Meet the 2020 Ola Pono Award Winners
Volunteers are a vital part of Hawai‘i’s nonprofits—every year, hundreds of thousands of them donate their time and talents to keep our communities moving forward.
People & Profiles
Life Interrupted: 15 People. 15 Stories of Sudden Change, Courage and Community During COVID-19
We asked Honolulu residents—teachers, police officers, home care workers, nurses and more—what life was like for them when the pandemic first arrived on O‘ahu.
Facing Fertility Challenges: How Options in Hawai‘i Provide Support and Hope
The joy of starting a family can quickly turn to heartbreak, but new-to Hawai‘i techniques, a rare insurance rule and local groups can help women overcome some of the challenges.
A Former Waikīkī Hotel Worker Talks About the Moment the Pandemic Became Real to Her
After her hotel closed, Aina Iglesias started delivering food to make ends meet.
This Month, Local Organizations Will Mark Black August with Events Aimed at Education, Understanding and Building a Better Future
Passionate, emotional and powerful.
Nominate an Outstanding Individual or Organization for HONOLULU Magazine’s Ola Pono Awards
Know someone who volunteers their time and talents to make our islands a better place? Submit your nomination by Aug. 28, 2020!
The History of Hawai‘i From Our Files: “Honolulu Never Forgets Memorial Day”
A parade, speeches and performances by the Kamehameha Glee Club and the Kamehameha Girls’ Glee Club were featured at ceremonies held across town in 1915.
What It’s Like Being a Hawai‘i Public School Teacher During the Pandemic
Students left for spring break and never returned to Farrington High School.
Soufiane Bouharkat, Owner of Le Crepe Café, on the Difference Between Racism in France and America
And how he responds to comments such as “I’m sorry France is invaded by Africans.”
The History of Hawai‘i From Our Files: The Success of Maui-Born Sumo Wrestler Jesse Kuhaulua in 1970
Kuhaulua set records for longevity and made his mark as the first non-Japanese wrestler to reach the sumo rank of sekiwake.
What It’s Like for a Hawai‘i Musician During the Pandemic
After he lost all of his gigs, Izik began taking online classes for music production and started going live on Instagram.
The History of Hawai‘i From Our Files: Our Interview With Louis Kealoha 9 Years Before He and Katherine Kealoha Are Found Guilty
In 2010, prosecutors find that the pair had been abusing their power nearly from the get-go.
Ralph Gaston, of Rusty’s Hawaiian Coffee and Isla Custom Coffees, on Presenting Himself as a Nonthreatening Black Man
The coffee farmer talks about the culture in Pāhala, Big Island, versus in cafés in Mainland cities.
What It’s Like Being a Hawai‘i Nurse During a Pandemic
Here’s how local hospitals adapted to treating COVID-19 patients.
The History of Hawai‘i From Our Files: Dan Akaka Became the First Native Hawaiian Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1990
Ahead of the July candidate filing deadline, Dan Boylan reflects on the pivotal U.S. Senate race between Democrat Dan Akaka and Republican Pat Saiki, following the death of Spark Matsunaga.
Gida Snyder of Slow Island Co. on Being Black in the Food Industry
The caterer and maker of syrups using Hawai‘i-grown ingredients on why she’s talking race and politics in her business.
Qiana Di Bari, Owner of Sale Pepe in Lahaina, On Racism in the Food Business and Why She Feels At Home On Maui
Qiana Di Bari used to manage the hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest before opening her own restaurant in New York, then moving to Maui in 2013.
What It’s Like Driving for a Ride-Hailing Company During a Pandemic
The switch from Uber to Uber Eats has helped make up for a lack of customers.
12 Ways to Support the Black Community in Hawai‘i
Here are some local organizations to support and resources to learn more about the history and culture of the Black community in Hawai‘i.
What It’s Like Being a Police Captain and Father During the Pandemic
Mike Lambert runs Honolulu Police Department programs for the homeless population, which, during the early stages of Honolulu’s lockdown, meant setting up new self-quarantine sites. He also stopped living with his kids.
Real Gastropub, Hawai‘i’s First Restaurant to Focus on Craft Beer, Won’t be Reopening
Looking back on the restaurant that helped usher in Hawai‘i’s craft beer scene.
What It’s Like Being a Restaurant Server Who Lost Her Job During the Pandemic
Mariana Lárez Matheus was laid off in mid-March, right before restaurants were ordered to close dine-in services.
What It’s Really Like to Be a Baker (and Parent of a Baker) at the Kids Baking Championship
We chatted with Hawai‘i’s baking star and her mom and dad for stories about long days in the studio, kid camaraderie and the difficult task of staying quiet when you’re a proud parent.
O‘ahu in 1955: 40-Foot Lava Fountains Sent Kapoho Families Fleeing to a Shelter at Pāhoa School
Lacking English, he manages a graphic appeal in sign language. “The food is good. The bed is warm. The shelter is nearer home.”
