Hawaii
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii preview – head empty, hedonistic happiness
Thanks to dark magic, Like a Dragon developer RGG Studios manages to pump out a fully fledged game every six months and they are all bangers. Even Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a decent game despite being one of the lesser Like a Dragon games. It is part of the mainline series, but the important part of LADG: TMWEHN – a name too long even as an acronym – is the G, Gaiden.
Gaiden games are go-betweens that bridge the gap from one numbered game to the next. They give you more context on the characters and story, but are mostly there as fan service. Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii doesn’t say Gaiden in the English title, but it does in the Japanese. In the last Gaiden game, we were treated to secret agent Kazuma Kiryu, and now we meet pirate captain Goro Majima.
When I attended a two-hour preview session in the entirely impractical setting of Sir Francis Drake’s The Golden Hinde, I had the opportunity to talk to Hiroyuki Sakamoto, chief producer of the Like a Dragon series. When I ask why Mad Dog Majima has lost his memories, washed up in Hawaii and suddenly decided to become a pirate the response is: “Just don’t worry about it. It’s Majima.” This statement seems to be the driving force behind the game.
Despite Sakamoto-san informing us that the events of Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii are canon and will bridge the gap between Infinite Wealth and the next Like a Dragon game, we’re not so sure that it’s anything but a fever dream. Set six months after the end of Infinite Wealth, Majima washes up in Hawaii with no memories – just don’t worry about it – and after meeting some real-life pirates – just don’t worry about it – decides to become one himself. Through his journey, he grabs a boat and assembles a crew before learning how to play instruments that summon sharks and jellyfish – just another thing you shouldn’t fret over.
Two hours is a hearty preview session, and despite this, it was all gameplay-focused with little story. RGG Studios has kept tight-lipped about major returning characters so it’s likely that we were shielded from learning too much about the important beats before the game is released. From a gameplay perspective, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii leans fully into the series’ wacky side, but Sakamoto-san promised there are still the touching character moments that players love.
Interview: The secrets of Goro Majima with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza’s developers and the man himself
We do know that Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii reuses the Honolulu and Nele Island maps from Infinite Wealth, and also adds three smaller islands including Madlantis, this game’s version of the Castle from the last Gaiden game. You have to plot a course to sail the seas between the islands, and you can also dock at tiny treasure islands along the way to look for booty.
A lot has changed since my first Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii preview shortly after the game was announced. At that time I was underwhelmed by Majima’s Sea Dog-style combat, which was slower but more powerful than his fast-paced Mad Dog-style. Sea Dog style has seen big improvements and fits better with the feel of Majima’s infamous approach to combat, while still having a stronger, more piratesque flair. Summoning dark gods via instruments is fun even if they don’t contribute the most to battle.
This preview was the first time I took the helm of the good ship Goromaru. There are plenty of customization options for your boat and they are more than just cosmetic. The ship’s bow features two machine guns and there are canons on port and starboard. You can swap these so they shoot lasers, coconuts, fire, and more. These are for taking out other pirate ships in naval battles, though they shouldn’t pose too many problems out on the open waters. Your ship moves slowly, but you can use your boost and speed away from scary situations.
Read more: Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza lets Majima summon four evil Mini-Mes of himself
Pirate ships are the least of your concerns. The weather around Hawaii is particularly tumultuous and you’ll have to dodge lightning strikes, whirlpools, and breaching whales if you want to make your way safely. I assume this is to keep things spicy given the slow movement of the boat, but they are easy enough to avoid. The Goromaru is intuitive to control but you won’t be doing any Tokyo-style drifts in the cumbersome vessel.
Much like the last Gaiden game, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii puts a strong emphasis on Coliseum fights, and these will make up a large part of people’s full completion of the game. There are four types of Coliseum battles. Quick Clash is one naval battle followed by a deck battle, which is your standard Coliseum fight except you’re standing on a boat. Tournament of Captains strings two or three of these together with no healing between rounds.
The other two types of Pirate Coliseum fights are the same as they are in other games. Madlantis Mania is several deck battles in a row, while Swashbuckler Showdown throws the boat out entirely, and asks a hundred or so people to go at it on a beach. It’s exactly what you’d expect from Like a Dragon Coliseum battles if you could also bring a boat sometimes.
Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is set to be of similar quality to the last Gaiden game. It has well-thought-out combat styles and a large section of the game is dedicated to having fun with them. I’m excited to see the tantalizing tidbits of story RGG Studios has in store for us, and there were hints of something a bit deeper beneath the surface. However, if Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii just ends up as little more than a swashbuckling adventure with Majima at the helm then that’s quite alright with me too. I’m not worried about it. It’s Majima.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The search for Honolulu’s next police chief is moving into the next phase.
