Jayna Omaye

Former Staff Writer at HONOLULU Magazine

Jayna Omaye joined HONOLULU Magazine as a staff writer after working as a newspaper reporter in Hawai‘i and Orlando. Born and raised on O‘ahu, she earned her master’s degree from Northwestern University and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon, both in journalism. Jayna grew up writing and dancing hula, and spent most of her adult life traveling and exploring the Mainland and abroad. She is happy to be home working as a journalist.

Articles

Are You One of the 114 Cited for Crossing the Street While Looking at a Mobile Device?

One year after it became illegal to look at your phone in a crosswalk, we check on Honolulu’s “cell phone law” and other mobile device-related legislation.

Your Ultimate Guide to the 2018 Okinawan Festival in Honolulu

Spend your Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1 and 2, stuffing your face while soaking in Okinawan culture.

What You Need to Know About the 5 Hurricane Category Rankings

Each Category comes with its own potential damage and forecasted sustained winds.

Private School Guide Honolulu Magazine 2019

Here’s How Hawai‘i Schools Are Encouraging Students to Follow Their Passions

Molding kids into well-rounded students no longer means just checking a list of activities. Educators are encouraging students to follow their passions for nature, volunteering, music and more, resulting in more meaningful and creative learning.

Best of Honolulu 2018

Discover all the 2018 Best of Honolulu winners—both editorial and reader picks.

Best of Honolulu 2018: Family

The 5 editorial and reader picks for the best for you and your ʻohana.

Best of Honolulu 2018: Home

These editorial and reader picks will make your home picture perfect.

Haleiwa Town Sign Oahu Walking Tour Cover

O‘ahu Walking Tour: Discover Hale‘iwa’s Most Iconic Historic Sites

We try walking tours that uncover O‘ahu’s rich history and culture.

Best of Honolulu 2018: Food

26 editorial and reader picks for the tastiest food in town.

Best of Honolulu 2018: Services

The 9 editorial and reader picks for the places in Honolulu that make our lives just a bit easier.

Best of Honolulu 2018: Fitness and Outdoor

The 6 editorial and reader picks for the best ways to get out and active.

Best of Honolulu 2018: Shopping

The 14 editorial picks for the chic-est shopping in the city.

O‘ahu Walking Tour: Take a Journey Back to When Waikīkī Was Home to The Ali‘i

We try walking tours that uncover O‘ahu’s rich history and culture.

Your Ultimate Guide to the 2018 Prince Lot Hula Festival

This year marks the 2nd year in the festival’s 40-year run that it will be held at historic ‘Iolani Palace. Here’s your guide to what to expect, where to park and more.

O‘ahu Walking Tour: Eat (and Explore) Your Way Through Chinatown

We try walking tours that uncover O‘ahu’s rich history and culture.

Sweet Memories: Remembering the Reign of Sugar Cane in Hawaiʻi

A symbol of a bygone era in Waipahu’s plantation history undergoes much-needed restoration.

O‘ahu Walking Tour: Explore Downtown Honolulu’s Most Famous Buildings

We try walking tours that uncover O‘ahu’s rich history and culture.

40 Local Dishes and Drinks That Put the Pow in Pau Hana

Remix your pau hana with these better-than-basic dishes.

7 Iconic Sugar Mill Smokestacks That Still Stand Tall in Hawai‘i

The landmark smokestacks serve as daily reminders of these communities’ rich plantation history.

Why Some Hawai‘i Kūpuna are Pursuing New Careers Later in Life

As many older Americans draw the curtains on their first careers, they are finding ways to open new ones and start fresh.

Quote Unquote: Meet the Man Making a Move Toward a More Sustainable Hawai‘i

Josh Stanbro, 46, was tapped last year to serve as chief resilience officer and executive director of the city’s new Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency.

Q&A: Kumu Earl Kawa‘a Teaches More Than Just Woodworking Classes

The revered kumu has taught poi board and stone classes to more than 5,000 students.

This is Real(tor) Life: Wacky and Funny Stories From Hawai‘i’s Real-Estate Agents

Messy monks, high-flying dogs and risqué parties—eight Hawai‘i real-estate agents share their most memorable stories.

Young Skateboarders Roll Out Efforts to Upgrade O‘ahu’s Skate Parks

How two groups of young skateboarders took matters into their own hands.

UH Students Will Receive Hawaiian Language Diplomas When They Graduate

The move is hailed as a way for UH to be a leader in native Hawaiian education.

How Hawai‘i’s Schools Are Tackling Chronic Absenteeism

A prime predictor of future economic and emotional instability, and even prison time, chronic absenteeism affects large numbers of Hawai‘i public school students. Last school year, nearly 27,000 students got in trouble for missing too much school. Helping them show up consistently will take a community effort.