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2025

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MARCH

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C E L E B R A T I N G H AWA I‘I’S S O U L FEBRUARY 2025 | VOL. LIX NO. 6

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

20 Restaurants We Love The restaurants in these essays didn’t just make our list of the best restaurants in Honolulu (full list on page 33), they have a place in our hearts.

6 Editor’s Page

BY MARI TAKETA, THOMAS OBUNGEN AND MELISSA CHANG

BY DIANE SEO

34 2024 Sour Poi Awards A look back at the mind-boggling, maddening and mystifying news of a tumultuous year. BY ROBBIE DINGEMAN   39 Best Dentists HONOLULU Magazine helps you find the dentist you need, whether it’s for a routine checkup or more specialized work, with this list of the best dentists in the Islands.

WORLD’S GREATEST DOG

Saying goodbye last fall to our beloved family pup, Ikaika, was crushing. But I’m grateful for all that he gave. 9 Currents A local illustrator’s new book, what we’re listening to, an interview with UH’s new president, what a waterman-turnedartist found on the ocean floor and more. 68 Afterthoughts BREAKING TRADITION

A Hawai‘i author channels her great-grandmother as she reflects on her journey on becoming a single mother. BY VIRGINIA LOO

PROMOTIONS

One of only seven known cigar box ‘ukulele made by Frank Kamaka. See page 11 for more from the Hawai‘i State Archives.

AARON K. YOSHINO

54 Hawai‘i’s Best Dentists    Learn more about some of the professionals who earned the title of Hawai‘i’s Best Dentists.

ON THE COVER: Lunch service at The Pig & The Lady. PHOTO: Aaron K. Yoshino

E D I TO R’ S PAG E

World’s Greatest Dog Saying goodbye last fall to our beloved family pup, Ikaika, was crushing. But I’m grateful for all that he gave.

early morning text. Steve, a family friend who walked our 14-year-old dog, Ikaika, told me our boy was lying listless at Kapi‘olani Park. When we met at the vet, Ikaika could barely sit up, yet his tail wagged as it always did when he saw me. The vet informed us that Ikaika’s heart was enlarged from a tumorous cancer. Nothing could be done. He was suffering. In a blur, my family gathered, along with Steve and his wife, Laura, who loved Ikaika as much as we did. I still can’t articulate the sorrow of saying goodbye. As the nightmare unfolded, all I kept thinking was, please, not Ikaika. He was a rescue, born to a homeless person’s dog in Wai‘anae. Although a military family adopted him as a puppy, they got deployed and gave him up after a few short months. The couple who fostered him next thought the world of him but couldn’t keep him. “WORLD’S GREATEST DOG!” That was the subject line that caught my eye as I scanned Craigslist to find a dog for my mother. It was 2011, and my father had passed away a few months prior. Although my mom didn’t want another dog, she agreed to adopt Ikaika after someone tried to break into her home. As a 1-year-old, Ikaika was rambunctious, but my mom, with her dog whisperer ways, shaped him to be her perfectly behaved walking partner. She lives near Kapi‘olani Park and over the next decade, they logged thousands of miles together. Two walks a day, early morning and late afternoon, 4 miles total. Countless people told me they saw them trekking up Diamond Head Road, him at her side keeping her exact pace, which slowed over the years. In Hawaiian, “ikaika” means “strong,” and our pup lived up to his name. My mom used to brag that he was the fastest swimmer at the beach. “He beats all the other dogs,” she told me more than once. He would have been the perfect surfer’s dog, the kind you could take out on a longboard or leave on the beach knowing he would just stay there, guarding your towel and keys. Once, a surfer with his own dog did approach my mom. “You wanna trade?” he asked, eyeing our boy. To say Ikaika was the sweetest of the sweet feels short of superlatives. Our white and caramel pit bull (with some poodle, German Shepherd and chihuahua) was the purest, gentlest soul. He loved our family, fiercely watched the house, and devoted himself to looking after my mom, just like my father did. After my mom broke her hip, Steve, Laura and I took over the walks, and my early morning and evening jaunts with him through the park turned into healing, meditative outings. By then, he had lost his hearing, so as he sniffed trees, I listened to audiobooks, and the profound lessons were transforming my life. Some mornings, 6

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DIANE SEO

KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG as soon as I received the

like the one captured in the photo here, we had the park to ourselves, and I felt what can only be described as bliss. With him happily at my side, beautiful greenery all around us, I’d think, “I don’t need anything more than this.” But after Ikaika celebrated his last birthday, I started worrying. He had arthritis, and one time on a walk, he started limping. My heart raced. “Ikaika!” It turned out to be a “pokie” in his paw. I haven’t been able to resume the walks since he passed. One morning I tried, but felt sad the whole time. Something lifted though after our Aloha Ikaika ceremony. In November, we paddled out on an outrigger canoe and released his ashes a few miles off Waikīkī Beach. As two manu-o-kū flew above, I sensed his spirit soaring above the ocean, rising to new heights. I imagined him with his best friend, Keanu, Steve and Laura’s ridgeback, who passed away years earlier. I knew our boy was happy and still watching over us. I thought of how he arrived, exuberantly advertised as the world’s greatest dog, but what I didn’t know then was that he would embody the title, bolstering us when we needed it, forever embedding himself into the heart of our family.

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LIFE

ART

Letters of Authenticity

HONOLULU

➸ FIGURING OUT WHO YOU ARE and where you fit in can be a perplexing, lifelong journey— and one that local artist Kris Goto captures beautifully in Beeeeeee Yourself, her recently released alphabet book for adults. Featuring 26 whimsical illustrations, the story follows a Japanese salaryman as he immerses himself in new worlds—from an ‘opihi colony and flock of nēnē to a squadron of manta rays—and takes on different personas in search of his truest self. “It’s about learning to love yourself,” Goto says. “Because once you do, it won’t matter where you are, you’ll always be in good company.” —Brie Thalmann, image courtesy of Kris Goto $45, krisgoto.com, @kgotoart

F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

CURRENTS

HAPPENINGS

February Picks Our top events this month.

COURTESY: MARIO GALLUCCI. COLLECTION OF NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA

Exhibit Hawai‘i Triennial 2025 Feb. 15–May 4 / Multiple venues Free with admission

"Lehuauakea – Mele O Nā Kaukani Wai" (Song of a Thousand Waters). 2018. Mixed mulberry papers, ‘ohe kāpala, earth pigments, plant dyes, gouache, ceramic beads.

Concert Rebelution Feb. 8 / 5 p.m. Aloha Stadium / From $49

Concert Date Night With Josh Tatofi Feb. 13–16 / 5 and 8:30 p.m. Blue Note Hawai‘i / From $55

Festival Japan Folk Festival Feb. 14 / 2 p.m. Hawai‘i Theatre / $20

Known for songs like “Feeling Alright” and “Safe and Sound,” reggae rock band Rebelution returns to Honolulu for one show, with special guest band Tribal Seeds.

Bring on the Valentine’s Day romance with smooth jams from Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awardwinning local artist Josh Tatofi, known for his soulful voice and modern island music.

tmrevents.net/ rebelution-honolulu-2025, @rebelutionmusic

bluenotejazz.com/hawaii/, @bluenotehawaii, @joshtatofimusic

This cultural event showcases Japanese performing arts, with exhibitions and workshops, including taiko drumming. Proceeds will support the reconstruction of the Noto Peninsula in Japan and the preservation of Hawai‘i Theatre. hawaiitheatre.com, @hawaiitheatre

The state’s largest multisite art exhibition returns, this time also spanning Maui and Hawai‘i Island. Contemporary works of 49 artists and art collectives will connect to “Aloha Nō,” a layered theme aimed at reclaiming and celebrating the many forms of aloha. hawaiicontemporary.org, @hawaiicontemporary Fitness Great Aloha Run Feb. 17 / 7 a.m. / From $70 Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium Run or walk 8.15 miles across O‘ahu to support local charities; last year, the race raised $80,000. Register online to participate virtually or in person. The deadline is Feb. 7. greataloharun.com, @greataloharun Theater Rent Feb. 28, March 1, 7, 8 and 9 Kennedy Theatre / From $5 This classic rock musical takes place in New York City during the ’80s AIDS crisis and tackles such hard-hitting topics as poverty, substance abuse and mental health while its characters forge lasting relationships. manoa.hawaii.edu/liveonstage/ rent/, @uhmkennedytheatre

NEW IN TOWN A few places that have opened recently. BY THOMAS OBUNGEN AND BRIE THALMANN PHOTOS: SEAN MARRS, THOMAS OBUNGEN, CHRISTINE LABRADOR

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

MILLE FÊTE

James Beard Award-winning chef Robynne Maii of Fête and New York pastry chef Katherine Yang collaborate on sandwiches, tropical cakes, rich ice creams and other baked goodies in a new bakery-café in Chinatown.

@millefete

PLEASE COME AGAIN

Tucked across from Kailua Elementary School, this nouveau ice cream shop features flavors that highlight local and unique ingredients.

pleasecomeagainhawaii.com, @pleasecomeagainhawaii

HISTORY

Play On The Hawai‘i State Archives is now home to the largest vintage ‘ukulele collection in the world, with more than 28,000 phonographic records and 650 instruments. BY K AT R I N A VA LC O U RT

GOHAN

A ARON K. YOSHINO

T’S NO COINCIDENCE that shortly after Hawai‘i’s participation in the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, which included live music performances, Hawaiian music outsold every other genre in the U.S. “The ‘ukulele was very influential in shaping music as we know it today, but most people don’t know that story,” says Hawai‘i State Archivist Adam Jansen. But he hopes more people will learn it as the archive continues to grow its collections and further its mission to educate people about the official ‘auana (modern) musical instrument of Hawai‘i. “We don’t know of any other repository on the island that actually actively collects ‘ukulele-related materials,” Jansen says. And with donations from personal collections and partnerships with groups like the ‘Ukulele Hall of Fame, the Hawai‘i State Archives’ collection of sheet music, records and ‘ukulele has grown significantly over the past few years. It’s gone from about 300 instruments to 650, plus more than 28,000 phonographic records and thousands of pieces of sheet music and method books. The plan is to continue digitizing the collection to increase accessibility. More than 350 songs out of copyright are now

Hawai‘i State Archivist Adam Jansen among hundreds of ‘ukulele on the wall and in boxes

online to download for free, while songs still under copyright can be listened to at the archive. ‘Ukulele that are structurally sound will be restrung with traditional gut strings to allow researchers and musicians to (carefully, under supervision) play them, and 3D models will be created, allowing for more accurate measurements and comparisons of the instruments. The organization also wants to host more historic concerts with vintage instruments and Hawaiian Kingdom-era music. “We cannot find any other memo-

Made-to-order musubi and hand rolls show off fresh milled Tsuyahime rice and crispy Ariake nori with classic and inspired toppings. Sit at the bar to soak up the full experience.

