Maria Kanai

Maria Kanai is a freelance writer and editor—and one of HONOLULU’s former SPJ interns—originally from Yokohama, Japan. She moved to Hawai‘i for college and graduated with a master’s in Communication from HPU. When she’s not working, she enjoys creative writing, baking bread and reading books.

Articles

5 Things You Need to Eat At Waikīkī Yokocho

It’s like Shirokiya’s cooler older sister.

Eat Taro Waffles in This Chic Boutique-Meets-Café

Tilia Aloha Café, a little-known Japanese café in Waikīkī, is worth checking out.

First Look: 9Bar HNL in Kaka‘ako

Try giant scone-and-muffin pastries called scuffins.

These Two Hawai‘i Colleges are Tailoring Fashion Design Students for Success

Fashion 101: A look into how UH Mānoa and Honolulu Community College nurture fashion programs.

Sweets

Get Fancy Omiyage at this Japanese Confectionery at Kāhala Mall

Minamoto Kitchoan opens its second location, selling expensive cookies, mochi and jelly.

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee!

Island Brew Coffeehouse opens new location to celebrate a “Gilmore Girls” revival.

This New Food Truck Serves Authentic Japanese Okonomiyaki With a Local Twist

Kyoto-based eatery opens food trucks in Waikīkī.

Mango Ice Cream with Shoyu, Anyone?

Dare to try these unusual ice cream flavors at 8 Half Desserts in Kaimukī.

Rise and Shine at Breadbox Hawai‘i

Family-run bakery in Mānoa gives us another reason to love carbs (not that we needed it).

First Look: Bakery & Table

In this new Italian-Japanese rooftop dining experience in town, the bakery does things right, but dinner needs work.

5 Favorite Pies to Celebrate National Pi Day

Our five favorite pies and why we love them.

First Look: Café Lani Hawai‘i

New Japanese café in Ala Moana offers giant parfaits and endless bread.

18 Reasons We Love Hawai‘i Fashion

From chic beachware and bold, nature-inspired prints to cool collabs and fresh spins on sartorial traditions, here are 18 reason we’re crazy about Hawai‘i fashion.

First Look: Sunny Days Café Opens Its First Location in Hawai‘i

This charming Japanese café has hits and misses.

First Look: Odori-ko Restaurant

Second-generation Japanese kids step it up for their parents.

What Families Can Expect From Disney’s New “Moana” Film Starring a Hawai‘i Girl

Photo: Hugh Gentry Disney introduced Auli‘i Cravalho for the first time onstage at Aulani Resort as the new voice for the title character in the upcoming Moana film. What’s the story? Set in ancient Polynesia, Moana is a coming-of-age musical…

Film & Television

What Do the “Hawai‘i Five-0” Stars and Other Film Crews Eat on Set?

Three local food businesses dish out the inside scoop on feeding hungry cast and crew members shooting in Hawai‘i. Learn some do’s and don’ts of film food etiquette.

5 Things You Should Know About Disney’s Moana Starring Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

They might just get it right this time.

This Gourmet Grille is Hidden on a College Campus

Become one of Vanbanna Pie’s many fans.

Make-Your-Own Poke Bowls at Fresh ‘Ahi Off the Boat in Honolulu

Try the hurricane bowl. Trust us.

Lei Chic’s Weekend Picks: 6 Reasons Why This Weekend Will Rock

Here’s what Lei Chic is looking forward to this weekend.

4 Stylish Interior Design Tips to Improve Your Home

Expert home makeover tips from interior design guru Tiare Pinto of Archipelago Hawai‘i.

This Kahuku Bakery Makes Gluten-Free Cakes, Breads, Pizzas, Waffles and More

Try some of LaniLove’s gluten-free treats from the North Shore Gluten-Free Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Sunset Beach Elementary School.

Lei Chic’s Weekend Picks: 6 Stylish Ways to Spend Your Weekend

Here’s what Lei Chic is looking forward to this weekend.

Café Kaila Launches a New Dinner Menu

Skip the pancakes and try some deep-dish pizza instead.

Hawai‘i’s Independent Schools are Finding Ways to Teach the Right Stuff

Being good 101.

University of Hawaii Cancer Warriors

Four ways the new UH Cancer Center is going to make a difference.

The Honolulu Museum of Art's Colorful Renovation

New Art: The Honolulu Museum of Art finishes a dramatic, colorful renovation.

From Our December Files

December Archives

Things to Do in December in Hawaii

December lights up the city with parades, rock stars and holiday fun.

From Our Files

The November 2012 archives from our files of Paradise of the Pacific and HONOLULU Magazine.

3 Thanksgiving Recipes from Hawaii Chefs

Chefs Sam Choy, James Donahue and Mark Noguchi share their favorite (and, a formerly secret) Thanksgiving recipes.

Things to Do in November in Hawaii

The holidays are upon us. Before you’re dragged into the Christmas frenzy, relax and enjoy November.

Get Smart: How To Do Everything Better in Honolulu (and Beyond)

You, dear reader, are a sharp cookie. We know that. Still, there’s always a better “you” out there. Someone who can work better, whip up a tastier meal or even rock harder at karaoke. Start with any one of these 32 local classes or tips and see what happens. We won’t tell anyone how you became so awesome.

Maria Kanai

Articles

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