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.
Author: Admin Staff - Tom McGinty
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.
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.
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.
Why Choose a Private School?
Independent schools offer educational experiences shaped by autonomy, intentionality and community.
Things to Do on O‘ahu in Summer 2026 (Part 2)
Feast at our Taste of Honolulu event, see blockbusters with live musical scores, shop Made in Hawai‘i Festival and more.
2027 Private School Guide Feature: Connecting to Kuleana
From caring for the ‘āina to building an accessible surfboard, today’s students are diving into a diverse range of community service projects.
How to Ace the Interview
What are schools really looking for? We asked admissions directors and administrators for the most common mistakes parents make and their tips.
The Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Financial Aid
Find out everything you need to know about financial aid at Hawai‘i private schools.
Lee Anne Wong Is Cooking Frolic’s July 10 Natto Day Dinner at Koko Head Café
Think natto ‘ahi tostadas, paupiettes of natto and black cod, and wagyu with natto brown butter. And yes, a natto dessert!
Your Guide to 4th of July Fireworks Shows and Entertainment on O‘ahu
Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks shows happening across the island, along with food, games, live music and more holiday fun.
Your Insider Guide to the 13th Annual Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest
Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest is back on Saturday, July 4. Here’s what you should know about the bon dance, activities, food, shopping and more.
Shaping the Places That Shape Us
(Partner Content) Michael Young, president and CEO of Albert C. Kobayashi Inc., tackles housing and education projects for Hawai‘i’s future.
Taste of Honolulu Presented by American Savings Bank Brings Food, Music and Family Fun to Bishop Museum
Join us on Aug. 1 for a memorable evening celebrating the flavors, culture and community of Hawai‘i.
Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: June 25-July 1, 2026
Celebrate World Ocean Month, see somber movies, train with fitness experts, attend an outdoor concert and more.
Supreme Dumplings Opens at Ala Moana Center with Silky, Soupy Xiao Long Bao
It opened Monday, and we are living the xiao long bao life.
ReBran Uses a Locally Discarded Superfood to Make Granola Bran New
Nutrient-dense bran from rice polished in Kalihi stars in a new local granola.
Your 2026 Guide to O‘ahu Bon Dance Food: Part 1
A temple-by-temple guide to who’s cooking up teri beef sticks, fried noodles, cold noodles, chili bowls and of course, shave ice and andagi.
Rice Dishes Steal the Show at New Biryani King
Find homestyle Punjabi cooking behind Walmart on Sheridan Street.
Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: June 18–24, 2026
Find a unique Father’s Day gift, celebrate Juneteenth, taste top-shelf tequila, laugh out loud at a comedy show and more.
Kilohana Square Is Closing. What’s Next for Threadfin Bistro and Slice by HB Baking?
The short answer: One’s moving, the other is taking a break.
What’s Open or Closed in Honolulu on Kamehameha Day
Your guide to which city and county and state services will be available or suspended in observance of Kamehameha Day on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
New Local App Helps Businesses Reduce Food Waste While You Save Big
Save a Bite partners with local bakeries, pizza shops and other eateries to sell mystery boxes of discounted excess food.