@gohan.hawaii

ry institution in the world that allows public access to vintage instruments,” Jansen says, “so there’s no model that we can follow. But we have worked with the ‘Ukulele Guild of Hawai‘i and have vetted over three dozen instruments that have already been inspected, restrung and are ready to go. We just have to get the rest of the protocols in place.” Jansen hopes to start putting out some of the 3D models this month; he also plans to have more pop-up events where the public can see some of the more unusual ‘ukulele in person.

R E - U S E H A W A I‘I The local nonprofit has reopened its warehouse store in the former Sack N Save space and parking lot in Salt Lake. The larger footprint means even more deconstructed building materials and secondhand furniture and home décor for upcycling.

reusehawaii.org, @reusehawaii

F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

CURRENTS

Meet Moke Gabs, the latest Hawai‘idesigned card game.

ION

V ER

FLIP OVER FOR ANSWER!

Menehune

Say What?

P L AY

A ARON K. YOSHINO

Helping Our Honu

ESIGNED BY FOUR FRIENDS from Hilo—Jared Kushi, Taylor Martin,

Callie Martin and Kamaka Dias—Moke Gabs is a giggle-inducing new card game that’s been taking local gatherings by storm. The group is the same team behind Hawaiiverse, formerly a Facebook group dedicated to sharing Hawai‘i Island history, which has since become an online boutique that supports locally owned businesses. “We dreamed of creating something special for our community, a playful product that would resonate with locals and bring them together,” Callie Martin says. Each set comes with 50 cards printed with gibberish representing Hawai‘i-inspired phrases. “Logo Mole Go,” for example, is loco moco and “Cone Hawk Off He” is Kona coffee. Players take turns reading cards aloud and guessing the correct phrases—there are 200 in total. As you can guess, hilarity often ensues. $20, mokegabs.com, @mokegabs

REOPENING

Aly Ishikuni’s stylish boutique has returned to its old stomping grounds with a new storefront at Capitol Modern. Expect a fresh batch of artwork, ceramics, apparel, stationery and vintage home wares, plus a selection of design and culture-focused books à la the shuttered Bās Bookshop. And since Ishikuni is the museum’s public programmer, the shop will also stock exclusive merchandise by artists and designers featured during its monthly First Friday events. —BT

morihawaii.com, @mori_hawaii 12

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

COURTESY: MORI BY ART + FLEA

Mori by Art + Flea

VIA MIDJOURNEY

BY BRIE THALMANN

A new center in Waimānalo cares for distressed sea turtles after emergencies, injuries and strandings. Last November, local nonprofit Hawai‘i Marine Animal Response opened O‘ahu’s first full-time emergency care and rehabilitation center for sea turtles, with six water-holding tanks and dedicated spaces for medical treatment and surgeries. Created in collaboration with Hawai‘i Pacific University, the HMAR Care Center is situated at the school’s Makapu‘u Point campus. O‘ahu is the primary home in the Islands for native honu, or green sea turtles, and honu‘ea, aka hawksbill sea turtles, both on the federal endangered species list and threatened by disease, boat strikes, hookings and fishing gear entanglement. —BT h-mar.org, @hawaiimarineanimalresponse

E D U C AT I O N

Expect to see UH’s new president everywhere. BY DIANE SEO

F T E R ST E P P I N G this year into the role as University of Hawai‘i’s new president, Wendy Hensel expects to wear out shoes. The more the better. “In my last two positions, I’ve worn out multiple pairs,” she says. Appointed last fall by the board of regents, she plans to travel to UH’s 10 campuses—on six islands—to meet faculty and students. She also expects to talk with politicians, business leaders and the general public. “You can’t serve your community without understanding the people who make up the communities,” says Hensel, who replaced David Lassner upon his retirement. “And it’s important for me to come to you, to your space, rather than to have you come to me, so I can build trust, learn and listen.” And no matter who she’s talking to, she’ll be asking the same questions: “How can I best serve you?” “What are your ideas and concerns?” “How can we partner to take the university to the next level?” Hensel’s arrival comes at a time when UH has faced scrutiny over various issues, including why there was an absence of local candidates among the finalists for the president’s job. Although Hensel isn’t from Hawai‘i—she most recently served as the executive vice chancellor and university provost at City University of New York—she and her husband have visited the Islands often over the years, and she says they’re excited about planting roots and being part of the community. “You’re going to see me everywhere,” she says. During our conversation, Hensel relayed ambitious, long-term goals, including improving UH’s graduation and retention rates; aligning the university with advancements taking place in higher education, including with artificial intelligence; and creating more flexibility for students across Hawai‘i, including those who don’t live close to a campus or who can’t commit to specific class times. She gained experience tackling all of these things at CUNY, a 25-campus system with an enrollment of 235,000 students. “There’s a large percentage of students at UH who are fully online, but there aren’t a corresponding number of fully online degrees,” she says. “And while there’s a concern about losing place-based education through more remote education, the truth is, most of our students in the future are going to be a bit of both. It’s an area that could be very fruitful for the university.”

“I think the reputation of the university is better outside of the state than it is within it, which is a terrible shame.”

COURTESY: UNIVERSIT Y OF HAWAI‘I

A New Era

Hensel also wants to continue growing mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses, community organizations and the government, so Hawai‘i can build a more prepared workforce and students can find jobs in both existing and newer fields. Addressing our Islands’ “brain drain,” Hensel believes UH must better market itself to local students so they don’t feel they have to leave the Islands to get a quality education. “I think the reputation of the university is better outside of the state

than it is within it, which is a terrible shame,” she says. “The truth is, we offer tremendous programs at an incredible value. I’m not saying this is the place to go when you’re seeking a cheap education. It’s that you can have a first-class education at a price point that doesn’t leave you in debt for years to come. I see my job as elevating the university, the excellence of its programs and the relevance of it to the state of Hawai‘i.”

F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

CURRENTS

COLLECTIONS

Local tracks we have on repeat. “4VR” BY KEILANA

BY K AT R I N A VALCOURT

Born and raised in Kapolei and now living in Brooklyn, soul and R&B singer Keilana spent fall on tour with Mike Love. Her second album is expected to come out later this year.

scan to listen

“SUNBURN” BY THEBREWZ AND NATHAN KAWANISHI In November, local producers TheBrewz released an EP, No Shadows, with lo-fi hip-hop artist Nathan Kawanishi on indie label Nettwerk Music Group, known for signing Barenaked Ladies in the ’90s.

Though Running In Place came out in 2023, we haven’t stopped listening to these indie rockers who debuted as the opener for Young the Giant at The Republik in 2020. @priortheband

IMAGE: 8RO8

IMAGE: NATHAN K AWANISHI

keilanamusic.com, @keilanamusic

“LET IT ALL GO” BY PRIOR

ARTWORK: QUINN MURPHY, LOGO: JESS JOHNSTON

Tune In

COURTESY: PRIOR

IMAGE: KEILANAMUSIC

SOUNDS

“WANA” BY 8RO8

“RUSH” BY SEVEN SUNS

From the 2024 EP Loose Shakas, this song by reggae artist 8RO8 features fellow Hawai‘i musicians Freddy Leone and Franskiiz, plus J Boog. Check out the music video, which premiered in late October.

Hawai‘i’s latest supergroup comprises Justin Kawika Young, Shawn Kekoa Pimental, Jason TupuolaAiono, Phil Crown, Ethan Capone, Paul Kalikohou Nelson and Pi‘i Miguel. Their debut album, Many Feathers, feels both nostalgic and fresh.

@myreeen

craftbrewzmusic.com, @thebrewz808

sevensunsband.com, @sevensunstheband

COURTESY: ALOHA GOT SOUL

LISTEN

Sound Fusion Aloha Got Soul cooks up a delicious new compilation. BY BRIE THALMANN ELEMENTS OF A BOMB MIX PLATE: freshness, variety and, of course, lots of local flavor. Honolulu record label Aloha Got Soul serves up generous helpings of each in Mix Plate, its latest compilation album showcasing the talents of emerging Hawai‘i artists. The 12-track release spans a variety of genres, from the dreamy soundscapes of bedroom indie artist Ragamuffs and the shoegaze-meets-punk vibes of five-piece GC Candy to Temple Waves’ surf- and skate-influenced rock and what duo Liliko‘i Blondie has cheekily dubbed “haupia pop.” Snag it on vinyl or via digital download. $30, 2017 S. King St., (808) 282-1945, alohagotsoul.com, @alohagotsoul

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

Also among Cunningham’s found objects: golf balls, GoPro cameras, anchors, swim fins and wood floats washed over from Japan.