The Honolulu Police Commission announced it has narrowed the candidate pool to six semi-finalists, selected from an initial list of 11 applicants identified by a recruitment firm.
“The commissioners feel these six applicants exhibited the leadership and management skills necessary to lead an organization as large, complex and critical to the community as the Honolulu Police Department,” said member of the Honolulu Police Commission, Chair Laurie Foster.
“Those qualities were identified in part by surveys and stakeholder interviews conducted by the recruitment firm,” she added.
The names of the semi-finalists have not been released. Officials said confidentiality is being maintained at this stage to encourage applicants who may still be employed elsewhere.
The candidates will next be interviewed by stakeholder panels made up of community members and others who interact with the Honolulu Police Department.
The commission is expected to select finalists during a May 6 meeting, with those names to be announced afterward.
Finalists will then participate in additional interviews and a public appearance before the commission votes on the next police chief at a public meeting scheduled for May 20.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Pending Home Sales Increased From February to March in the U.S.
Despite higher mortgage rates, pending home sales in the U.S. were up 1.5% in March from the prior month while recording a 1.1% year-over-year decline, according to the National Association of Realtors. On a monthly basis, pending home sales were up in the Northeast and South, while they declined in the Midwest and West. Year-over-year contract signings, however, were down in every region but the South. Realtor.com
‘Untouched’ Scottish Island Selling for £350,000
An island in Scotland will be sold at auction this week with a guide price of £350,000 (US$473,441). Insh Island last sold in 2019, when the National Trust for Scotland sold it for a reported £353,000. The National Trust acquired the island from the will of a man who reportedly lived in a cave for 30 years. Daily Record
Iran War Puts a Pause on Hawaii’s Housing Market Recovery
Hawaii’s housing market was set to be on the road to recovery this year, with local interest rates predicated to decline. However, the war with Iran has caused rates to shoot back up, diminishing buyer confidence. Hawaii’s high concentration of condos and second homes keeps Hawaii’s average mortgage rates slightly higher. Pacific Business News
Unlivable Waterfront Home Outside Melbourne Sells for A$2.38M
An unlivable property in Williamstown, Victoria—a suburb of Melbourne—has sold at auction for A$2.38 million (US$1.7 million), more than A$680,000 over its reserve price. Despite its rundown condition, the sale price isn’t surprising to most, as it’s one of the last opportunities to build on the waterfront. Domain
Hawaii offers a wide range of small towns across its islands, each with its own draw. The state has hikes among active volcanoes near Volcano Village and long stretches of coastline like Waimanalo Beach on Oahu. One town below sits on a crescent-shaped bay that has drawn visitors for decades. Another holds a winery on volcanic slopes. The list ahead covers seven small towns spanning beach and inland Hawaii.
Hanalei
On the north shore of Kauai, the census-designated place of Hanalei is known for a laid-back atmosphere, a crescent-shaped bay, and a small collection of shops and restaurants. Hanalei Beach is a stretch of fine sand and clear water, and has been featured in films including The Descendants and South Pacific. It has been ranked among the state’s best beaches, with picnic tables, good surfing, and kayaking all within reach. Within walking distance is the Hanalei Inn, a small retro-style lodging near downtown.
Further into town is the Wai’oli Mission House, a historic two-story missionary home built in 1837 and preserved as a museum. Tours run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, covering the lives of the missionaries who lived there. Near Black Pot Beach is Pat’s Taqueria, a Mexican food truck serving Hawaiian-style tacos, burritos, and quesadillas within walking distance of the Hanalei Pier. Locals and visitors both favor it for its locally sourced ingredients.
Pāʻia
In the north of Maui is Pāʻia (also spelled Paia), a walkable community with local surf shops, restaurants, and ocean views. Lower Pāʻia Park is one of the more photographed beaches in the state, with calm waters good for snorkeling, surfing, and swimming. Basketball courts, a skatepark, and a youth center sit nearby. Near the beach, the Surf Club is an event venue for weddings, dinners, and corporate or private functions, with a short walk back to downtown.
Wabisabi Soba and Sushi is a sushi restaurant on the Hana Highway known for its 100 percent buckwheat Jyuwari soba noodles. The interior and garden lean Japanese, and the restaurant is BYOB. The Rip Curl Surf Shop in downtown stocks swimwear, boardshorts, surf accessories, hats, surfboard covers, and apparel for anyone heading out to the waves.
