Happy
Honolulu
Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 28th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Volunteers from several organizations conducted the annual Point in Time Count in District 1 (covering Chinatown, downtown, the State Capitol, the State Library, and Honolulu Hale) using the Survey123 app. HUD and local groups will use the data to guide services across Oahu, with a full report expected in May. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ HPD's traffic division held a Bike-Right event at Holomua Elementary on Jan. 27, handing out free helmets and bike lights to teach local kids bike safety. KITV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Entrepreneur Summer Shiigi runs two creative businesses on Waialae Avenue in Kaimukī that blend fashion, retail and local production. The innovative model (reflecting Hawaiʻi values) aims to support modern local practices and boost community entrepreneurship. KITV
- ➤ Southwest’s final open seating flight left Honolulu for Los Angeles yesterday, ending its traditional boarding service + marking a shift in the airline’s operations on the island. KITV
- ➤ Marujuu Hamburger & Steak has opened in Kaimukī, offering Japanese-style hamburger steaks served on sizzling cast iron plates (with rice, spaghetti, and grilled vegetables) in the former Chubbies Burgers space. The Funergy Group blends anime themes with customizable dishes that cater to local fans. Honolulu Magazine
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Guests celebrated the 11th anniversary of Mu‘umu‘u Month on Saturday, Jan. 24 when free festivities featured a mākeke swap & pop-up shops, a talk by fashion expert Tory Laitila, and a fashion show by native designer Lei Mamo Howell in downtown Honolulu. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ ANNO will host a free conference celebrating Hawaiian and Indigenous cultures at the Kennedy Theatre on the UH Manoa campus from Feb. 5 to Feb. 6. The event will offer panels, workshops, film screenings, and networking sessions led by its research team. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Aulani, Disney Resort and Spa hosted a star-studded watch party yesterday to launch the new season of American Idol for local fans, marking the television event's kickoff. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii DOE is launching a new statewide priority placement for Kaiapuni programs + it will simplify enrollment for children in Hawaiian language immersion classes by offering clear guidelines for families. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii Army National Guard is honoring the legacy of soldiers who were on board the Royal T. Frank when it was torpedoed during WWII today at Keaukaha Military Reservation in Hilo - family members of the surviving soldiers are invited to attend the service. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local studios offer diverse fitness and wellness sessions this week. Highlights include an infrared glutes & core mat class at Revolt Studio in Kailua, a cycle and contrast therapy session at The Den in Waialua, and a free floating sound bath on Sunday at a Waikīkī hotel. Honolulu Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 18-year-old Kalānōweo DeSoto of Makaha won the DaHui Backdoor Shootout at Pipeline on North Shore earlier this week, making him the contest's youngest champion. He now aims to qualify for a spot on the World Surf League Championship Tour. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You cannot find yourself by going into the past. You can find yourself by coming into the present.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Happy Honolulu
Welcome to the Happy Honolulu, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Honolulu, Hawaii community. If you like the Happy Honolulu, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Honolulu.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Honolulu and across Hawaii. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Happy Honolulu
A free Honolulu community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://happyhonolulu.com/sitemap