CURRENTS

Aqua Man

dive We

into artist Ma

rk C unn ingh

cean objects. nd o u o am’s cache of f

POKING AROU N D WATERM AN M ARK C UN N ING H A M ’ S GARAGE-TURNED-ART-STUDIO is like looking through a giant lost-

and-found department for O‘ahu’s surf breaks. There are thousands of reclaimed objects, from barnacle-covered sunglasses and watches to weathered ropes and fishing floats to surf gear claimed by punishing reefs, all tidily sorted into buckets and bins. A champion bodysurfer and career lifeguard, Cunningham first began diving for “treasure” during his decades-long stint on the North Shore. “Lifeguards and beachboys have been doing this ever since goggles and snorkels were invented—seeing what tourists dropped, whether it’s jewelry or dollar bills,” he says. After hanging up his whistle in the aughts, Cunning-

ham began mining his ever-growing collection to create works of art. Mounted simply on sun-bleached driftwood, plucked from Windward shores, each time-capsulelike piece offers commentary on our lack of care for the environment. “We’re using way too much plastic in our lives and that it ends up in the ocean is just not right.” Now 69, Cunningham also views the art as a poignant reminder of life’s ephemeral nature. “As I get older, it helps me express that passage of time, that impermanence,” he says. Overarchingly, it expresses his love for the ocean and the joys he’s experienced riding its waves and combing its floor. He says, “It’s a whole other fun, colorful world down below.” —BT, photo by Aaron K. Yoshino F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

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HALE

Dream Weaver Valentina Autran’s swoon-worthy loomed creations pay homage to her Chilean roots. LOOMED TEXTILE ART has long been a celebrated element

of South American culture, especially in Arica, the coastal city in northern Chile where illustrator Valentina Autran is from. Now based on O‘ahu, Autran brings a touch of her home country in the form of tapestries made under her label, Vidaloha Studio. “I’m especially drawn to large-scale works that play the main character in a room,” she says. Each piece starts out as a handmade sketch before being woven on large mechanical looms using organic cotton threads. Featuring lush tropical foliage, surf scenes and mountain ranges inspired by Autran’s travels, the pieces lend spaces lovely textural depth and warmth. —Brie Thalmann

vidaloha.com, @vidaloha.studio

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Potter Skye Yonamine finds beauty in the perfectly imperfect.

LINE: Earth & Skye Ceramics HOMETOWN: I was born and

raised in Pearl City. I graduated from Kamehameha Schools, which is where my passion for pottery started under the instruction of Donald Harvey, Carl F.K. Pao and Reid Shigezawa.

CURRENTLY RESIDES: Los

Angeles

AESTHETIC: I am a bit of a perfectionist, which is a daring thing to say in the world of pottery. So, I will say my aesthetic attempts to achieve perfection but embraces the inevitable imperfection. NATURAL EVOLUTION: I strive

for the harmony between a simple form and some additional element to either enhance or disrupt that flow. I rarely go into my projects with a “plan” per se. I have a general idea in my head, but the execution and process are determined as the project goes on—each vessel dictates its own path and overall look.

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INSPIRATIONS: Being in a com-

munity studio plays a big part. I’m surrounded by an abundance of unique creative perspectives on a daily basis. Collaborating with other artists—each with their own stories, techniques and past experiences to share— or even a simple exchange of words can influence my artistic personality. —BT

@earthandskyeceramics

CHRISTOPHER MATTHEU, EARTH & SK YE CERAMICS

Balancing Act

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COMMUNITY RES

SPOTTED

Harbors Vintage is much more than a streetwear shop.

A’

Hina’s Treasures wins charm bracelets, hands down.

have always had staying power, maybe because it feels natural to keep mementos and talismans close at hand. And far as we’ve seen, few have nailed a local version as well as designer Renee Schofield. Her Hawai‘i Island label, Hina’s Treasures, builds on a paperclip-style link bracelet, offering gold-filled charms

inscribed with lei motifs, Hawaiian quilt patterns and custom Hawaiian phrases. In between freshwater pearls and tiny photo charms, you can also add in blooms and plants, including crown flowers and ‘ulu leaves, as well as sunrise shells and Old English letters. —BT hinastreasureshawaii.com, @hinas_treasures

A ARON K. YOSHINO

WHEN IT COMES TO JEWELRY TRENDS, charm bracelets

BRIANA AUTRAN

Kickin’ It Old School

Link Up

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Slow and Steady Ease into Kepola Design House’s small-batch fashions. MAKING THINGS BY HAND COMES NATURALLY FOR DESIGNER AUTMN TYLER.

KEPOLA DESIGN HOUSE

“While I was growing up, my family gardened, canned and crafted much of what we needed,” she says. “Those roots instilled in me a love for creating something meaningful from start to finish.” Today, that affinity for traditional craftsmanship shines through with Kepola Design House, Tyler’s slow-fashion womenswear label based in KailuaKona. A paean to the rich textures, colors and patterns found in nature, the line features earthy hues, a relaxed aesthetic and hand-sewn pieces made from sustainable materials. We’d happily add to our wardrobe Kepola’s oversized linen blazer (finished with delicate Akoya shell buttons), cozy cotton-fleece sweatshirt and striped lounge sets. Up next for Tyler, incorporating recycled materials, fabric remnants and repurposed textiles. —BT kepoladesignhouse.com, @kepoladesignhouse

WITH A SHARED PASSION FOR NOSTALGIC FASHION— think old-school Disney

sweaters and commemorative Janet Jackson concert T-shirts—along with rummage sales, workshops, movie nights and more, a community has emerged at Harbors Vintage. “We’ve been hosting pop-ups, concerts and small biz markets for the past few years now,” says owner Arik Ma, who launched the retail business in 2016. Along with selling men’s and women’s clothing from as far back as the ’80s, Harbors Vintage houses Small Space Studios upstairs, where six retail businesses sell their mostly vintage wares. Harbors’ latest addition is the decidedly fresh Creative Cubes, a section of wooden cubbies near the front of the store offering items from more than 30 local makers, including Foodland bags upcycled into fanny packs, stationery, stickers, ceramics, jewelry, candles and more. “We want the community to be able to cook up what they are passionate about in our space, including everyone from photographers and artists to poets,” Ma says. “It’s hard to find a place where local people can thrive in what they do. And we want to offer a space and platform to take them to the next step.” —Katrina Valcourt harbors-vintage.myshopify.com, @harborsvintage, @smallspace.studios

F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

CURRENTS

PURSUITS

The Long Run

Jonathan Pascual finished the Ironman while battling terminal cancer, an act that resonated around the globe. BY DIANE SEO

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

SEAN HAFFEY/GETT Y IMAGES FOR IRONMAN

AST FALL, on an excruciatingly hu-

mid day in Kona, Jonathan Pascual joined fellow Ironman competitors to attempt what most people couldn’t even imagine: a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike race and a 26.2-mile run. Some 16 hours later, the UH Mānoa graduate made international news not just for finishing the world championship race, but for doing so with Stage 4 cancer. There’s no cure for the rare mediastinal paraganglioma that has spread to Pascual’s lungs and bones. Knowing that, the 50-yearold traveled from his current home in the San Francisco Bay Area to fulfill his towering goal. By doing so, he sent a message to other terminal patients about the power of believing in yourself, and resilience. “You don’t know what you are capable of—just give yourself the chance,” he says. After all, he wasn’t a natural athlete; he describes himself as that “scrawny kid with asthma, made fun of by other kids.” He started running in elementary school, then took up swimming. After moving to Honolulu from the Philippines as a teenager, he completed the Waikīkī Roughwater Swim, the Great Aloha Run, the Honolulu Marathon and the Tinman Triathlon. He was diagnosed with cancer in March 2022, and faced with a grim prognosis, considered quitting his job as a nurse practitioner and slowing down. But that made him feel weaker. “My body is used to moving, so I never really stopped,” he says. Pascual now practices what he calls the “art of dying,” which he sees as carrying on with life—and giving back. “There are many people with cancer, some who are close to me, and I race for them,” he says. “I want to challenge the notion that Stage 4 cancer is a death sentence. Life does not end with the diagnosis. You can have a renewed life with meaning and purpose.” For however long he has, he wants to be a force for good, spreading hope and inspiration to those tackling whatever seems impossible. He has plans for more triathlons, even an ultramarathon, and he’ll continue to work, helping lung transplant patients at a San Francisco hospital. “I know my light will soon cease,” he says. “That may sound dramatic, but all I need is another fracture in my spine, and I’m done. Cancer is eating away at my bones, but I’ve accepted that and made the choice to keep going until I can’t. My modus operandi is defiance.” F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

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RESTAURANTS WE

PA G E

21 By MARI TAKETA, THOMAS OBUNGEN and MELISSA CHANG Photos by AARON K. YOSHINO

The best restaurants in Honolulu? These places are exceptional in their categories because of consistent flavor and execution, of course. They’re also eateries we think are worth our hardearned dollars, whether it’s $20 or $200. You’ll find the complete list of Honolulu’s 34 Best Restaurants on page 33. What fills the rest of this cover package is a sub-genre. Restaurants we respect the most aren’t always the ones we love. Sometimes, though, they are. Those in these essays have a place in our writers’ hearts. You won’t see the reasons why on any of their menus. But you’ll taste them in their dishes. F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

RE STAURANT S WE LOVE

Beyond The Food e

BY MARI TAKETA

When a restaurant’s history becomes part of mine.

THEY HAD ME AT BO LA LOT. The scent of betel leaves stuffed with garlicky minced beef

grilling over charcoal sent me back to late afternoons in Ho Chi Minh City, where vendors tending small hibachis lured in passing motorbikes with the heady aroma. One day in 2011, there it was at The Pig & The Lady. A nascent booth at the farmers market, Pig had only two or three items on its menu. The noodle soups and banh mi already stood out—Andrew Le, the chef and co-owner, was riffing on recipes from his Vietnam-born mother’s kitchen, heightening their flavors with crazy yin-yang balances to suit his American palate. But pho and banh mi were mainstream. Bo la lot was a neon sign pointing down a little-known side street. Le would fulfill this promise, leaning into Vietnamese street foods and homestyle dishes and then, as his confidence grew, into unknown territory. Bruschetta topped with tofu (!) dotted with kim chee, dates and pickled grapes. Octopus ragù pasta finished with liliko‘i. The banh mi Le reinvented as a hybrid of pho and a French dip sandwich, with 12-hour braised brisket, Thai basil chimichurri and hoisin sauce in a grilled baguette that you dip in pho broth, is still a classic 14 years later, both at the farmers markets and the restaurant the Le family opened in Chinatown in 2013. Food is the foundational starting point of all the restaurants our team considers the best. Restaurants we love? There our paths diverge—but not too much. We all love food that consistently meets or surpasses the mark. We love a place more when we come to know and respect its people and ethic. Add to my list creativity. Restaurants that are past their prime tout too many classics and from-the-vault prix fixes. Not so at Pig, whose restaurant menu Le refreshes every season. This is where love takes a toll. Some dishes hit, some don’t; all are one-offs that, even over customer and staff objections, are doomed to disappear. Le is always more excited about a new idea in his head. How can I not love Pig? Helena’s Hawaiian Food hits different. I found it years ago on King Street near Farrington High School, all of nine tables and an ancient open kitchen behind a screen door. The walls were dingy and the pots dented, but I didn’t care. Helena’s was my first foodie pilgrimage. I’d read about it in a local short story—a passage about a socially outcast teenager who treats his friend, a senior about to graduate from Farrington, to a lunch of lau lau and sweet Maui onions dipped in salt—and borrowed my mother’s car to get there. I’d been eating Hawaiian food my whole life. But now I understood its resonance: It’s the food of place, this place, of home as we know it; and its simple, enduring dishes anchor moments in our lives with love and connection. Inside Helena’s, the captain of it all bustled in slow motion with a pencil jammed behind her ear. Helen Chock had already been running her own place for 40 years. Wizened and slightly hunched, she seemed the kind of lady who could scare small kids. But as she won a James Beard Award, moved across Kalihi to a bigger spot on North School Street, and racked up airtime on national food shows, I learned that Chock was as kind as she was iron-willed. Squid lū‘au, ‘ahi poke with ‘opihi, fried butterfish collars, her legendary pipi kaula: Chock

