Aloha Spirit

It’s all about giving back.

ASD’s Aloha Spirit beat covers the kama‘āina who are making a positive difference in people’s lives. This is where volunteers are heroes and non-profit leaders are Hawai‘i’s navigators. We also cover Hawai‘i’s diverse faith community, and the religions which so deeply tie the Islands together.

Donna Apisa named 2025 Realtor of the Year

Since 1967, Hawai‘i Realtors — a statewide professional trade organization — has annually recognized an outstanding Realtor in the state for their work in the interest of fellow Realtors, the profession and the community.

Stephanie SalmonsSeptember 30, 2025

Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra offers free ocean-themed concert

Want to take your keiki to the symphony? Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra is teaming up with the University of Hawaiʻi on this free concert themed around the ocean that includes animations, storytelling and hula.

Katie HellandSeptember 26, 2025

Meet this Maui Humane Society volunteer and the pets she cares for

Cassondra “Cassie” Christman, a volunteer at Maui Humane Society who wears many hats, loves working with animals — dogs in particular. Christman has used her own social media platform to advocate for adopting and fostering furry friends, in addition to sharing the organization’s needs from wishlists for specific pets to relocating dogs from Molokai and Lānaʻi.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 25, 2025

Nonprofit aims to uplift Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students

Since 2020, The Kamery Lee Jr. Scholarships awarded by The Ho‘omau Foundation honors the life and legacy of an entrepreneur known by those he loved for his cultural pride, commitment to community and deep love for his family. His daughter, JoNelle Sood, established the foundation to empower Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students pursuing higher education, while staying rooted in their values. Learn more about the program from Sood and one of this year's returning recipients, Christina Young.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 24, 2025

Reader Submissions: Aloha State Daily wants to share your sky photos

Whether you live here or are visiting, we’d love to share a recent photo that you have captured while enjoying views of the Hawaiian Islands.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 23, 2025

Community Voices: Geothermal energy — solution or sacrilege?

The subject of geothermal energy has long divided the Native Hawaiian community. Proponents cite energy sovereignty and decreased reliance on foreign oil. Opponents point to the genealogical, cultural and spiritual ties that many Hawaiians have to Pele.

Cedric DuarteSeptember 23, 2025

5 questions with Pastor Mark Mohr of Christafari

Amid the Gospel reggae band’s Hawaiian Island Tour: Sounds of Salvation, Aloha State Daily talks story with Mohr about the group’s early beginnings and current goals, which include sharing a new album and biblical message to the masses worldwide, while uplifting the next generation of musicians.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 19, 2025

Hawai‘i scientist discovers "Chewbacca" coral

Shaggy new coral species found off Molokai given name of Star Wars character.

Michael BrestovanskySeptember 18, 2025

Hamada: Fixing what's wrong in America

A lot of people feel like America is running off the rails, following the assassination of Charlie Kirk last Wednesday. The solution could be as simple as getting back to some basic rules we all agree on — don't kill anybody, don't lie about them, don't covet.

Rick HamadaSeptember 16, 2025

Hawai‘i conservatives mourn Charlie Kirk

Scores gather on Friday for a vigil in memory of slain conservative commentator.

Michael BrestovanskySeptember 15, 2025

Uncles and Aunties: Joanne “Cookie” Fujio's fight against ALS

When Gary “Black” Miyashiro was diagnosed with ALS, he and his wife, Joanne “Cookie” Fujio immediately became champions of the ALS Network. It's work Joanne has continued to do, a decade after his death. The next Hawai‘i Walk & Roll to Cure ALS is coming up on Saturday, October 11, at Kapi‘olani Park

Cheryl Chee TsutsumiSeptember 15, 2025

Catch Henry Kapono and other legends in September concerts

Henry Kapono will join well known and up-and-coming singers and musicians for the Home in the Islands Music Festival, hosted by the Henry Kapono Foundation. Among the events is the foundation’s inaugural In the Key of Aloha fundraiser gala, which features Kapono, Jerry Santos, Brother Noland, Kimié Miner, Tavana, and artists from the On the Rise program at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach.

Katie HellandSeptember 12, 2025