What’s in a Name? Borrowing ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Doesn’t Make It Hawaiian
Getting left out of the ‘ohana—a closer look at the appropriation of Hawaiian words for non-Hawaiian purposes.
James Charisma
Articles
Meet the Hawai‘i Family That Makes the World’s Most Famous ‘Ukulele
In 2016, Kamaka Hawai‘i celebrated 100 years of producing internationally renowned ‘ukulele.
That’s the Spirit: Uncovering the History of a Mysterious Bottle
After finding an old unopened liquor bottle during spring cleaning, I investigated its origins.
Plan On It: Why I Wrote a Will and You Should Too
No matter how young you are or where you are in life, you need a will. You just never know what might happen.
Honolulu’s Pay Phones Feel Like Relics From the Past
An ode to Honolulu's pay phones, vivid reminders of the days before cell phones were constantly in hand. Dear pay phone: Keep on keeping on.
What It’s Like Getting Busted Smuggling Crack (Seed) at the Airport
Lesson from this classic post: If TSA asks what’s in the little bags in your suitcase, don’t say “crack seed.”
Charisma, P.I. – Learning Lessons from Robin’s Nest
James Charisma digs deep to find out more about the people and places featured in an episode of Magnum P.I.
Why Can’t Honolulu Be More Pet-Friendly?
This city has great beaches, campgrounds, swimming areas and other public state parks—but dogs aren’t allowed at many of them.
Afterthoughts: Why Sharing Is Important, Even if it Seems Like Bragging
Columnist James Charisma says telling others about he bought a place sounded like gloating.
Afterthoughts: Without Late-Night Restaurants, Where Do We Go?
Afterthoughts columnist James Charisma laments the lack of dining choices for nighthawks.
Afterthoughts: Film Photography—the Real Deal
Columnist James Charisma on his quest to capture life on 35mm film.
Varsity Theatre’s Marquee Is Safe With Me
Writer James Charisma went dumpster diving for a piece of beloved history.
Breaking News: Local Haole Never Feels More Local Than When He’s Scrolling Through Posts on “Da Bullehtin”
Like a cross between Hawai‘i News Now and The Onion, Da Bullehtin offers a unique look at local culture that you may not get unless you’re truly local.
‘Ohana Hale Marketplace Vendor Spotlight: Fat Cheeks and Garibaldi’s Hawai‘i
Here’s the story of a chef from Harlem who moved to Hawai‘i to cook Italian food in honor of his great aunt and uncle.
‘Ohana Hale Marketplace Spotlight: Allegrini Mozzarella
Despite multiple lockdowns and travel restrictions limiting tourists, local businesses at Ward Village’s ‘Ohana Hale Marketplace persevered through (a very long) 2020. Here’s the story of a cheese importer hoping to open a wine bar.
‘Ohana Hale Marketplace Vendor Spotlight: Tanoa Hawai‘i
Despite multiple lockdowns and travel restrictions limiting tourists, local businesses at Ward Village’s ‘Ohana Hale Marketplace persevered through (a very long) 2020.
Learning About the Life (and Interstellar Hopes) of Honolulu’s Tuxedo Man
After Raymond Kenneth Petry died in August, we wanted to find out more about the mysterious man’s work.
Best of Honolulu 2020
We sought out the best of everything—from local sake to seafood boil, bank to barbershop—and expanded our list with a finalist in every category chosen by our readers.
Best of Honolulu 2020: The Best Food and Drinks on O‘ahu
47 editorial and reader picks for the tastiest food and beverage in town.
Chorizo or chili? Bratwurst or Chicago? Ranking Hank’s haute dogs
Opened in 2007, before the earliest inklings of the redevelopment that's still enveloping Kakaako, Hank's Haute Dogs manages to feel both nouveau and like it's been there for ages. It takes the humble hot dog of our youth and elevates…
Best of Honolulu 2020: The Best Services on O‘ahu
The 99 editorial and reader picks for the places and businesses in Honolulu that make our lives just a bit easier.
The Best Places To Eat Outside at O‘ahu’s North Shore Right Now
When one door shuts, the outdoors open. Here are some of our favorite restaurants in Honolulu for dining alfresco.
Out in the Open: The Best Places To Go For Outdoor Dining on O‘ahu Right Now
When one door shuts, the outdoors open. Here are some of our favorite restaurants around the island for dining alfresco.
The 9 Best Places to Eat Outside in Waikīkī Right Now
When one door shuts, the outdoors open. Here are some of our favorite restaurants in Honolulu for dining alfresco.
The Best Places to Eat Outside on the Windward Side of O‘ahu Right Now
When one door shuts, the outdoors open. Here are some of our favorite restaurants in Honolulu for dining alfresco.
Here’s What It’s Like Enjoying Drinks and Pūpū at the Chart House
Hawai‘i’s bars have reopened, so I’m back to day drinking in Waikīkī.
11 Chefs Dish on Their Go-To Orders at Their Own Restaurants and at Others Around Hawai‘i
It’s not always late-night ramen and leftover mac and cheese after a long shift.
Taste Test: We Tried Every Hot Dog at Hank’s Haute Dogs and Ranked Them
Two culture critics lay their hot dog cred on the line—and still find room for a “No” Dog and a hamburger for dessert. Welcome to the sausage party.
Con-fused About Hawaiʻi’s Pop Culture and Comic Conventions?
Here’s a guide to help you sort through the events in 2021.
Your O‘ahu Neighborhood Guide: King Street at University Avenue in Honolulu
There are plenty of old-school haunts and new grinds on the mauka side of King Street past University Avenue.
Where to Find Jai in Chinatown for Chinese New Year
If you’re looking for the traditional dish of jai to celebrate the Year of the Ox, here are four places we tried in Downtown Honolulu.
50 Ways to Volunteer in Hawai‘i in 2020
From drop-in workdays that take just a few hours to opportunities to train in a new skill, here are dozens of ways to make a difference in 2020.
Hone Your Light Saber Skills Just in Time for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”
Always wanted to be a Jedi? Bring balance to the galaxy (or at least Salt Lake) with LudoSport Hawai‘i.
Behind the Scenes: What’s Life Like as an Movie Extra in Hawai‘i?
Peek behind the scenes at my Where’s Waldo?-like acting “career” in locally shot movies and TV shows.
The 10 Best Films and Television Shows Shot in Hawai‘i
From Marvel’s “Inhumans” to “Magnum, P.I.,” we rank the biggest movies and series ever filmed in the Islands.