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

The Pig & The

L a dy |

Nort h Ki ng

Str eet |

Lu nc h

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F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

Left: Artist Cedric Hustace gifted this piece to the Chock family. Below: Helen Chock, second from left, at her original location. Photos: Courtesy of Craig Katsuyoshi.

never veered from the recipes she opened with in 1946, and she slowly relinquished the cooking to Craig Katsuyoshi, the grandson who endured a 17-year apprenticeship, only when she was satisfied that he’d never waver either. A meal from Helena’s is perfection. Your spoon dances between kālua pig, poi, lomi salmon, lū‘au and back to poi, and all is well with the world. When my mom was sick and I needed to tempt her appetite, I stood in line at the counter to ask Chock what on the menu was healthy. Still with that pencil behind her ear, she leaned in sympathetically. “Nothing is healthy,” she hissed. I loaded up anyway, filling tiny sauce bowls at home with the greens, pinks, browns and purple of Chock’s food. My mom sat up, eyes bright, and ate every bit. Months later, after she passed, I went back and found out Helen was gone, too. I had no idea she was 89 years old. In the car, I cried. That was 18 years ago. But I still taste her flavors in every dish.

Mari Taketa is HONOLULU’s dining editor and editor of frolichawaii.com.

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

Left: Artist Cedric Hustace gifted this piece to the Chock family. Below: Helen Chock, second from left, at her original location. Photos: Courtesy of Craig Katsuyoshi.

Mari Taketa is HONOLULU’s dining editor and editor of frolichawaii.com.

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

R E S TAU R A N T S W E L OV E

It’s The People e

BY THOMAS OBUNGEN

Lam’s Kitchen

Places that serve more than just good food. THE QUESTION I AM ASKED MOST OFTEN when

meeting new people is one I kind of dread: “What is your favorite restaurant?” It’s not because I don’t love the topic, but it’s a question I can’t answer simply. There are a dozen directions to go in. Our collaborative list represents places we have visited at different points in our journey and return to as often as we can. Among similar eateries, they are the ones we think are the best. Beyond this, my picks are anchored by people who dedicate themselves to crafting delicious food, and the relationships they build with their communities. The first time my best friend took me to Lam’s Kitchen, we were working in a windowless office in Downtown. Lunch was a sacred ritual, our escape from fluorescent lighting for the delight of eating well. Lam’s was a recommendation from his Chinese inlaws, who had frequented the hole-in-the-wall for years. I didn’t need much convincing. Lam’s isn’t a temple to Cantonese cuisine. It’s a neighborhood joint, a pillar of Chinatown, a place to see and be seen without needing to dress up. From businesspeople to Chinese bros and their popos, everyone comes here. At lunchtime, a stream of customers passes through its menu-plastered doors. Bowls of soup, near boiling, come out of a kitchen where the jet engine roar of a wok burner is nonstop. It’s the Hong Kong classic beef noodle soup that I’m usually here for, its brisket and gelatinous tendon comingling in a savory gravy ribboned with house-made look fun rice noodles. The broth, clear and deeply beefy, is restorative. I swap the rice noodles for thin mein, egg noodles, and add a fried youtiao stick to soak up broth, which turns crimson with a few spoons of chile oil. Each time I return—for nourishing comfort, a cure for a cold or just because I’m hungry—this bowl never fails me. A different kind of magic is at work at Morning Glass Coffee + Café in Mānoa. Here, business is conducted over gooey mac and

cheese pancakes, chorizo breakfast burritos and stacked Egg-a-Muffin sandwiches. But while the coffee shop excels at food and drink, it’s the people that keep me coming back. Mahina Akimoto Reppun and Lani Ng bought the place in 2019 and have cultivated something rarely seen in food establishments: On average, employees stay for eight years; for some it’s more than a decade. Catching up with Ben or Alana or anyone behind the counter is why Morning Glass is not just the best coffee shop in Honolulu, for me it’s extended family. Banh mi is a different story. Away from home for the first time and living in Garden Grove, California, I found sanctuary in the banh mi of Little Saigon. At $3.50 each, they were buy two, get one free and as much solace as dependable meals on a tight budget. I came to love them dearly. In 10 years since returning home, I have eaten banh mi all over Honolulu. Those at Le’s Banh Mi in the 808 Center made me fall in love again. Chi Lam and Minh Tuan Le grew from a mom-and-pop to a full crew that churns out hundreds of crisp, airy loaves daily. Lam, a self-taught baker who missed the street sandwiches of her native Vietnam, experimented with different recipes, adapting them for Honolulu’s lower humidity until she achieved the loaves she remembered. Nearly every component of her artisan banh mi is made in-house, from the ethereal baguettes to the pâté and mayonnaise. They’re not buy two, get one free, nor are they $3.50 (what are anymore?), but they are a well-loved staple in my rotation. I also never pass up a chance to eat pizza. Read: I am not above indulging in a Costco slice. The pizza I crave most is at Pizza Mamo, and if you want to get specific, it’s the Detroit-style pepperoni that is my favorite. A recent visit to Detroit and Buddy’s Pizza, creator of the style inspired by Sicilian square pies and baked in repurposed blue automotive steel pans—it is the Motor City, after F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

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all—made me appreciate anew Pizza Mamo’s dedication. Wisconsin brick cheese melts and caramelizes to form crispy corners and epic cheese pulls. The proofed, slightly fermented dough produces a crust with airy pockets. Ezzo pepperoni forms crispy cups with pizza juice. The sauce, made from crushed tomatoes and herbs, finishes the pie without overpowering the other components. I have yet to find a slice on this island that’s as good as Mamo’s. The common thread here is that without white tablecloths or even table service, these restaurants feel special because the people behind the counters and in the kitchens care. They care about making great food (and coffee). They love what they do and how it makes people feel. That’s why I love them.

Thomas Obungen is an associate editor of HONOLULU.

Above: Pizza Mamo’s Detroit-style pepperoni pie. Lower left: Jonny Vasquez, co-owner of Pizza Mamo. Below: Chi Lam, co-owner of Le’s Banh Mi.

F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

R E S TAU R A N T S W E L OV E

Warmth and Good Food e

BY MELISSA CHANG

It’s about the total package. I LOVE A RESTAURANT THAT FILLS ME WITH WARMTH as well as good food. It doesn’t

have to be expensive. It’s much more fulfilling to enjoy a delicious meal provided by great people who I want to support over and over. Like the folks at Southern Love. My mom worked at Hickam Air Force Base, and cooked a lot of meals from recipes that the airmen shared with her. At Southern Love, chef-owner Corey Love’s food makes me think of her, with bold, rich, nuanced flavors that outshine soul food I’ve had on the mainland. There are dishes I can no longer eat anywhere else, starting with Love’s plump shrimp atop silky, creamy grits. His biscuits, moist and flaky, have layers like my mom’s and come with juicy fried chicken and rich, peppery country gravy. In his chicken and waffles dish, the garlic chicken with maple syrup reflects Hawai‘i—and it tastes as good as it sounds. Southern Love is tiny, so you can’t help but get to know Love and everyone there. Over biscuits and gravy I’ve talked story with his mom when she visited from Georgia, and random customers will tell anyone who will listen how the food takes them back to the South. In a different part of Kaka‘ako, I was a fan of MW Restaurant before it got its first James Beard Award nominations. Helmed by married couple Michelle Karr-Ueoka and Wade Ueoka, who together spent more than 30 years cooking at Alan Wong’s, MW is upscale but warm, often with stories and a sense of humor behind the dishes. Karr-Ueoka runs the pastry side. Her Mākaha Mango shave ice is a classic, fantastic not just because of her pastry skills, which she started learning at Per Se in New York City. Mākaha Mangoes are the best of the best—juicy and sweet, but not sugar bombs, with a round, mellow flavor. Karr-Ueoka layers shaved mango ice with Hayden mango sorbet and haupia tapioca atop lime leaf panna cotta. I ate so many last year that my doctor called and asked me to cut back. On the savory side, Ueoka’s sense of humor once produced a bite-size “Spam musubi”—house-made Spam of smoked pork and arabiki sausage with a bit of tsukudani seaweed topping, all wrapped in deep-fried mochi flakes. His miso honey butterfish grabbed me, not just because of the umamirich glaze that shellacs the fish. When Ueoka explained that he created it for a Valentine’s Day menu and the name was a play on the raunchy song by 2Live Crew, I couldn’t get it out of my head. Miso Honey. Get it? I love that MW’s dishes support local farmers. Ueoka, blown away that Nozawa

Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka at MW Restaurant

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

Southern Love

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Above: Shave ice at MW. Right: Hawai‘i Dim Sum & Seafood’s lotus root stuffed with shrimp, house-made tofu and abalone sauce, claypot oxtail and char siu platter. Below: Chef Rui Zhang at Hawai‘i Dim Sum & Seafood.

