This year marks the 27th year of the annual Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony, which takes place this Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, at Ala Moana Beach in the Honolulu neighborhood of Ala Moana. If you’ve never attended this beautiful and moving event that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike, you’ll want to read on!

A major new mixed-use development may be on the horizon for the Ala Moana neighborhood. Honolulu developer Kobayashi Group has unveiled early plans for a project called 1588 Ala Moana that would blend luxury hospitality, market-rate homes and much-needed affordable rentals.

Rounding out the master-planned Ward Village community in Kaka'ako, which broke ground more than 15 years ago, are two new residences—ʻIlima Ward Village and Melia Ward Village. These highly anticipated projects—the 12th and 13th towers in the community—will rise where the Ward Centre retail complex currently stands, fronting Ala Moana Boulevard on the makai side of Ward Village.

Get ready for a spectacular celebration of Hawaiian culture, cuisine and crafts, as the annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a, part of the Aloha Festivals, is just around the corner. This lively event promises to be the ultimate block party on the vibrant Kalakaua Avenue, and you won't want to miss it!