Ka Makana Alii is now home to Hawaii’s first-ever everbowl (91-5431 Kapolei Parkway), which offers a fresh twist on fast food. This vibrant eatery serves a variety of superfood-packed bowls, smoothies and gluten-free snacks. The grand opening was held on April 19 in the Macy’s wing of the shopping center, and it’s now open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Launched in Southern California in 2016, the biz is dedicated to delivering quick, feel-good meals with wholesome ingredients like acai, pitaya and chia pudding. Perfect for those on the go, everbowl is here to fuel the community’s active lifestyle.

Follow @everbowloahu on Instagram or visit kamakanaalii.com for updates.

SEAFOOD MEETS ISLAND VIBES

Craving seafood in Waikiki? Head to the brand-new Cajun Crab Waikiki (226 Lewers St.) at Waikiki Beach Walk, where Cajun and Creole flavors meet island flair.

Locally owned and freshly opened on April 15, this vibrant seafood spot offers customizable seafood boils drenched in signature sauces perfectly paired with local brews. Whether you’re enjoying a laid-back lunch with friends or celebrating a special occasion with family, Cajun Crab Waikiki’s welcoming atmosphere promises an unforgettable dining experience. Located on the second floor, the restaurant also offers convenient validated valet parking at Embassy Suites or Wyndham Vacation Destinations.

Follow @cajuncrabwaikiki on Instagram for updates.

HONOR HAWAII’S HERITAGE WITH KOLOA RUM

Koloa Rum Co. (3-2087 Kaumualii Highway) is honoring Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage with a limited edition collection of handcrafted rum.

With proceeds supporting The Friends of Iolani Palace, the inaugural release of The Hawaii Heritage Collection features a limited-edition six-year-old aged rum. Made from pure cane sugar and rainwater from Mount Waialeale, it was carefully aged in charred American White Oak barrels, giving it a smooth blend of mellow oak, zesty orange peel and subtle nutty finish.

Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind bottle, available at retailers like Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors, Costco, Dole Plantation and Koloa Rum Co. Store.

To learn more, visit koloarum.com.

SPRINGTIME SWEETNESS AT BIG ISLAND CANDIES

Big Island Candies (multiple locations) is celebrating spring with special seasonal treats.

The fan-favorite haupia white-dipped macadamia nut shortbread and haupia macadamia nut bark are back for a limited time. Grab a 9.5-ounce gift box with 17 shortbreads for $20.50 or an 8.5-ounce bag of macadamia nut bark for $17 at Ala Moana Center.

In May, try the 19-piece guava macadamia nut shortbread combo ($19.75) with a mix of guava and white-dipped guava shortbreads. Visit Ala Moana from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., May 3-5, for a special tasting, and don’t miss deals at the Hilo flagship store during Merrie Monarch.

Follow @bigislandcandies on Instagram for the latest updates.

NEW BREWS, NEW BEGINNINGS

A beloved local favorite, Kona Brewing Hawaii is celebrating its return to independent operation with two exciting new brews. These Hawaii-exclusive releases — Mahea Haze Hazy IPA and Pili Pilsner — bring bold innovation to your glass.

The Mahea Haze Hazy IPA is inspired by the radiance of the full moon and has a strong hop flavor to complement its luminous quality.

The Pili Pilsner is the perfect drink to have when gathering with your friends — as “pili” in Hawaiian means “to come together.” Grab a can of the crisp, bright citrus brew for your next get-together. The new brews is a testament to the company’s dedication of showing Hawaii’s community through innovative brewing. Six packs of both brews are available at the Kailua-Kona and Hawaii Kai pub locations.

Follow @konabrewinghawaii on Instagram for more information.

BAD ASS COFFEE OF HAWAII BREWS UP NEW LOCATION

A powerful new partnership is brewing with Galu and Diane Tagovailoa, parents of NFL quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and Ted Davenport, a seasoned multi-unit franchisee.

This spring, the trio is helping Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii continue its 36-year legacy by opening a new location in Kaimuki. The new spot on Waialae Avenue marks a key milestone in the company’s mission to share the aloha spirit through every cup of coffee. Originally founded on the Big Island, Bad Ass Coffee has expanded to more than 40 U.S. locations, with plans to keep growing.

For updates on the new opening, follow @badasscoffeeofhawaii on Instagram.

Two German travelers came to Hawaii seeking sun, sand, and spontaneous adventure. What they found instead was handcuffs, a detention center, and deportation from the U.S.—a story that, since we were the first U.S. outlet to report it, has now made headlines around the world.

But the story that unfolded in our comment section is where the real fallout lives, offering insight and emotion no one else came close to capturing. It’s for that reason Beat of Hawaii was just interviewed by CBS News Los Angeles affiliate KNX to discuss the global fallout from the deportation case and what it means for Hawaii tourism.

New revelations from Germany.

The original article detailed how 18-year-old Maria and 19-year-old Charlotte arrived from New Zealand, planning to backpack across Hawaii and the U.S. mainland. But new reporting from Germany’s Ostsee-Zeitung—a respected regional paper in their hometown of Rostock—adds critical context.