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

SPOTLIGHT started using it in dishes and selling the ears downstairs to customers at Artizen by MW. The fact that so many ingredients feature the name of a local farm or ranch makes every bite more special. The other mark of an excellent restaurant, for me, is that family and friends end up loving it as much as I do, so it becomes a place for shared memories. My niece took her family to MW twice the other month and reported that they scraped their bowls and plates clean “like the country bumpkins that we are.” My final choice may come as a surprise because I don’t talk or post about it nearly as often as I eat there. Hawai‘i Dim Sum & Seafood opened on North King Street in Chinatown two years ago, and while people know it for the dim sum, not enough know about the dinner fare. Chef Rui Zhang, who was previously at Mandalay in Kaimukī and before that, at Beijing Chinese Seafood Restaurant in Waikīkī, is known among locals for his fabulous char siu platter. You need to order it 48 hours in advance because Zhang needs to order the pig. He uses fresh pork, gives it a good marinade before roasting, and his char siu is always just the right balance of fat and lean. You can’t get it during the day, since Zhang works the dinner shift. When Mandalay closed, I was devastated. Now, not only has Zhang resurfaced with that char siu platter, he’s flexing his creative muscles. Restaurant owners Danny Liang and Karen Tam give him the freedom to make special items (which also require advance orders). Like what? Claypot oxtail; tofu with abalone sauce; chilled, fried sweet sour shrimp—I’ve enjoyed it all. Hawai‘i Dim Sum’s standard dinner menu is also very good. But when I eat there, only a few other tables of 10 are occupied. By Cantonese-speaking diners. They all know what to order. And they all know the chef. I feel like I’m in a special club with a secret handshake. Now that you’ve read this, I’m hoping you’ll join that club too.

Melissa Chang is a regular contributor to frolichawaii.com.

A Crown for Farmers Kapa Hale’s Haku Lei Po‘o salad is a showcase of culinary technique and local sourcing. But mostly, it’s an ode to people who sustain us.

Keaka Lee of Kapa Hale assembles the Haku Lei Po‘o salad.

KEAKA LEE, KAPA HALE’S CHEF AND OWNER, is talking about the

crowning glory of his vegetable menu. “When you think of salad, it’s usually greens and dressing, maybe with beets, maybe with tomatoes,” he says. “With the Haku Lei Po‘o, we get to celebrate the farms of Hawai‘i. It’s all these different things and textures—a foam, a crumble, maybe we dehydrate or roast something—and it gets people excited. And we get to share the stories about the farms and let them know where the ingredients come from.” Haku Lei Po‘o was the dish Lee created when he tried out for— and got—the job as chef de cuisine at The Pig & The Lady. Cooking at Michelin-starred Gramercy Tavern in New York City, he’d seen how vegetables could outshine the entrées they garnished. When he opened Kapa Hale, Lee made it a point to forge relationships with farmers. F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

SPOTLIGHT

Farm corn was so sweet he could eat it raw, started using it in dishes and selling the ears downstairs to customers at Artizen by MW. The fact that so many ingredients feature the name of a local farm or ranch makes every bite more special. The other mark of an excellent restaurant, for me, is that family and friends end up loving it as much as I do, so it becomes a place for shared memories. My niece took her family to MW twice the other month and reported that they scraped their bowls and plates clean “like the country bumpkins that we are.” My final choice may come as a surprise because I don’t talk or post about it nearly as often as I eat there. Hawai‘i Dim Sum & Seafood opened on North King Street in Chinatown two years ago, and while people know it for the dim sum, not enough know about the dinner fare. Chef Rui Zhang, who was previously at Mandalay in Kaimukī and before that, at Beijing Chinese Seafood Restaurant in Waikīkī, is known among locals for his fabulous char siu platter. You need to order it 48 hours in advance because Zhang needs to order the pig. He uses fresh pork, gives it a good marinade before roasting, and his char siu is always just the right balance of fat and lean. You can’t get it during the day, since Zhang works the dinner shift. When Mandalay closed, I was devastated. Now, not only has Zhang resurfaced with that char siu platter, he’s flexing his creative muscles. Restaurant owners Danny Liang and Karen Tam give him the freedom to make special items (which also require advance orders). Like what? Claypot oxtail; tofu with abalone sauce; chilled, fried sweet sour shrimp—I’ve enjoyed it all. Hawai‘i Dim Sum’s standard dinner menu is also very good. But when I eat there, only a few other tables of 10 are occupied. By Cantonese-speaking diners. They all know what to order. And they all know the chef. I feel like I’m in a special club with a secret handshake. Now that you’ve read this, I’m hoping you’ll join that club too.

Melissa Chang is a regular contributor to frolichawaii.com.

A Crown for Farmers Kapa Hale’s Haku Lei Po‘o salad is a showcase of culinary technique and local sourcing. But mostly, it’s an ode to people who sustain us.

Keaka Lee of Kapa Hale assembles the Haku Lei Po‘o salad.

KEAKA LEE, KAPA HALE’S CHEF AND OWNER, is talking about the

SPOTLIGHT

Here, in Lee’s words, is what goes into his signature Haku Lei Po‘o salad. Young greens, Kunia Country Farms It’s aquaponic farming in Kunia and they have some of the best local greens we’ve found. They eat like butter lettuce and take the vinaigrette without losing their shape. And the flavor itself is pretty awesome.

Red beets, carrots, tomatoes, long beans, watermelon radish from Ho Farms It’s hard to find farmers who are as consistent as Ho Farms. They made it so we can actually get a lot of veggies and fruits throughout the entire year. Around Valentine’s Day you can find heart-shaped cucumbers only at Kapa Hale because I’m the only one that bugs [the farm] for them. Rainbow carrots, Pit Farms Auntie sometimes comes in and drops stuff off, but mainly we get the carrots from their farmers market stall. They’re consistently nice and sweet, especially when we roast them. Heart of palm, Wailea Agricultural Group The best heart of palm that we can get in the state, I feel. The consistency is untouchable, whether it’s the root or the stalk itself. Coffee, Greenwell Farms We wanted to surprise people by showing that coffee with root vegetables is beautiful. We wanted that nice, deep, rich flavor. The Greenwell farm is from back in the 1850s when an Englishman came to Hawai‘i and loved the idea of growing coffee in Kona. Their 100% Kona coffee is really consistent and special. ‘Ulu, sunchoke, purple radish from Kōlea Farm Me and Dave Caldiero [of 53 By The Sea] convinced Bill [Howes of Kōlea Farm] to do sunchokes and he’s been growing them for us ever since. It looks like ginger, tastes like potato and we don’t see it much, so it’s a nice story to tell people. If more farmers were like Bill, we can stop buying so much from the mainland.

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

BE ST RE STAUR ANTS IN

H O N O LU LU O U R F O O D W R I T E R S ’ P I C K S F O R T H E C I T Y ’ S T O P E AT E R I E S .

Aburiya Ibushi

La Casita

Pioneer Saloon

@aburiya_ibushi

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Bar Maze

Lam's Kitchen

The Pig & The Lady

@bar.maze

lamskitchenhawaii.com

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Le's Banh Mi

Pizza Mamo

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Da Seafood Cartel

MW Restaurant

Shige's Saimin Stand

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El Cielo

Miro Kaimukī

Southern Love

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Sunset Texas BBQ

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Helena's

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@4614kapahale Scan here to find out what makes them great:

F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

A look back at the mind-boggling, maddening and mystifying news of a tumultuous year. BY ROBBIE DINGEMAN I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y X AV I E R U R B A N O

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

UCH OF 2024 NOW FEELS LIKE A FEVER DREAM FILLED WITH NEWS THAT REQUIRED REPEATED REALITY CHECKS. How else to explain a police chief who forgot his Glock in the restroom (more than once!); a contractor who built a house, then realized it was on the wrong lot; or the ethos at the Hawai‘i State Capitol, where officials prioritized designating an official day to celebrate kim chee while more pressing matters languished? Since our last edition of HONOLULU’s annual Sour Poi Awards, we’ve all witnessed some wacky stuff. We know sour poi delivers a pleasantly tangy taste and hope you share our appetite for it and for our tongue-in-cheek humor as we reflect back, poke fun and hope for brighter tomorrows.

 JUNE POWER OUTAGES PLUNGED DOWNTOWN HONOLULU AND CHINATOWN into darkness for days, closing restaurants, stores and offices, disrupting services and costing businesses tens of thousands of dollars. Already under siege after the Maui wildfires, Hawaiian Electric was targeted for more criticism for the blackouts and the time it took to repair what was blamed on an aging and damaged underground cable.

Last Call  Honolulu Liquor Commission Vice Chair Lisa Martin was forced to resign in April after an alleged drunken confrontation at a Waikīkī bar, where she flashed her badge and demanded to be served while intoxicated, according to a police report obtained by Hawai‘i News Now. She had been appointed just four months earlier in an effort to clean up the long-troubled agency.

Cleared?  Former Honolulu City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro and prominent businessman Dennis Mitsunaga were found not guilty after an eight-year investigation and a highly followed, complicated bribery and corruption case. Despite the verdict, the trial raised startling allegations, including that co-defendant and Mitsunaga attorney Sheri Tanaka hired a hitman to target a federal judge. And as the trial came to a close, Mitsunaga was ordered to spend days in jail on suspicion of witness tampering.

We’re No. 1 Unlocked and Loaded

SPOT ILLUSTRATIONS: XAVIER URBANO, GETTY IMAGES

 Kaua‘i Police Chief Todd Raybuck announced his retirement the week before the county police commission suspended him for three days without pay after he left a loaded gun in the stall of a police restroom—for the second time in two years. An officer filed a report after he found a Glock wedged between the wall and a grab bar. Only then did SHOPO, the police union, realize this was the second time Raybuck had forgotten his official weapon in the same stall of an office bathroom. This followed allegations that Raybuck had mocked Japanese people. The commission dismissed allegations that he retaliated against officers who were involved in the firearm investigation, saying it found no evidence of that. In mid-November, Raybuck announced he was retiring in 2025 to focus on family, health and wellness.

 A nationwide study of 5,000 drivers tagged Hawai‘i as having the worst drivers in the country when it comes to speeding 20 mph (or more!) over the limit, running red lights (tied with Texas and Oregon), and changing lanes or turning without signaling. Forbes Advisor also cited Hawai‘i motorists for driving under the influence and texting. At least other states were worse when it comes to eating while driving.

F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

Payroll 101  More than 540 public and charter school teachers missed their first paychecks of the school year, prompting a grievance by the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association. The State Department of Education blamed the gaffe on onboarding delays of new hires before issuing checks, then had to cough up extra funds to compensate for the delays.