Waimanalo
On the east side of Oahu is Waimanalo, a community with a three-mile stretch of beaches, a laid-back culture, and an agricultural character. At the eastern end of town is Sea Life Park Hawaii, an aquarium and animal sanctuary home to dolphins, sharks, sea lions, native fish, rays, and birds. Visitors can interact with animals in the water, visit penguin habitats, meet sea lions, and see sea turtles. Waimanalo Beach is a wide stretch of white sand backed by the Ko’olau Mountains, with turquoise water for swimming and surfing, and Waimanalo Beach Park shaded by ironwood trees. Parking is limited, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is best.
Further inland, Olomana Golf Links is an 18-hole par-72 course with the Ko’olau Mountains in the background. Former U.S. President Barack Obama has played here, and professional golfer Michelle Wie trained on the course. The Waimanalo Forest Reserve is farther still, with quiet hikes on trails such as the ‘Ohana Trail and the Maunawili Ditch Trail, home to wild birds, small mammals, and reptiles, along with views of Maunawili Falls within the 500-acre reserve.
Volcano
Volcano, or Volcano Village, sits as the gateway to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in a cool, damp rainforest setting. The park is home to two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and Mauna Loa, the largest shield volcano in the world. The rest of the park holds geographical features that often require multiday trips to reach. Visitors can view lava eruptions, hike, and explore the rolling hills of the Kahuku Unit.
In the heart of town, the Lava Lodge at Hale Kilauea offers cottages for visitors exploring the park. Each cottage has a small tropical garden. The hotel is within walking distance of the Lava Rock Cafe, which serves burgers, pancakes, and local Hawaiian dishes. Volcano Winery is one of only a few wineries in the state, with views of Mauna Loa and a rare chance to taste Big Island wines on the Big Island itself.
Lānaʻi City
At the center of the island of Lānaʻi is Lānaʻi City, a plantation town with historic homes, local restaurants and shops, and a walkable center. On Lanai Avenue, Dreams Come True Bed and Breakfast is a renovated property with mountain views and a garden. Further up in town, the Lānaʻi Culture and Heritage Center preserves the island’s history, traditional cultures, and plantation past through photographs and artifacts.
The Lānaʻi Art Center is within walking distance of the Culture and Heritage Center. It serves as a studio space for local artists, features a gallery, offers classes and workshops, and is the island’s main community arts program. On the outskirts of town is the Koloiki Ridge Trailhead, a roughly 5-mile trail that follows old cattle paths and opens up to panoramic views of the island.
Honokaa
On the northeastern coast of the Big Island is Honokaa, a census-designated place with plantation-era architecture and a role as gateway to Waipi’o Valley. The Honokaa Heritage Center is a museum covering the town’s history, with research materials and exhibits of photographs and artifacts. The center hosts the Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival every October, dedicated to the state’s plantation history with parades and a festival fair. South of the heritage center is the Hāmākua Country Club, a nine-hole course and one of the oldest on the island, set 1,200 feet above sea level with views of the Pacific Ocean. Carts are available for rent, and the course hosts tournaments.
Waipi’o Valley is just west of town. It was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha and is considered one of the most sacred places on the Big Island. Trails such as the Muliwai Trail lead into the tropical valley, where coconuts, green bananas, and papayas grow. Note that valley access is currently restricted to Hawaii residents.
Makawao
Upcountry from Paia is the census-designated place of Makawao, a community with boutique shops, art galleries, and an upcountry character. Makawao Public House is a gastropub serving local fare and paying tribute to the town’s past. On Baldwin Avenue, Banyan Tree Bed and Breakfast sits on 2.5 acres of gardens with cottages for stays, a short drive from local restaurants and shops.
On the southern outskirts of town is the Kahakapao Loop Trail, a 5.9-mile route in the Makawao Forest Reserve that is a popular hiking and mountain biking spot. At roughly 4,000 feet, the rainforest setting offers a cooler alternative to a beach day. At the northern edge of town, the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center operates as a cultural hub with a gallery, classes, workshops, a gallery shop, and exhibits by local community members.
Small-Town Hawaii
Hawaii’s small towns provide a different side of the state from the major resorts, with local character, natural features, and regional history. Makawao draws visitors to the Makawao Forest Reserve. Volcano offers access to two of the state’s most active peaks. Waimanalo’s white-sand beach anchors the east side of Oahu. Each of these communities offers something different from the others, but all share a strong sense of place.
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