Good morning, Honolulu.

The Best of Honolulu 2026 list names top local service providers on O‘ahu, featuring winning cooking classes at Hana Kitchens, pet grooming at Live.Love.Pet and group travel at Non-Stop Travel as voted by readers and editors.

Fourteen missing children (ages 13-17) were safely recovered last week across Oʻahu through Operation Shine the Light, marking the highest recovery count since the program began in 2020.

Multiple agencies coordinated to provide immediate support services for the children.

Hawaiian Native Corporation rebranded its portfolio companies from DAWSON to LAUKOA effective June 29 as part of a new phase highlighting growth and commitment to Native Hawaiian values.

The change does not affect contracts or daily operations.

Honolulu is set for a busy July 2–8 weekend as a Tahitian dance competition starts Friday at Neal S.

Blaisdell Arena and a 4th celebration picnic is held Saturday at Battleship Missouri Memorial. A 3D art show, Shrek musical, and polo matches are also on tap.

The Best of HONOLULU 2026 list showcases diverse entertainment on O‘ahu from kayaking gear rentals at Kailua Beach Adventures (with free deliveries to locals) to local art exhibits at Kaiao Space, dance nights at The District, and celebration venues like Natsunoya Tea House.

Data from DBEDT show that May 2026 visitor spending increased 5.3% to $1.77 billion and total visitors grew to 800,554, though stays dropped to 7.60 days.

Visitors from the U.S. West, U.S. East & Japan boosted spending, while Canadian and other international arrivals dipped.

HIDOE has distributed almost 145,000 free summer meals to keiki at 74 local schools through July 17.

Breakfast is offered at 7:15-8:45 a.m. & lunch at 10:30-12, with no service on July 3 for the Independence Day holiday.

WalletHub’s report released Tuesday, June 30 shows that daycare costs reach 39% of the median single parent income and rank 10th highest among states— the study compares family based and center based care.

State officials warn drivers about scam texts that use Hawaiian names and fake traffic tickets to pressure immediate payment; residents should verify any citation by calling official sources (808-539-4909) rather than replying to suspicious messages.

A local guide titled Best of Honolulu 2026 highlights 16 top shopping picks across O‘ahu, featuring Maui Divers Jewelry offering a free design tour, Open Sea Leather Co. for customizable wallets, The Compleat Kitchen for premium cookware, and local favorites like HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts and Kaka‘ako Farmers Market.

Today, beauty and self-care options shine on O‘ahu as Asia Pacific Aesthetics (with 16 rooms) offers med spa treatments at 1330 Ala Moana Blvd, Popoki Massage provides walk-in massages at Ala Moana Center, and Beauty Touch will open a luxury Korean spa in August at the center.

Honolulu Family 2026 will reveal its winners this fall, celebrating top spots for family fun including a scavenger hunt at Battleship Missouri Memorial, a frozen treat at a pop-up in Kalihi, a thrift store for children’s clothes in Kailua, and family dining at Café Kaila.

Starting in 2027 the Sony Open in Hawaii becomes the Sony Championship Hawaii, a PGA TOUR Champions event at Waialae Country Club from Jan.

11 to 16. The tournament will feature 78 players, pro-am rounds on Jan. 12 and 13, + a $3 million purse that supports local charities.