Door’s (Not) Open 

 A HAWAI’I COUNTY JUDGE ORDERED that a house in Hawaiian Paradise Park be demolished and the debris removed after it was mistakenly built—at a cost of about $300,000—on the wrong lot. It seems a contractor located the job site by counting the telephone poles rather than conducting a survey, then built on the wrong side of the pole. The judge ruled the contractor must pay to remove the house. The mistake turned up when a real estate agent hired by the developer sold the house then found a problem when she checked the title of the property in what’s normally a routine step.

Former Hawai‘i Island Mayor Mitch Roth, already in a battle to keep his job while running against Kimo Alameda, found himself the target of a fake email inviting the houseless community to shower and sleep at his house with “no need to knock.” Hawai‘i County police posted up at Roth’s home but reported no arrests needed.

Hitting Turbulence

Fore!

Get S*** Done Day?

 A former CIA officer who worked on contract as a translator for the FBI in Honolulu was sentenced to 10 years in prison for spying for China. Alexander Yuk Ching Ma was arrested after admitting to providing classified information to the Chinese government while accepting thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts, including golf clubs.

 We do love kim chee and respect Korean culture. But when Hawai‘i lawmakers passed a bill, which Gov. Josh Green swiftly signed into law, to officially designate Nov. 22 as Kimchi Day, we wondered whether they might have considered applying that “get-things-done” work ethic to more weighty matters.

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

After the $1.9 billion merger of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines received final approval in September, dozens of nonunion Hawaiian employees learned they would be losing their jobs. While the majority of Hawaiian’s workers kept their positions, the cuts that did come were on the heels of executive golden parachutes totaling $25 million in cash and stocks, clouding the initial days of the union.

SPOT ILLUSTRATIONS: GETTY IMAGES



Justice Denied  After decades of controversy, community anger and wrongful convictions, a break finally came in the infamous 1991 Hawai‘i Island murder of college student Dana Ireland. Armed with new DNA evidence, Hawai‘i County police interviewed a suspect then released him; shortly after, the man killed himself at home.

Lured by Lulu

Dead Pool

 Brash burglaries continued to plague retailers and businesses across the island, with thieves grabbing everything from cash registers and alcohol to the latest leggings. In October, Honolulu police sought the public’s help in identifying two male suspects— one wore a blond and brown women’s wig—caught on security cameras stuffing women’s Lululemon leggings into bags without paying. One of the suspects tussled with the store’s security guard near the door of the popular brand’s Ala Moana Center store, but both men got away.

 After decades of stench, continuing leaks into offices and millions of dollars spent on repairs and maintenance at the iconic Hawai‘i State Capitol ponds, state officials say the reflecting pools meant to represent the ocean must be replaced by waterless artwork. Even as artist Solomon Enos worked on a new design, architects, community members and historic preservation advocates objected to the failure to fix the 55-year-old ponds, noting functional ponds have thrived worldwide for generations.

Stairway to Arrest  The simmering legal wrangle over the long-closed Ha‘ikū Stairs continues, and despite parts of the old Navy structure being removed, hikers still attempt the trek. Arrests for criminal trespassing are ongoing as state conservation officials repeatedly warn that the hike is particularly dangerous to traverse now that dismantling has begun.

 KAUA‘I’S FAMOUSLY SCENIC KALALAU TRAIL CLOSED for nearly a month after norovirus sickened dozens of hikers and campers. After group after group became ill—at least one person had to be evacuated by helicopter for urgent care—the state Health Department shut down the remote path along the Nā Pali Coast. Cleaning, disinfecting and a sewage airlift ensued before the popular wilderness trek reopened.

Pikachu Power!   Yes, your 2024 ballot did offer you the opportunity to vote for Shelby Pikachu Billionaire representing the We The People party for U.S. Senate. While Sen. Mazie Hirono won reelection, Billionaire wrote in his Civil Beat Q&A that the animated TV series Captain Planet held the keys to dealing with climate change: planet, earth, fire, wind, water, heart. He described himself like this: “I am Kanaka Maoli and will feed the people in Congress and staff members chocolate macadamia nuts, coffee and cook meat jun.” Here’s hoping he runs for another office. F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

Tulsi (at Least for) Now

Navy Still in Hot Water

Fake News?

 Former Hawai‘i U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard swung back into the national spotlight while supporting Donald Trump during his campaign. In November, after the election, Trump nominated the former Democrat to serve as the country’s director of national intelligence. Just six years prior, Gabbard tweeted critically about Trump’s continued support of Saudi Arabia, saying, “Being Saudi Arabia’s bitch is not ‘America First.’” Then four years later, she claimed the Democratic Party was “under the complete control of an elitist cabal of warmongers, driven by cowardly wokeness.”

 Distrust already ran high after the U.S. Navy allowed Red Hill fuel to contaminate the area’s water system in 2021, sickening thousands and threatening O‘ahu’s water supply. After the Navy spent years defending its water testing and work record, the federal government issued scathing reports about its handling of the contamination even after spending more than $2 billion. The reports pointed to mismanagement and lack of emergency response plans, and pressed the Navy to explain what it’s doing to prevent similar future disasters.

 We’re sad to see the decline of newspapers continuing with fewer local journalists, and one case where artificial intelligence was employed as an alternative for online reports. O‘ahu Publications, parent company of The Garden Island, experimented with computer-generated anchors reading short newscasts created by an Israeli startup. Managers insist the “powered by AI” reports were based on the work of the paper’s editorial team and that the avatars weren’t replacing humans but quit the effort after 20 shows.



XAVIER URBANO is an O‘ahubased tattoo artist and illustrator, known for his bold and detailed designs. @xaviertattooer

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

PHOTO: @JUSTONPHOTOGRAPHY

A FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTED KA‘A‘AWA RESIDENT AND HOME BUILDER RYAN WESLEY ROUTH for attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump while he was running for office. In September, Secret Service agents with Trump at his West Palm Beach Golf Course reported seeing a man later identified as Routh in bushes along the fence line with a high-powered rifle. He fled in a car but was later arrested. Routh is in federal custody pending trial. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

2025 BEST DENTISTS

2025

BEST DENTISTS HONOLULU Magazine helps you find the dentist you need, whether it’s for a routine checkup or more specialized work. Everyone on this list comes highly recommended by other dentists, who know the work of fellow professionals.

ILLUSTRATIONS: CNYTHZL/ DIGITALVISION VECTORS VIA GETTY IMAGES

P.39

F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

2025 BEST DENTISTS

HOW WE CREATED THIS LIST WHO CONDUCTED THIS SURVEY? Professional Research Services, a Detroit-based company that administers peer-review surveys of professionals including doctors, lawyers and dentists. WHO WAS SURVEYED? PRS contacted more than 3,000 licensed general dentists and dental specialists (including oral and maxillofacial specialists and pediatric specialists) in Hawai‘i and asked them which dentists they would recommend across seven geographical areas within the Islands. Each dentist was allowed to recommend up to five colleagues in each given dental specialty. Once the ballots were complete, each nominee was carefully evaluated on the basis of the survey results, the legitimacy of their license, and their current standing with the Hawai‘i Dental Board. Dentists who received the highest number of votes in each specialty are reflected by specialty and in alphabetical order. WHAT INSTRUCTIONS WERE THEY GIVEN IN COMPLETING THE SURVEY? Voting was done online in the summer of 2024. Dentists who visited the site were instructed to vote by clicking on a nomination field and selecting a dentist, organized by specialty. All licensed dentists in the state were available for selection. Dentists were able to recommend up to five colleagues in each given dental specialty and were able to manually nominate five physicians if they did not appear on the drop down list. Respondents were allowed to modify their ballots until the closing date. DID SPECIALISTS VOTE ONLY ON THEIR OWN SPECIALTY, AND VICE VERSA FOR GENERAL-PRACTICE DENTISTS? No, people could vote across all practices.

COULD A DENTIST VOTE FOR HIM OR HERSELF? No, dentists are only able to vote for their colleagues, as the survey was designed as a peer review. Additionally, each dentist appearing on the list received more than one vote. WERE DENTISTS ON EVERY ISLAND INCLUDED IN BOTH NOMINATIONS AND POLLING? Yes. WHAT ARE THE VOTING CATEGORIES? The listing includes seven specialties: general dentistry, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics. Dentists were allowed to vote for five dentists in each category. WERE RESPONDENTS ALLOWED TO MAKE COMMENTS ON SPECIFIC DENTISTS? This is a straight listing—no comments were allowed to influence the final list. HOW IS THIS AN OBJECTIVE LISTING IF IT’S BASED ON OPINIONS? Like medicine, dentistry is a profession that relies upon dentists referring one another. Peer review is a very effective method of determining who is the best in the field, since it’s based on the opinions of those most in the know: their colleagues. ARE RESULTS CHECKED AGAINST STATE OF HAWAI‘I RECORDS FOR CRIMINAL ACTION OR MISCONDUCT? WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF A MISCONDUCT COMPLAINT HAD BEEN FILED AGAINST A WINNER? Yes, PRS checks with the Professional and Vocational Licensing Board of the Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. If a dentist is not in good standing or isn’t currently licensed, that dentist would not be included on the list.

The professionals listed were selected by their peers in a survey conducted by Professional Research Services of Troy, Michigan. For further information visit prscom.com or email PRS at sshevin@prscom.com.

Brad B.H. Ching

ENDODONTICS Endodontists are dentists who deal strictly with the pulp of the tooth, known as the nerve or root. They perform root canals and other surgical procedures.

