Dishes That Define O‘ahu
From chichi dango to lau lau stew to char siu croissants, our food reflects our stories.
Feature
2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Chao Restaurant Group Wins Restaurateur of the Year
Behind the unconventional rise of Chao Restaurant Group, helmed by Chancelor Kim and Dong Dang.
2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Thai Issan Cuisine Finally Wins Gold for Best Thai
A previous finalist, the cozy gem next to Foodland at Market City has won over Hale ‘Aina voters at last.
2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Best New Restaurant Chao Hawai‘i Is Playfully Viet-Inspired
Chao’s roots are traditional, though its approach is a different story. Get the scoop on some of the restaurant’s popular dishes.
2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Da Seafood Cartel Is Recognized as the Seafood Specialist
Da Seafood Cartel, winner of Best Mexican and Best Seafood, brings vibrant coastal flavors to a converted gas station.
2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards: It’s a Tasty Late Night in Mō‘ili‘ili at Khan Skewer Restaurant
Grilled skewers and DIY drink towers light up Khan Skewer Restaurant.
2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Anna Miller’s Is a ’70s-Era Time Stamp
Not much has changed in 53 years at Anna Miller’s—exactly why we love it and name it this year’s Old-School Restaurant We Love.
Hawai‘i’s Historic Homes
They reveal our past and offer a richer understanding of who we are. We look at three neighborhoods full of these gems.
We’ve Got Seoul: The Korean Wave in Hawai‘i
From K-pop and K-dramas to food, beauty and more, all things Korean have exploded in popularity in Hawai‘i and beyond.
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.
2024 HONOLULU Book Awards
In selecting our 2024 winners in seven categories, we considered heart, breadth of audience, readability and connection.
We Tried It and You Can Too
22 fun and exciting things to do that we personally recommend.
The Path to Pro
Pursuing professional sports is an arduous, costly journey, requiring grit and an all-in commitment from young athletes and their families. So why does the dream burn so big in Hawai‘i?
Why Are We So Anxious?
Anxiety is on the rise, and women are more than twice as likely to develop an anxiety disorder over their lifetimes.
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?
Bold Ways to Fix Our City
HONOLULU contributor Mary Vorsino spoke to key leaders about addressing some of Honolulu’s most pressing problems. Here are their ideas in their own words.
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.
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.
Chinatown Through A Lens
It’s edgy, vibrant, dynamic and diverse, and that’s what makes it a focal point for many of our city’s street photographers.
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.
Can We Return to Ahupua‘a?
A movement is underway to resurrect the traditional Hawaiian land division and management system to better care for the ‘āina, water and people.
What Should We Do About Our Parents?
As Hawai‘i’s population ages, younger generations are being tasked with caregiving. But the lack of resources poses significant challenges.