According to that newspaper, after hours of questioning in a Honolulu back room, the young women were escorted—without being told their destination—to what turned out to be a deportation jail. There, they were strip-searched, issued green prison uniforms, and held overnight in a shared cell with other detainees. They were ultimately returned not to Germany, but to Japan at their request.

The women told that publication they had proof of funds, a valid ESTA, and a booked return flight from the mainland. What they lacked was a pre-booked Hawaii itinerary—still standard for at least some young backpackers, but flagged as suspicious by U.S. border officials.

Additional details just shared in a German magazine further challenge some assumptions. According to that report, the travelers had booked lodging for their initial Hawaii nights, showed bank statements to officials, were already enrolled in university for the upcoming term, and held tickets to California to visit family. They also claimed the interrogation transcript misquoted them—changing “travel and visit family” into “work for accommodation and pocket money.”

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the travelers were denied entry—not deported—based on suspicions they intended to work illegally during their stay. Officials cited their lack of pre-booked accommodations for a five-week trip as contributing to those concerns. CBP emphasized that while the travelers held valid ESTA travel authorization, such approval does not guarantee entry, which is ultimately determined by border officials at the port of arrival, in this case Honolulu.

Shock, sympathy, anger, and something deeper.

The hundreds of comments we received showed just how strongly readers around the world reacted—and how far-reaching the implications of this story may be.

Many expressed disbelief that two young tourists from a wealthy European country could be treated so harshly. Tim H wrote, “It’s difficult to imagine what national security threat was perceived by CBP from these two young women.”

Marie added, “I traveled to the US 10 years ago, and it was already exactly like this. The arrogance and rudeness of US Border staff always stunned me.”

Rhonda C said, “It’s heartbreaking to see the damage the current US administration is doing to one of our favorite places to visit—Hawaii. It’s definitely not the Aloha spirit that envelops Hawaii in normal times.”

But not everyone agreed. Jonas L, writing from the EU, defended the process: “These rules have been in place for decades…If this was 1998 or 2005, the same thing would have happened.”

He noted that during his recent trip to the U.S., having a clear itinerary and documentation made for a smooth experience.

Others, including regular commenter Kyle S, questioned why anyone would travel without a plan at all: “Who on Earth goes to a foreign country that doesn’t speak your native language without booking hotels?”

For some, the reaction wasn’t about cruelty or injustice, but about the enforcement of long-standing travel norms.

Rather than finding consensus, the comments revealed just how divided people are—not only about what happened in Honolulu, but about what kind of travel feels safe, fair, and possible in the United States right now.

“We’re not coming anymore” – Hawaii travel plans canceled.

While the national media focused on the political flashpoints, our readers zeroed in on something else entirely: canceled Hawaii trips, second thoughts, and lingering sadness about this special place that many had always dreamed of visiting.

Rhonda C shared, “We have cancelled our annual month-long visit this year—mostly out of protest, but also because of the growing unease.” Loes added, “Visiting Hawaii has been on my bucket list for over 40 years. It no longer is.”

Across hundreds of comments, one thing stood out—no one said this made them more eager to visit Hawaii. And with Hawaii’s economy still reliant on international visitors, particularly from Japan, Canada, Australia, and Europe, stories like this risk creating lasting reputational damage.

How a country divided looked towards Hawaii.

The comments also highlighted how deeply split the public is on this issue, among others. Alice L, focused on the treatment: “If they don’t want them to enter the U.S., just let them wait at the airport. No need to humiliate.”

Another reader, Adrian, offered a more personal take: “I used to visit several times a year for work or holidays, and I have a deep love of your country. At the moment, I don’t think I will ever return. I prefer to remember it the way it was.”

In contrast, Mike C pushed back: “If it were rampant, don’t you think you would have heard more? If you don’t like Trump and don’t want to visit, that is fine.”

Hawaii Travel dreams meet border rules.

At the heart of this story is more than just policy—it’s a culture clash. In much of the world, especially Europe, spontaneous, long-term travel appears to remain a rite of passage. Booking lodging as you go may still be a common practice for some. In the U.S., that same behavior can now appear risky, however.

“These girls were circumnavigating the globe,” wrote Thomas H. “Young, curious, from a wealthy country—not fitting the ‘burden on paradise’ profile.”

And yet, under the U.S. security lens, border officials often default to caution—even at the cost of public goodwill.

Does Hawaii send mixed signals?

Hawaii welcomes the world with a smile in its ads—but for at least these travelers, that greeting ended at immigration. Cheryl asked, “What happened to aloha?” while Niles questioned, “No one should be strip-searched and jailed for visiting Hawaii without a hotel reservation.”

For a state that depends on tourism for more than one-quarter of its economy, incidents like this, so widely disseminated, quietly undermine the image Hawaii works hard to project. Some readers said they now see a contradiction between Hawaii’s warm, welcoming exterior and the cold reality that these international visitors faced on arrival. Others pointed out that even if the policies are federal, the perception sticks to Hawaii—and that matters.

A lasting impact is still unfolding.