Apex Endodontics Inc. 45-270 William Henry Road, Suite 102, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 596-8625 75-155 Lunapule Road, Suite A, Kailua-Kona

(808) 238-3170 Joseph Chu Kaua‘i Endodontics 4365 Kukui Grove St., Kukui Professional Center, Suite 105, Līhu‘e

(808) 482-3060

Kimo Chun O‘ahu Endodontics Inc. 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1416

(808) 949-3960 Daphne Chung Hawai‘i Endodontics 1401 S. Beretania St., Suite 575

(808) 218-6650 Kailua Professional Center, 30 Aulike St., Suite 404, Kailua

Connor Dang Randall D.J. Yee, DDS, MSD, Inc. 1063 E. Lower Main St., Suite C-224, Pu‘uone Plaza, Wailuku

(808) 242-6857 Zachary T. Dodson Maui Endodontics Inc. 135 S. Wakea Ave., Suite 211, Kahului

(808) 872-9224

(808) 235-3131

Derrick C. Fu

Westridge Shopping Center, 98-150 Ka‘ōnohi St., Suite C120, ‘Aiea

Honolulu Endodontics 1401 S. Beretania St., Suite 480

(808) 439-8500

Paul W. Guevara

Craig Haga

Innovative Endodontics 94-673 Kupuohi St., Suite C-104, Waipahu

Endodontic Associates LLC 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 208

(808) 677-3373

(808) 591-1515

Sean A.N. Gurney

98-1247 Ka‘ahumanu St., Mary Savio Medical Plaza, Suite 218, ‘Aiea

Aloha Endodontics 94-1144 Ka Uka Blvd., Suite 5, Waipahu

(808) 201-3636

(808) 455-9051 Hsiao-Ling Hoshino Hoshino Endodontics LLC 1150 S. King St., Suite 607

(808) 202-2066

(808) 597-1221

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 4 040 H O HN OO NL OU LL UU L UMM AG AA G ZAIZNI E NE

2025 BEST DENTISTS

@CASWELL_ORTHODONTICS

@CASWELLORTHODONTICS

(808) 536-2223

CASWELLORTHODONTICS.COM

1210 Ward Ave #200, Honolulu, HI 96814 4618 Kilauea Ave. #4, Honolulu, HI 96816 NE W! MILIL ANI : Mililani Town Center, 95-1249 Meheula Pkwy #B9 Mililani, HI 96789 WARD :

K AHAL A :

F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

2025 BEST DENTISTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40

Aimee Kim

Kevin Schlang

Michael Yuen

Tzu-Min Chien

Hawai‘i Endodontics 1401 S. Beretania St., Suite 575

Elite Endodontics 3221 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 370A

(808) 218-6650

(808) 739-9800

Kailua Professional Center, 30 Aulike St., Suite 404, Kailua

Pearl Family Dental Care 1000 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 235, Pearl City

(808) 235-3131

Westridge Shopping Center, 98-150 Ka‘ōnohi St., Suite C120, ‘Aiea

(808) 439-8500

Jessica Liu

Farid Shaikh

(808) 455-9051

Hawai‘i Endodontics 1401 S. Beretania St., Suite 575

Andrew Inaba

(808) 218-6650

Endodontic Associates LLC 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 208

Kailua Professional Center, 30 Aulike St., Suite 404, Kailua

(808) 235-3131

Kelvin N. Asahina

Westridge Shopping Center, 98-150 Ka‘ōnohi St., Suite C120, ‘Aiea

Kelvin N. Asahina, DDS 1010 S. King St., Suite 502

(808) 439-8500

(808) 593-9025

Patrick J. Munley

Stuart Wisotzky

‘Ohana Endodontics 31 E. Lanikaula St., Suite C, Hilo

Hawai‘i Family Dental 1847 S. Kīhei Road, Suite 270, Kīhei

Steve Barba

(808) 319-2522

(808) 856-4625

Wade Nobuhara

Noz Yamauchi

Endodontic Associates LLC 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 208

Island Endodontics 3660 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 309

Matt Hoshino Hoshino Endodontics LLC 1150 S. King St., Suite 607

(808) 202-2066 Adam Inaba Endodontic Associates LLC 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 208

(808) 591-1515 98-1247 Ka‘ahumanu St., Mary Savio Medical Plaza, Suite 218, ‘Aiea

(808) 455-9051 Blake Ishikawa Honolulu Endodontics 1401 S. Beretania St., Suite 480

(808) 597-1221 Jason C. Joe Advanced Endodontics of Hawai‘i 1060 Young St., Suite 323

(808) 591-1515

(808) 695-2266

98-1247 Ka‘ahumanu St., Mary Savio Medical Plaza, Suite 218, ‘Aiea

Howard Kang

(808) 455-9051

Hawai‘i Endodontics 1401 S. Beretania St., Suite 575

Ha Bin Park

(808) 218-6650 Kailua Professional Center, 30 Aulike St., Suite 404, Kailua

(808) 235-3131

Honolulu Endodontics 1401 S. Beretania St., Suite 480

(808) 597-1221

Westridge Shopping Center, 98-150 Ka‘ōnohi St., Suite C120, ‘Aiea

(808) 439-8500

(808) 955-8778 Randall D.J. Yee Randall D.J. Yee, DDS, MSD, Inc. 1063 E. Lower Main St., Suite C-224, Pu‘uone Plaza, Wailuku

(808) 242-6857 Henry Connor Yim Honolulu Endodontics 1401 S. Beretania St., Suite 480

(808) 597-1221 Rachel Yorita Aloha Endodontics 94-1144 Ka Uka Blvd., Suite 5, Waipahu

(808) 456-5953

GENERAL DENTISTRY A general dentist is like a family practitioner in medicine, able to diagnose and treat a wide range of dental conditions. A general dentist also helps coordinate care with specialists.

Lahaina Smiles Dental 154 Papalaua St., Suite 200, Lahaina

(808) 667-7711 Bryson Chang Kōkua Smiles Pearlridge Dental Care 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 2000, ‘Aiea

(808) 489-9530 Malcom H.M. Chang Malcom HM Chang D.D.S., Inc. 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Kāhala Office Center, Suite 202

(808) 734-0216 David T. Chen Kuo & Chen Dental Group LLP 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1505

(808) 951-6888

Angela M.A. Chin Angela M.A. Chin, DMD, LLC 1314 S. King St., Suite 418

Rocio EscobarBustamante Hi‘iaka Dental Studio 1001 Kamōkila Blvd., Suite 157, Kapolei

(808) 692-8888 Lawrence M. Fujioka Fujioka Dental Group Inc. 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 715

(808) 488-8577

(808) 955-1510

Paul G. Ching

Todd Girard

Paul G. Ching, D.D.S. 2228 Liliha St., Suite 303

Smile Suite 54 Maui Lani Parkway, Suite 2020, Wailuku

(808) 550-4499

(808) 756-9161

Clinton Cho

Todd Goode

Clinton Cho, DDS 1580 Makaloa St., Suite 1010

Honolulu Smiles 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1304

(808) 949-3177

(808) 955-0004

Sophia Chon

Marcus Hannah

Premier Dental 850 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 115, Pearl City

(808) 455-8577 Amy S. Choy Kukui Plaza Dental Associates 50 S. Beretania St., Suite C201

(808) 536-4026 Hien Doan KidShine Dental & Orthodontics 850 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 215, Pearl City

(808) 638-3313 Tiffani Dunn Kona Smile Co. 76-6225 Kuakini Highway, Suite A101, Kailua-Kona

Kailua Dental Arts Dr. Marcus Hannah & Dr. Kathleen Oliver 970 N. Kalāheo Ave., Suite A-305, Kailua

(808) 254-5454 Aaron Harada ‘Aiea Pearl City Dental Care 98-1256 Ka‘ahumanu St., Suite 303, Pearl City

(808) 488-1988 Lester N. Harunaga Dr. Lester Harunaga, DDS 1055 Kalo Place, Suite 101

(808) 944-9741 Nina Hayashi Nina Hayashi, DDS 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1119

(808) 329-8180

(808) 942-2338

William Enoka

Heather Hearon

Pearl Family Dental Care 930 Valkenburg St., Suite 209, Pearl Harbor

(808) 244-8808

(808) 422-2112

Wailuku Dental Group 255 Imi Kala St., Wailuku

(808) 201-3636 CONTINUED ON PAGE 44 42

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

2025 BEST DENTISTS

Dentists know good dental care extends beyond the chair. Good dental care takes more than dental procedures. The best dentists take the time to educate their patients on the importance of preventive care such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling routine visits. Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) is proud to partner with 95% of Hawaii’s licensed dentists and specialists to provide the best care for our valued members.

HDS Mahalo to this year’s best dentists for going the extra smile for FP Hawaii families!

Live Well, Smile More.

Learn more about our local dentist network and plans at HawaiiDentalService.com

F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

2025 BEST DENTISTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42

Scott R. Hiramoto ‘Aiea Newtown Dental Group 98-1247 Ka‘ahumanu St., Suite 321, ‘Aiea

(808) 487-5596 Kent K. Hironaka Kent K. Hironaka D.D.S. 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1319

(808) 945-9898 Jennifer H. Hirota

Jill KanemaruHwang Kanemaru Family Dental 410 Kīlani Ave., Suite 221, Wahiawā

(808) 622-4354 Kelli KanemaruTakeuchi Kanemaru Family Dental 410 Kīlani Ave., Suite 221, Wahiawā

(808) 622-4354

Keith M. Koga

Cedric Lewis

Randal Motooka

Landon M. Oka

Dental Innovations Hawai‘i 98-211 Pali Momi St., Suite 725, ‘Aiea

Kōkua Smiles Wai‘alae Dental Care 3270 Wai‘alae Ave.

Hawai‘i Dental Wellness 1139 Bethel St.

Landon M. Oka, DDS 4747 Kīlauea Ave., Suite 113

(808) 732-4377

(808) 533-3892

(808) 737-6229

Tina Mukai

Leslie K. Okimoto

Aloha Stadium Dental Associates 4510 Salt Lake Blvd., Suite B3

Leslie K. Okimoto, DDS 1221 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 848

(808) 487-9948

(808) 597-1322

(808) 489-9530

Hong Murray

Jon Ozaki

Beatrice P. Loo

Elite Smile Center 75-1028 Henry St., Suite 203, KailuaKona

‘Aiea Pearl City Dental Care 98-1256 Ka‘ahumanu St., Suite 303, Pearl City

(808) 484-0600

1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1207

Kristi Koyanagi

(808) 435-6062

Dentaworks Hawai‘i 1060 Young St., Suite 305

45-950 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 501-1166 Kathleen Kujiraoka

(808) 400-9016 98-1005 Moanalua Road, #2000, ‘Aiea

Smile Suite 54 Maui Lani Parkway, Suite 2020, Wailuku

Aloha Family Dentistry Hawai‘i 45-1144 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 304, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 688-2888

(808) 756-9161

(808) 235-0018

(808) 843-7502

Stephen R. Ho

Chad Kawashima

Raymond Loo

Stephen R. Ho, D.D.S. 438 Hobron Lane, Suite 209

Hawai‘i Dental Wellness 1139 Bethel St.

