Honolulu Stories
We asked five local writers to share a personal story that would resonate with a broader audience for its authenticity, humor and heart.
The Latest
2025 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Restaurateur of the Year Peter Kim Built a Local Empire of Fast Food, Fine Dining and Coco Puffs
Kim’s motto: Expect the unexpected.
It’s All in the Family at Kim Chee II, Our 2025 Hale ‘Aina Awards’ Old-School Restaurant We Love
That’s how members of the Chun family’s third generation feel about customers at their Kaimukī eatery.
2024 HONOLULU Book Awards
In selecting our 2024 winners in seven categories, we considered heart, breadth of audience, readability and connection.
Restaurants We Love: Resonant Stories From the Best Restaurants in Honolulu
Restaurants with superlative food are one thing. Those with a place in our hearts are another. Our writers explore the restaurants they love.
“I Want Them to Dream,” Says President of Izakaya Naru, 2025 Hale ‘Aina Award Winner of Best Izakaya
With the tiny izakaya on King Street winning Hale ‘Aina gold, we talk to president Hiroyuki Akiyama about the eatery’s 15-year history.
We Tried It and You Can Too
22 fun and exciting things to do that we personally recommend.
Three Standout Drinks From Hale ‘Aina Award-Winning Cocktail Bars
Raise a glass at these cocktail bars recognized by our readers as providing the Best Cocktail Programs.
The Path to Pro
Pursuing professional sports is an arduous, costly journey, requiring grit and an all-in commitment from young athletes and their families. So why does the dream burn so big in Hawai‘i?
Why Are We So Anxious?
Anxiety is on the rise, and women are more than twice as likely to develop an anxiety disorder over their lifetimes.
Honolulu Stories: Live a Little
When it comes down to it, when the cards are on the table and the moment of truth has arrived, do I have what it takes to dig deep and win it all?
Bold Ways to Fix Our City
HONOLULU contributor Mary Vorsino spoke to key leaders about addressing some of Honolulu’s most pressing problems. Here are their ideas in their own words.
Honolulu Stories: Belonging
I hadn’t initially planned to take on a new surname later in life, tied to an ancestry that clearly wasn’t mine.
Honolulu Stories: The Joy of Aging
I don’t want to be younger and don’t care much about looking younger because I know who I am.
Honolulu Stories: Pet Mama
In a place I never planned to land, through a dog I got as a bribe, I became essential.
