HONOLULU Magazine Wins 10 Local Journalism Awards for 2025

Revisit the stories that garnered us first, second and third place prizes from the Society of Professional Journalists Hawai‘i Chapter.

1 hour ago

Katrina Valcourt,

Executive editor Katrina Valcourt and SPJ intern Kayla Luke Colon accepted the awards at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. Photo: Courtesy of Katrina Valcourt

On July 29, 2026, dozens of members of the local media industry gathered at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i for the Hawai‘i Society of Professional Journalists 2025 Excellence in Journalism Awards. We are honored to announce that HONOLULU took home awards in every category we entered, including five in first place.

Our writers, editors and designers work hard to continue telling stories that matter to you, our readers, in ways both informative and engaging. We strive to keep up in an ever-evolving landscape that challenges us at every turn. We love what we do, and we hope to continue giving you the stories you want and deserve.

Submissions were judged by our SPJ counterparts from the San Diego and East Tennessee chapters. Please join us in celebrating what the judges deemed some of our best work last year by revisiting these stories below.

Internet

Best Multimedia Presentation

First Place: Wisdom of Our Kūpuna, by Andrea Lee, Diane Seo, Mari Taketa, Brie Thalmann and Katrina Valcourt, design by James Nakamura, photos by Aaron K. Yoshino, videos by Eleven 17, December 2025/January 2026

Judge’s comments: “A heartfelt, human-interest piece with lovely, crisp photography and a beautiful layout.”

Magazines

Industry or Trade Reporting

Tinned fish platter at Faria. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

First Place: Food & Dining coverage, by Mari Taketa

Judge’s comments: “Well-researched, unique pieces with beautiful photography and attractive layouts. I’m ready to pack my bags and come eat my way through Hawaii!”

Third Place: HONOLULU Book Awards, by Don Wallace, May/June 2025

Best Single Feature Layout

First Place: Bold Ways to Fix Our City, design by James Nakamura, July/August 2025

Judge’s comments: “Powerful design, backed up by substantive ideas to improve a city. This wins first prize for its marriage of design and substance.”

Third Place: The Path to Pro, design by James Nakamura, October 2025

News Media

Column Writing or Blog/Features or Sports

First Place: Afterthoughts

Judge’s comments: “Prosaic but affecting in their totality. Truly did feel like the afterthoughts of actual locals, which was original for a series of columns. Originality of concept, combined with good editing, made this the first place entry.”

Sports Reporting

Wehiwa Aloy. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Second Place: The Path to Pro, by Don Wallace and Diane Seo, October 2025

Judge’s comments: “Thorough and thoughtful look at the quest by students and their families to beat the odds, and the sacrifices it takes.”

Feature Photography/Videography

First Place: Wisdom of Our Kūpuna, photos by Aaron K. Yoshino, videos by Eleven 17, December 2025/January 2026

Judge’s comments: “This entry was especially well done. I liked how the videos had a nice mix between the interview portions and clips that showed the individuals’ lives and activities.”

Special Section

Second Place: Wisdom of Our Kūpuna, by Andrea Lee, Diane Seo, Mari Taketa, Brie Thalmann and Katrina Valcourt, design by James Nakamura, photos by Aaron K. Yoshino, videos by Eleven 17, December 2025/January 2026

Public Service Reporting

Second Place: Keep Country, Country, by Mary Vorsino, November 2025

Judge’s comments: “It’s a common problem: progress versus preservation. The reporting is even-handed and complete.”

Congratulations are also due for our sister magazine, Hawai‘i Business, which took home 23 SPJ awards. For the full list of winners, visit hawaiispj.org.

Katrina Valcourt is the executive editor of HONOLULU Magazine.