June 2021: Table of Contents

June 1, 2021

HONOLULU Magazine Team,

An intricate feather lei handcrafted by Kawika Lum-Nelmida, an artist who recently received national honors. Photo: Courtesy of Pa‘i Foundation

Features

On the Cover: Confit Pork Belly Brûlée from O’Kims Korean Restaurant. Photo: Olivier Koning

Making Merrie

After suddenly being forced to cancel in the early days of the pandemic, the renowned Merrie Monarch Festival returns to the stage this month in Hilo to the joy of both hālau and fans. But there are big changes to the cultural celebration, often known as the Olympics of Hula.

By Jayna Omaye

All-Island Restaurant Guide

Our annual guide celebrates Hawai‘i’s delicious dining options across the Islands. Find out our top cheap eats for less than $15, who’s offering cocktails to-go, the best deals you wouldn’t expect and what it was like for a local industry icon to close his signature restaurant.

A Tale of Two Kaka‘akos

Since 2009, Honoluluans have had front-row seats to the rebirth and redevelopment of Kaka‘ako, the city’s much-touted future urban hot spot. In those 12 years, two distinctive worlds have emerged and new plans for what will come may change our skyline and streets yet again.

By Lesa Griffith

Top Doctors

We turned to Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. to provide us with a list of the Top Doctors in Hawai‘i. Here are 568 physicians in 63 specialties.

Calabash

View From Above

It’s never been open to the public, but now everyone can appreciate this new view of history.

By Christi Young and Aaron K. Yoshino

Summer Picks

Food, mimosas and plants: This Mother’s Day (May 9), thank yo mama for taking your daily pandemic calls (even if you can’t see her). Plus celebrate May Day, Memorial Day and juicy hamburgers.

By Katie Kenny

Sharing Their Mana‘o

Weaving together art, history and culture, two Native Hawaiian artisans use national awards to fuel their passion to teach.

By Robbie Dingeman

Shroom to Grow

Normally, we’re trying to get rid of fungus in the house. But here are three local mail-order mushroom kits to start growing at home—if not for their sculptural beauty, then for a delicious dinner.

By Martha Cheng

From Our Files

For 133 years HONOLULU Magazine has kept its readers and advertisers at the vanguard of fashion, insight and fun. Starting out as Paradise of the Pacific in 1888 with a commission from King Kalākaua, we’re the oldest continually publishing magazine west of the Mississippi. Take a look into our archives.

By Katrina Valcourt

Da Meter

Gauging what’s hot and what’s not in Honolulu.

Ford Island tower. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Style

Coming in hot this summer are chic sunnies, cool hats and smokin’ swimsuits.

By Stacey Makiya

Opinion

Editor’s Page: Give Me the Long Version

Never mind the CliffNotes. I want the full story, every time.

By Christi Young

Afterthoughts: Stand By Me

Crowds are back, and they’re going to take some getting used to.

By Katrina Valcourt

Special Promotional Section

On the Cover: Dr. Nadine Tenn Salle, pediatrician. Makeup: Jonathan Freitas, Motives Hawai‘i. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Legacy Doctors

We are proud to celebrate the physicians whose outstanding contributions have earned them recognition as a Top Doctor every year for the past five years.

Top Doctors

There are more than 8,000 physicians in Hawai‘i but only 568 were named top doctors by their peers. Learn more about some of those who earned the distinction.