January 2020: Table of Contents

Image: Aaron K. Yoshino
Features
The Sour Poi Awards
Looking back on the offbeat, obscure and outrageous news of 2019.
by robbie dingeman
50 Ways to Volunteer
From drop-in workdays that take just a few hours to opportunities to train in a new skill, here are dozens of ways to give back in 2020.
by james charisma, robbie dingeman, stacey makiya, jayna omaye, brie thalmann, katrina valcourt, don wallace and christi young
HONOLULU Magazine’s Ola Pono Awards
Volunteers are a vital part of Hawai‘i’s nonprofits. Every year, hundreds of thousands donate their time and talents to keep our communities moving. We asked our readers to nominate people who inspire through their compassion and dedication for our first Ola Pono Awards. Meet the honorees.
by maria kana
Calabash
Fit for a Queen
Hawai‘i designer and Project Runway All Stars alum Kini Zamora embraced a historic fashion challenge: recreating Queen Kapi‘olani’s coronation gown that’s on display in ‘Iolani Palace’s throne room in time for the anniversary of the Feb. 12, 1883 royal event.
By Robbie Dingeman
January Picks
It’s a new day, it’s a new year, it’s a new decade—and we’re feeling good. And how can you not when you have comedians, an a cappella group, a cooking class, a colorful race and more?
By Katie Kenny
Musical Chairs
A proposed 2021 shutdown of the Blaisdell Center may put Honolulu’s symphony, opera and ballet in scramble, even survival, mode.
By Don Wallace
A Bug’s Life
As lead entomologist for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Cynthia King and her team are tasked with protecting 87% of our state’s total biodiversity. She started the first state insectary, established to propagate native rare invertebrates and other of Hawai‘i’s smallest and most overlooked species, including our state insect, the Kamehameha butterfly.
By Martha Cheng
On the Lighter Side
It’s time to put away the eating pants, the creepy Santa decorations, the Pinterest-worthy string lights—but leave the fancy glassware. Just because the holidays are over and we’re partied out doesn’t mean we’re ready to go total teetotaler in 2020. Ease off the sauce with these drinks with less than 7% alcohol by volume. Because getting blackout drunk is nobody’s New Year’s resolution.
By Katrina Valcourt
Da Meter
Gauging what’s hot and what’s not in Honolulu.
BY HONOLULU MAGAZINE STAFF
From Our Files
HONOLULU Magazine emerged as Paradise of the Pacific in 1888, commissioned by King Kalākaua himself, making it the oldest continuously publishing magazine west of the Mississippi. Here’s a dive into our archives.
- O‘ahu in 1930: One of Hawai‘i’s Must-See Buildings Makes Its Debut in Honolulu
- O‘ahu in 1955: HONOLULU Looks Back at the 6th Narcissus Festival During Chinese New Year
- O‘ahu in 2000: University of Hawai‘i Football Coach June Jones is Islander of the Year
By Jayna Omaye
Style
Art of Your World
Don’t dwell on freshenin’ up your wall décor this new year—elevate your frame game with vibrant artsy prints inspired by our Island home.
BY STACEY MAKIYA
Gold Fashioned
Three syllables: TUR. MER. IC. That’s the spicy new shade for Resort 2020.
BY STACEY MAKIYA
Feel Good Fashion
These local brands that give back will have you looking and feeling fab.
BY BRIE THALMANN
Chic Escape
With Marina & Co. on the radar it’s sunny styles ahead.
By Brie Thalmann
![]() Find 50 ways to volunteer in the January 2020 issue.Photo illustration: James Nakamura. |
‘Ono: Food and Dining
Ritzy Business
What to get at Quiora and Rigo. And an old favorite reopens.
- Quiora Brings an Unexpected Combination of Cocktails, Rustic Italian Fare and a Killer View
- Rigo Serves Spanish and Italian Dishes and One of the Best Budget Wine Menus Around
- Former Wai‘oli Tea Room Reopens with 10 Dishes and a Renewed Focus on its Mission
by Martha Cheng and Mari Taketa
Opinion
Editor’s Page: Stepping Up
Sometimes the most difficult part of volunteering is just getting started.
BY CHRISTI YOUNG
Afterthoughts: Takin’ It to the Streets
Google Maps is finally updating its views of Hawai‘i.
By Katrina Valcourt