From the Magazine

News & Opinion

Leading With Pride: An Interview With Kathleen O’Dell

as told to Katrina Valcourt,

Kathleen O’Dell shares her vision for the Hawai‘i State LGBTQ+ Commission.

Lanterns Courtesy Of Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii

Things To Do

Things to Do on O‘ahu in Summer 2025 (Part 1)

Andrea Lee,

See the dramedy play that inspired a Netflix sitcom, join the lantern floating ceremony, jam with Maoli and welcome bon dance season.

Style

Bloom Bloom, Pow! These Flower-Blocked Lei Pack a Punch

Brie Thalmann,

Stamen + Style creates bold new looks for lei by mixing and matching different blocks of blooms.

Homes

Where to Find Forever Lei for Your Home

Brie Thalmann,

It’s easily one of our favorite home décor trends of late—creative takes on forever lei, crafted with pua and leaves made of glass, leather and stone.

Sweets

Niu Soft Serve’s Hot Kūlolo Sundae Is Its Top Seller (and It’s Vegan)

Mari Taketa,

‘Aiku‘e and Kekahu Napoleon-Ahn opened a coconut-based ice cream shop. They didn’t expect to spend more of their time making kūlolo.

Crafts

In the Mood for Lei: Where to Take Lei-Making Classes on O‘ahu

Andrea Lee,

Here’s where to celebrate Lei Day: we’ve rounded up the many places offering intro classes on the Islands’ signature floral craft.

Fashion Feature

Mu‘umu‘u Moments

Brie Thalmann,

The classic Hawai‘i garment feels decidedly fresh again, with local designers dreaming up exciting iterations for all occasions.

Education

Advocating for Native Hawaiian Programs Amid Federal Cuts

Christine Hitt,

Federal cuts and policy shifts are threatening various programs that support Native Hawaiian health care, housing, education and more.

News & City Life

Heads Up: Real ID Deadline Is May 7

Katrina Valcourt,

Here’s what you need to apply for a Real ID with a gold star.

Homes

How to Grow Your Own Lei Garden

Brie Thalmann,

Dreaming of a lei garden of your own? This is your sign to dig in with tips from a horticulturist and a guidebook.

Things To Do

Little Plumeria Farms Offers Guided Tours on O‘ahu’s North Shore

Meghan Thibault, Andrea Lee,

Tours are back on through October at this 20-acre property run by three generations of photographer Clark Little’s family. See what’s new.

Sports

It’s Everywhere: The Pickleball Craze

Katrina Valcourt,

No longer just a game for retirees, pickleball has morphed in Honolulu into both a serious sport and a wildly popular activity for people of all ages. And it’s only getting bigger.