Good morning, Honolulu! In today’s edition: Japanese Women’s Society Foundation Shinnenkai, Sony Open Thursday, Hawaiian stars and stories planetarium adventure, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Japanese Women’s Society Foundation Shinnenkai @ Natsunoya Tea House | Sunday (1/11) at 10:00 AM – Kick off the new year the right way at JWSF’s Shinnenkai, where the aunties sling dangerous baked goods, Fukubukuro bags test your willpower, and John Sakai and Friends keep it lively. Country store, Lucky Me fun, proper Japanese eats, and member door prizes, too — see the event listing.

Crave-worthy burrito fix: When the burrito urge hits, Alejandro’s Mexican Food rolls hefty, no-nonsense beauties: carnitas, wet burritos, and a red sauce that actually kicks. Ideal for an “I deserve this” lunch or low-effort dinner… because sometimes you just need the good stuff.

Rain-proof pickleball, anyone? Whether your crew is leveling up or just discovering the kitchen, Pickles at Forté offers air-conditioned indoor courts, open play, and coaches to sharpen your game, so weeknight rallies stay on schedule, rain or shine, no court-hunting required.

New tech strengthens environmental safeguards: Honolulu has launched an $11 million UV disinfection system at the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, now operating after testing to improve water quality, boost efficiency, and support marine life — get all the details.

Small acts, big impact: A 24-year-old from Palolo is inspiring neighbors by picking up trash one bag at a time and sharing videos on Trash Cleanups Hawaii. He also runs the Malama Initiative nonprofit — read about his cleanup journey.

Home glow-up, local style: If your place needs a little wow without losing island vibes, Fishcake curates furniture, art, and quirky vintage, plus rotating exhibits and creative pop-ups, so you can support the scene and bring home pieces that feel like you.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎤 Guest Night for Potential Singers @ Ala Wai Golf Course | Monday (1/12) at 6:30 PM – Warm up those pipes and drop by Guest Night for a cappella harmony, especially if you’re a guy who only sings in the shower. Low pressure, high fun, and a mingle after. Second-floor Palladium, free parking, elevator at the far end.

🎸 Wheatus @ Blue Note | Monday (1/12) at 7:00 PM – If your inner teen still knows every word to Teenage Dirtbag, this is your night. Wheatus is back, thanks to the TikTok kids finally discovering our anthem. Tickets are $35 to $45, communal seating, and a $20 food or drink minimum applies.

📓 Art Journaling with JennyBHawaii 2026 @ HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts | Tuesday (1/13) at 10:00 AM – Trade scrolling for scribbling at Art Journaling with JennyBHawaii in Mapunapuna, where the warehouses hum, and the ideas do too. Expect hands-on prompts, collage, and watercolor, with good company and zero pressure. Parking’s easy, inspiration’s cheaper than therapy.

⛳ Sony Open Thursday @ Waiʻalae Country Club | Thursday (1/15) – Whether you know a draw from a duck hook or want to roam Waialae, the Sony Open takes over the country club with tradewinds. Call it an early start to the weekend, grab sunscreen and your polite clap, then enjoy ocean views and world-class swings.

📅 Third Fridays Kaimuki @ Kaimuki | Friday (1/16) at 4:30 AM – Third Fridays in Kaimuki is pau hana the old-fashioned way, a self-guided stroll through your favorite side streets between Koko Head and Waialae. No barricades, no street vendors, just shops staying lively, good bites, and neighborly talk story while you actually hear yourself think.

🌌 Hawaiian Stars & Stories: Wayfinder Planetarium Adventure @ Wayfinder Waikiki | Friday (1/16) at 8:45 AM – Trade your usual brunch chatter for Hawaiian stars and wayfinding at Bishop Museum’s planetarium. It’s a three-hour deep dive into navigation, history, and culture, with breakfast, real stories, and zero gimmicks. Shuttle’s hotel-only, so plan your ride like a navigator.

🏐 Rockhurst Hawks at Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Men’s Volleyball @ Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center | Friday (1/16) at 11:00 AM – Whether you still call them the Rainbows or just the Bows, Hawaii faces the Rockhurst Hawks at Stan Sheriff Center. Big serves, bigger blocks, and louder aunties, with just enough drama to justify stadium snacks, a hoarse voice, and no errands.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📣 Own or manage a local business?

Meet BaseLocal Business — a free and easy way to get your business happenings in front of our readers.

How it works:

• Sign up (it takes less than 5 minutes)
• We’ll manually verify your business is legit
• Once verified, you’ll be able to share events, news, and special deals with us any time

Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Honolulu locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.

We also regularly spotlight verified businesses just because we think they’re great.

Click here to get started (it’s free) →

📻 Honolulu report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 82°F – Low: 73°F – Precip: 10%

Sunny, with a high near 82. West southwest wind 1 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 2 mph.

—

Tomorrow – High: 83°F – Low: 73°F – Precip: 7%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. South southwest wind 2 to 7 mph. Later: Scattered rain showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. West southwest wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Most popular house this week

Single level on an 8,446 square foot level lot in sought after Aina Haina. About $250,000 in upgrades deliver a turnkey feel. Freshly painted redwood walls meet new luxury vinyl flooring. The kitchen is all new with quartz countertops, sleek cabinetry, and stainless appliances. Bathrooms shine with modern finishes.

A bonus studio off the kitchen adds flexibility, with a wet bar, a new full bath, and a separate entrance suited to guests or a home office. The backyard brings avocado and lychee trees, new vinyl fencing, and gated side access. A spacious two-car garage includes a new washer and dryer. Flood Zone X.

Take a peek inside →