Dishes That Define O‘ahu
From chichi dango to lau lau stew to char siu croissants, our food reflects our stories.
HONOLULU Magazine - September 2026
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.
Music for the Airport by Aloha Got Soul Responds to the Airport’s AI Songs
The new record album compiles human-made music from Hawai‘i as a rebuttal to the AI selection played at the airport.
Craig Steely Architecture’s Inventive Designs Mingle Nature and Living Spaces
A musubi-shaped footprint and surfboard finlike structure are among the elements Craig Steely incorporates into Hawai‘i home designs.
Goodbye to Ward Centre and Kilohana Square
We lament the generations-old buildings, the latest closures in an unending cycle.
New Fragrance Boutique Aaila Curates Uncommon Scents
Fragheads take note—newly opened Aaila is a treasure trove of captivating, rare-in-the-Islands perfumes.
UH Goes Big on NIL
To keep its sports teams competitive, the university will disburse millions of dollars through its Name, Image and Likeness program for student athletes.
Pursuits: From Putts to Pickleballs with Tadd Fujikawa
Tadd Fujikawa, the golf phenom who made a run at the 2007 Sony Open, is now a standout pickleball player.
On Board with AI? It’s Complicated
We will never use AI to write editorial stories, but its power to assist with processes is undeniable.
Aloha Festivals Celebrates 80 Years
This year‘s theme is “80 Years of Aloha: Our Culture, Our Stories, Celebrating Our Island Home.”
A New HoMA Exhibit Explores Your Brain on Art
Vital Connections: Art & the Brain lets you experience the positive impacts art can have on your well-being.
Being Seen (a Little Too Much)
Teaching and living in Kailua means running into my students everywhere.
Tails of the City: Fostering Kittens at the Women’s Community Correctional Center
The new program helps socialize kittens to get them ready for adoption while giving inmates a life-changing experience.
Dancing Cat Records Is Preserving the Masters of Slack Key
The record company’s comprehensive collection of Hawaiian slack key is available to the public.
Things to Do on O‘ahu in September 2026
Get away to the Fantasy Island-themed Hale ‘Aina Gala, admire sculptures made with canned food, cycle along the Kaiwi Coast and more.
