Live a Little
When it comes down to it, when the cards are on the table and the moment of truth has arrived, do I have what it takes to dig deep and win it all?
Honolulu Stories: Belonging
I hadn’t initially planned to take on a new surname later in life, tied to an ancestry that clearly wasn’t mine.
Honolulu Stories: The Joy of Aging
I don’t want to be younger and don’t care much about looking younger because I know who I am.
Honolulu Stories: Pet Mama
In a place I never planned to land, through a dog I got as a bribe, I became essential.
A New Coffee Culture
As coffee trends more scientific and sustainable worldwide, new cafés and carts in Honolulu are turning the drink fun and personal. Here’s a taste of our coffee world today.
Honolulu Stories: The Worst Tap Dancer in Honolulu
Everyone else at open adult tap is zippy and syncopated. I’m a half-step behind on the second twirl.
Ho‘okua‘āina Is Restoring Hawai‘i’s Ancestral Ways
With a major expansion, Ho‘okua‘āina encourages land and cultural stewardship along with community well-being.
Talk Story with Hawaiʻi Poet Laureate Lee A. Tonouchi
We caught up with the writer, teacher and Pidgin advocate after his appointment.
Merrie Monarch Festival Returns in April
TktkHula hālau come from near and far to participate in this world-renowned competition.
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.
Honolulu Marathon Economic Impact
The 2025 event had record attendance and generated nearly $524 million for the state.
Hand Letterer Jeff Gress Crafts Signs with Soul
The artist has hand-painted iconic signage for several local businesses.
Things to Do on O‘ahu in April 2026
Jam with Josh Tatofi, join the Hapalua Half Marathon, shop a curated local pop-up market, see a cultural multimedia art exhibit and more.
Re-use Hawai‘i Celebrates 20 Years with New and Returning Programs
Re-use Hawai‘i brings back the tool library and workshops, plus kicks off exciting new initiatives.
Chef Jason Peel Revitalizes Longtime Neighborhood Fave Diamond Head Market & Grill
The former chef-owner of Nami Kaze is rolling out ambitious projects at Diamond Head Market & Grill.
Sealily Ceramics Handmade Tiles Add an Artisanal Touch to Island Homes
Potter Yamuna Brennan draws inspiration from the ocean for her small-batch tiles but also offers custom work.
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.
Hawai‘i Entrepreneurs Are Ready for the Spotlight at the East Meets West Conference
Blue Startups’ latest East Meets West conference in April aims to connect local startups with a global audience.
Explore the Origins of Hawai‘i’s Underground Music Scene in Local Unrest
Journalist Shawn “Speedy” Lopes uncovers the history of punk, indie and alternative music in the Islands.
La Tienda’s Kapa Kuiki Throw Pillows Pack a Punch
Maui painter and designer Pua Jauregui creates each Hawaiian quilt pattern by hand with punch needle techniques.
Photos: 2026 Best Dentists in Hawai‘i Reception
(Partner Content) On March 6, we recognized Hawai‘i’s Best Dentists of the year with a celebration at Nami Kaze.
Foodflash: Sherbet Wiz Neale Asato Is Hawai‘i’s Sole Finalist in This Year’s James Beard Awards
Winners will be announced in June.
How to Help People Impacted by the Kona Low Storm Flooding
Where to donate, volunteer and contribute to fundraisers as well as resources for those affected by the floods.
Le Petit Chef Is a Cutting-Edge Dinner-and-Movie Prix Fixe
The global production’s 3D projection mapping technology lets diners watch a tiny animated chef work mightily to put a five-course menu on their plates.
Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: March 26–April 1, 2026
Feast on brunch favorites, root for the home team at a baseball game, snack at a foodie festival, join an architecture book club and more.
8 New and Coming Chinese Restaurants on O‘ahu
Six new Chinese restaurants serving cuisine from Guizhou to Hunan have opened, with two more coming soon.
(Sponsored) Invest in Women. Strengthen Families Across Oʻahu.
When you invest in a woman, you stabilize a family. When you stabilize a family, you strengthen Hawaiʻi. That belief guides the work of Aloha United Way's Women United, a community of…
Easter Events on O‘ahu
We’re tracking Easter Bunny appearances, egg hunts and more family-friendly springtime activities on O‘ahu.
Everything You Need to Know About Midtown Eats
Who’s there, what to eat, where to park and more insider info about the new Ke‘eaumoku food hall.
Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: March 19–25, 2026
Shop HONOLULU’s curated marketplace, celebrate Persian New Year, honor Prince Kūhiō’s birthday and more.
Home Is Here: Finding Inspiration All Around Us
We are surrounded by art in all its shapes and forms. From ancient to vintage to modern, one’s passion for creating and keeping tradition alive often manifests itself in a true masterpiece. Jana Lam…
St. Patrick’s Day on O‘ahu: Where to Find Corned Beef and Other Specials
The day of green is Tuesday, March 17, but you’re in luck: Some of these corned beef, green beer and other specials will run longer.
5 Things You Should Know About 2026 BrunchFest Presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard
Here’s the 411 on what you'll eat, where to park and more for our favorite annual brunch event, taking place Sunday, March 29.
Celebrate the Irish in You at These St. Patrick’s Day Events
Check out the St. Patrick’s Day parade, party at a street festival, dance at a Celtic-inspired milonga, make shamrock wands and more festivities.
2nd Annual Waikīkī Brewer’s Festival Will Pour Exclusive Collab Beers from O‘ahu Breweries
Every brewery on the island is also bringing its beers to the event this Saturday, March 14, at Waikīkī Brewing Co.
Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: March 12–18, 2026
Watch an epic fireworks show, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, see larger-than-life Lego sculptures, step right up at the circus and more.
11 Sakura Treats to Try During Cherry Blossom Season in Honolulu
Sakura soda floats, sakura sherbet, sakura cookies, cakes and more: where to get your cherry blossom fix this spring.
Downtown’s St. Patrick’s Day Block Party Is Back—in a New Spot
Come Tuesday, March 17, there’ll be plenty of corned beef and cabbage, Guinness and live Irish bands on Fort Street Mall.
5 Reasons to Visit Capitol Modern in March
Inspiring new spring exhibitions include the Scholastic Student Art Awards, a manu-o-kū theme, portraits and curated selections from Art in Public Places.
How and Why Little Plum and Lady Elaine Lowered Many of Their Prices
“We don’t want to be too cool for school,” Dusty Grable says. “We want to be busy, and if that means lowering prices, we’ll do it.”
Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: March 5–11, 2026
Explore cutting-edge technologies, see the debut of an art collective, chuckle at an improv festival, learn to paddle and more.
HONOLULU Family’s 2026 Hawai‘i Summer Programs Guide
Brush up on art, enhance your academics, or learn how to play an instrument or a new sport this summer.
Nisshodo and Fujiya: The Stories Behind Honolulu’s Last Remaining Legacy Mochi Shops
Two modest shops anchor Honolulu’s mochi scene, one over 100 years old. This Girls’ Day, we’re retelling their stories.
Behind the Book with Kelsie Dayna, Illustrator of From Aloha to Zippy’s
Get a sneak peek at the alphabet book newly updated with illustrations of local life by Kelsie Dayna.
Your Ultimate Guide to Concerts and Live Music in Honolulu
Find the end of the rainbow with these musicians across O‘ahu.
Enter To Win: a 4-Night Stay at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Dinner at Alan Wong’s and More
Share an original memory from Alan Wong’s King Street Restaurant for a chance to win.