Since publishing our original article nearly two weeks ago, we have continued to receive more comments—many thoughtful, some heartbreaking, and a good number too toxic in either direction to publish. They came from across the globe, from seasoned Hawaii travelers and first-time visitors alike. Hawaii always strikes a cord and this remains true now.

The story may have started with two young women and a denied entry. But the fallout continues—with Hawaii’s image, its economy, and the way the world perceives travel to the islands and the U.S. all on the line.

Has this changed how you see Hawaii travel? Will you still visit? Let us know.

Hawaii’s Catholic leaders, churches, schools, and others reflected and mourned after Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at age 88. Pope Francis had led the church since 2013. Here is a roundup of what they said. 

Chaminade University

The president of Chaminade University, which is Hawaii’s only Catholic university, shared a statement reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis, who she said would “be greatly missed.” 

“Chaminade University of Honolulu joins with communities around the islands and the globe in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on Easter Monday,” began Chaminade University President Dr. Lynn Babington’s statement. 

She described the late pope as “a defender of the marginalized, an inspirational advocate for our Earth, and a beacon of hope to people from all walks of life.”

“Pope Francis challenged us to give of ourselves to ease the suffering of our neighbors and underscored the responsibility we all have to use our skills to make the world a better place for everyone,” Babington continued. “Pope Francis also believed fiercely in the transformative power of education to lift communities. He leaves us with a legacy of service and selflessness.”

“Through his writings, addresses, and homilies, Pope Francis has encouraged us to be people of hope, reconciliation and mercy. Those attributes are needed in our world at this time,” she said. 

Her statement ended by saying that over the next week, prayers would be offered at various campus events for Pope Francis.

Along with being Hawaii’s only Catholic university, Chaminade University of Honolulu is one of three Marianist higher-education institutions in the U.S. Marianists are members of the Society of Mary, a 200-year-old Catholic religious congregation of brothers and priests. William Joseph Chaminade found the Society of Mary in 1817. Chaminade University of Honolulu was established in 1955 and offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs.

Maryknoll School

Maryknoll School shared on Facebook a remembrance of Pope Francis, which said: “On this Easter Monday, we thank God for your life of humble service and your prophetic call to care for creation, defend human dignity, and live with boundless compassion. May your legacy continue to inspire us to walk humbly with Christ.”

Maryknoll School, a private Catholic school in Honolulu, was blessed in 1927. The school is administered by the Diocese of Honolulu in association with its original founders, the Maryknoll Society of brothers and priests and the Maryknoll Congregation.

Saint Louis School

Founded in 1846, Saint Louis School is a Catholic college preparatory school for boys, which is adjacent to Chaminade University in Honolulu. 

“Rest in peace Pope Francis,” the school wrote on Facebook, while sharing the image below. 

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, which is the mother church and cathedral of the Diocese of Honolulu, shared a statement via Facebook. 

“As one body in the Risen Christ, we pray for the repose of the soul of our beloved shepherd, Pope Francis, who passed on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. He was 88 years of age.” 

The first Catholic missionaries arrived in Hawaii on July 7, 1827, and the following year the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace was built, according to the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace website. In 1831, King Kamehameha III, who had converted to Protestant Christianity via the Congregational church, restricted Catholicism from being practiced in Hawaii. But in 1839, the king reversed his boycott, allowing for the establishment of the Hawaii Catholic Church. Catholic priests formally dedicated the Cathedral on August 15, 1843.

Catholic Diocese

Since 2023, Bishop Larry Silva has served as the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. 

“After many prayers for his recovery, Pope Francis has passed to his eternal rest,” Silva said in a statement. “How blessed is Pope Francis to have died on this Easter week, after dedicating his life and his papacy to proclaiming the Lord Jesus as alive and active in our world.”

“May he be raised up to eternal life with the risen Lord he loved so much. May his apostolic ministry bear much good fruit for generations to come!”⁣

Vicar General Msgr. Gary Secor of the Diocese of Honolulu said: “I was surprised and saddened by the death of Pope Francis which occurred late this evening/early morning in Rome.”⁣

Noting that Pope Francis had appeared in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the day before his death, to deliver his annual “urbi et orbi” (“to the city and the world”) message, Msgr. Secor added, “It seems that he really desired until the end of his life to fulfill his important duty as the Holy Father and did that with much courage and determination.”⁣

“I know that an essential part of his pontificate was a desire to reach out to people, as he said, ‘on the peripheries of the world,’ and that was certainly something that he did and something that he challenged use to do as a church and for that I am very grateful.”⁣

Catholic Charities of Hawaii

Started in 1947, Catholic Charities of Hawaii supports and helps Hawaii residents with the greatest need, regardless of their faith or culture. The nonprofit organization shared a statement on Facebook that they are “mourning the passing of Pope Francis.” 

Catholic Charities of Hawaii described Pope Francis as “a compassionate leader who reminded us all of our shared duty to serve others with love, dignity, and humility.” 

They shared a quote from Pope Francis: “Charity — caritas — is our very life; it is what makes us ‘be’ what we are.”

“He called us not to be indifferent bystanders, but Good Samaritans who cross the road and reach out to those in need,” the statement continued. “His legacy lives on in every act of compassion, every hand extended in service, and every life touched by love.”