|
Hi Honolulu, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: New HPD media access law, Hawaiian Airlines’ $600M airport upgrades, Excore ichthyology collection tours, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
|
📰 In the news
New transparency requirements: Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed a law on Jan. 8 requiring HPD to send quick incident alerts and give vetted media limited radio access during major emergencies to inform Oahu residents — see what the law requires.
Community assistance initiative returns: Goodwill Hawaii will offer free IRS-partnered tax prep for low-income residents by appointment on select days starting January 26 through early April. The nonprofit also provides job training and education — see what’s offered and when.
More than terminal makeovers: Hawaiian Airlines announced earlier this month a $600 million plan to upgrade island airports over five years, including renovated lobbies, gates, and a premium lounge in Honolulu’s Terminal 1 — explore the full investment plan.
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 its 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.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
|
🫶 We got your back
City backs water conservation: Honolulu has expanded its WaterSensible Rebate Program, doubling incentives on popular water saving upgrades to help offset recent sewer fee changes. Residents can get $150 for an ENERGY STAR clothes washer, $200 for a WaterSense toilet, and $400 for a smart water monitor. Commercial customers receive higher amounts. See eligible upgrades and amounts.
Fresh cut, minimal fuss: Skip the guesswork on your next cut. Mojo Barbershop keeps it straightforward with skilled hands, good vibes, and simple by-barber booking. If the sides went wild over the holidays, get back to clean lines and feel-human-again status this week.
Quick ocean reset: Need a midweek mental reset? Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve offers clear water, coral gardens, and hundreds of species, from honu to Hawaiian monk seals. A quick video keeps visitors kind to the reef, and a mellow snorkel can steady your whole week.
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).
|
📆 Around town this weekend
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.
📅 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.
❤ Caring for Caregivers @ University of Hawaii Cancer Center | Saturday (1/17) at 9:00 AM – This interactive UH Cancer Center workshop gives caregivers, patients, and survivors real tools, a safe space, and actual community, in person or online. Expect research made human, self-care that isn’t fluff, and separate breakouts so everyone can talk story, vent, and leave lighter, not lost.
🐟 Excore Ichthyology Collection Tours @ Bishop Museum | Saturday (1/17) at 10:00 AM – Think you know your uhu from your ulua? Get a rare behind-the-scenes peek at Bishop Museum’s fish collection with co-curator Richard Pyle, and eyeball coral reef specimens up close. Tiny groups, real science, and zero aquarium fluff. Limited spots, registration required, $40 general, $30 members.
⛳ Sony Open Sunday @ Waiʻalae Country Club | Sunday (1/18) – Final round Sunday at the Sony Open brings big swings to Waialae’s breezy fairways, ocean views, and the occasional sunburn. Watch the pros chase birdies, sip something cold, pretend your short game could hang, and leave with fresh tan lines, stories, and bragging rights.
🐝 Beekeepers Meeting @ Moanalua Valley Park | Sunday (1/18) at 3:00 PM – Thinking about turning your hive hobby into a real-deal honey hustle? Swing by this beekeepers meetup and hear from a manager at Hawaii’s agribusiness development corp, the folks who help locals launch and grow ag ventures, small or big, without getting stung by the paperwork.
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: 78°F – Low: 67°F – Precip: 43%
Scattered rain showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. North wind 12 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. North northeast wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
—
Tomorrow – High: 77°F – Low: 68°F – Precip: 3%
Sunny, with a high near 77. Northeast wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Northeast wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
This house is wild
Victoria Place rises in the heart of Ward Village, a private lifestyle enclave with resort-style amenities and a stunning lobby that sets the tone. Multiple pools shimmer outdoors, and spa locker rooms deliver a sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and hot tub. Valet and concierge stand ready, along with a private theater and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
World-class beaches at Ala Moana and Waikiki are just minutes away, so city energy and shoreline bliss come standard. The vibe is elevated, the services are polished, and the conveniences stack up. Staying in feels like a treat, heading out is effortless.
Take a peek inside →
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