Steven A. Kumasaka

(808) 201-1863

(808) 533-3892

Jesse Hollander

Alison Kawazoe

Kai Dental 1325 S. Kīhei Road, Suite 201, Kīhei

Kāne‘ohe Smile Center 45-1127 Kamehameha Highway, Suite A, Kāne‘ohe

The Smiling Place Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 94-615 Kupuohi St., Suite 206, Waipahu

(808) 879-1117 Berwyn Y. Ito Berwyn Y. Ito, D.D.S. 1600 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1400

(808) 947-8888

Kelly Kawahara

(808) 247-6575

Steven A. Kumasaka, DDS 46-030 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 247-2240 Hideki P. Kurokawa Hideki P. Kurokawa DDS 1060 Young St., Suite 212

(808) 538-0047

Bobby Kim

Jonathan Lau

Nu‘uanu Dental Care 321 N. Kuakini St., Suite 803

Wailuku Dental Group 255 Imi Kala St., Wailuku

Glenn Kadohiro

(808) 536-2196

Lahaina Smiles Dental 154 Papalaua St., Suite 200, Lahaina

Ji Kim

(808) 244-8808 Jennifer Lee

(808) 667-7711

Laulani Dental Care 91-1123 Keaunui Drive, Suite 232, ‘Ewa Beach

Jeffrey Kagihara

(808) 354-0808

(808) 596-2285

Peter Kim

Zachary R. Lee

Temple Valley Dental Group 47-388 Hui Iwa St., Ko‘olau Center, Kāne‘ohe

‘Aiea Newtown Dental Group 98-1247 Ka‘ahumanu St., Suite 321, ‘Aiea

Jeffrey Kagihara, DDS 1702 S. King St.

(808) 941-7505 Scott Kanamori Kanamori Dental 3434 Haleakalā Highway, Pukalani

(808) 572-0822

(808) 239-6711 Russell Kim Windward Smiles 46-001 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 415, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 236-4567

Dr. Ping Kang Cheng 1314 S. King St., Suite 725

(808) 487-5596 Kyle K. Leong Leong Family Dental 1020 Kakala St., Suite 801, Kapolei

(808) 839-7796 2885 Pa‘a St., Suite 203

Kalihi Palama Health Center 710 N. King St.

(808) 329-4425 Dennis T. Nagata

Raymond Loo, DMD 848 S. Beretania St., Suite 305

(808) 524-1102 Brendt Lum Hawai‘i Family Dental 1847 S. Kīhei Road, Suite 270, Kīhei

(808) 856-4625 Ryan Maehara Kāhala Dental Group 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 109

(808) 734-3553 Robert M. Marusko The Queen’s Health Systems - Manamana (Punchbowl) 1301 Punchbowl St., Dentistry

(808) 691-4292 Blake T.K. Matsuura

Dental Sleep Medicine Hawai‘i 1888 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī Landmark Building, Suite C311

(808) 946-6326 Wesley K. Nihei Wesley K. Nihei DDS, Inc. 100 Kahelu Ave., Suite 114, Mililani

(808) 621-0747 Kris Nip

(808) 678-3000 Rohinton Patel Hawai‘i Pacific Dental Group, Inc. 6700 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Suite 216

(808) 320-5400 Deborah P. Poole

(808) 734-2099

(808) 419-6826

Julia Nishioka

Jason I. Revestir

Nishioka Family Dental 719 Kamehameha Highway, Pearl City

Temple Valley Dental Group 47-388 Hui Iwa St., Ko‘olau Center, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 455-3485

(808) 488-1988

(808) 484-0600

(808) 235-4524

Palola Dental 94-1221 Ka Uka Blvd., Suite 201, Waipahu

Upcountry Dentistry - Deborah P. Poole, DDS 3434 Old Haleakalā Highway, Makawao

Esther Oak

Jeffrey K. Miyazawa, DDS 45-480 Kāne‘ohe Bay Drive, Suite C-17, Kāne‘ohe

Jaclyn M. Palola

Dental Day Spa of Hawai‘i 3660 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 301

‘Aiea Pearl City Dental Care 98-1256 Ka‘ahumanu St., Suite 303, Pearl City

Jeffrey K. Miyazawa

(808) 488-1988

Dental Innovations Hawai‘i 98-211 Pali Momi St., Suite 725, ‘Aiea

James J.K. Oh James J.K. Oh D.D.S. 1641 Nu‘uanu Ave.

(808) 531-2533

(808) 239-6711 Ted T. Sakamoto Ted T. Sakamoto, D.D.S. 615 Pi‘ikoi St., Suite 801

(808) 593-0835 Jennifer M. Sasada Jennifer M. Sasada, DMD 94-849 Lumi‘āina St., Suite 208, Waipahu

(808) 676-8080

(808) 839-7795 CONTINUED ON PAGE 46 44

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

2025 BEST DENTISTS

2025 in Hawaiʻi

MASON A. SAVAGE, D.D.S. | LAUREN WEISS, D.D.S. | DEREK TAKAI, D.D.S.

WAI KĀHALA DENTISTRY

Congratulations to Our 2025 Best Dentists! Since 2005, Wai Kāhala Dentistry has been providing quality, compassionate dentistry to Honolulu. Our team of award-winning dentists and staff are committed to giving you the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve and service that exceeds expectations every time. We are proud to announce Dr. Mason A. Savage as the newest addition to the Wai Kāhala Dentistry ‘ohana! Dr. Savage brings with him 28 years of experience and a shared dedication to the highest standard of care, investing more than 80 hours each year to continuing education. He looks forward to serving patients as part of his new team.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Dr. Lauren Weiss joined Wai Kāhala Dentistry in 2018. Dr. Weiss shares the team’s passion for service that goes above and beyond. She says the best part of her job is hearing patients say they now look forward to dental visits: “I love being able to raise a person’s confidence by giving them a smile they’re proud to show off to the world!”

With more than 15 years in private practice, it’s clear Dr. Derek Takai loves what he does. He is passionate about bringing a personal touch to his care, from following up postprocedure to check on patients’ well-being to understanding their needs and priorities. With his growing team, he’s excited to offer patients more of the same great quality, compassionate care.

K ĀHAL A MALL | 4211 WAI‘AL AE AVE., SUITE 210, HONOLULU, HI 96816 | (808) 7321424 | K AHAL ADENTIST.COM F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

2025 BEST DENTISTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44

Riichiro Sato

Kevin Sugiki

Honolulu Dental Clinic 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 722

Kevin Sugiki Implant & Family Dentistry 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 301

(808) 943-9338

(808) 735-8555

Wesley T. Sato

Derek Takai

Camden Tokunaga Tokunaga Family Dentistry 91-902 Fort Weaver Road, Suite 208, ‘Ewa Beach

(808) 689-7964 Ala Moana Dental Care 1601 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 101

Kaimukī Dental Group, LLC 3221 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 315

Wai Kāhala Dentistry LLC 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 210

(808) 737-7905

(808) 732-1424

Mason A. Savage

Jordan Takaki

Hawai‘i Family Dental – Kapolei 91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, #1707, Kapolei

O‘ahu Pediatric Dentistry 850 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 260, Pearl City

Kaizen Dental Center 735 Bishop St., Suite 211

Mason A. Savage, D.D.S., LLC 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 210

(808) 732-1424 Cecile Sebastian Smile Innovations Hawai‘i 1003 Bishop St., Pauahi Tower, Suite 340

(808) 537-2880 Lisa Shitamoto Maui Mino‘aka Dentistry 141 Ma‘a St., Suite A, Kahului

(808) 242-6605 William Sicilia Bright Wave Dental 1314 S. King St., Suite 510

(808) 593-8476 Justin Sjulson Enchanted Lake Dental 1058 Keolu Drive, Suite B104, Kailua

(808) 941-5555

(808) 460-7945

(808) 456-4555

(808) 536-3405

Wade Takenishi

Kathy Tomasu

Wade Takenishi, DDS 1314 S. King St., Suite 702

(808) 593-2775 Julie T. Tanabe Julie T. Tanabe DDS, Inc. 3538 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 206

(808) 734-8969 Travis Tanaka Kōkua Smiles Pearlridge Dental Care 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 2000, ‘Aiea

(808) 489-9530 Tracy N. Tanji

Aloha Stadium Dental Associates 4510 Salt Lake Blvd., Suite B3

Noel S. Torigoe Noel S. Torigoe, D.D.S. 1010 S. King St., Suite 803

Anne Tran ToothBuds Dental Diamond Head 3150 Monsarrat Ave., Suite 201

(808) 735-5437 Tooth Buds Kaua‘i 3-3359 Kūhiō Highway, Līhu‘e

(808) 378-4869

Kailua Dental Care 602 Kailua Road, Suite 101, Kailua

Kristen C. Todoki

(808) 848-2400

Kristen C. Todoki, D.D.S. Inc. 850 W. Hind Drive, Suite 112

Tammy Tran

Nina Tran

Wade Takenishi DDS 1314 S. King St., Suite 702

(808) 593-2775

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

Premier Dental 98-1268 Ka‘ahumanu St., Suite 203, Pearl City

(808) 486-4746

Kāhala Smile Professionals, LLC 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 305

(808) 732-9232

Kāhala Smile Professionals, LLC 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 305

(808) 732-9232

Ala Moana Dentistry 1440 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1239

(808) 955-1440 Lauren Weiss Wai Kāhala Dentistry LLC 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 210

(808) 732-1424 Keri Anne J. Wong Keri Anne J. Wong, DDS 1010 S. King St., Suite 504

(808) 596-2553 Summer T. Wood Ocean View Dental 970 N. Kalāheo Ave., Suite C309, Kailua

Kyrell Wright

Jaci A. Young

Kaimukī Center for Dentistry 3221 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 376

Nishioka Family Dental 719 Kamehameha Highway, Pearl City

(808) 737-9032

(808) 455-3485

2024 N. King St., Suite 107, Honolulu, HI 96819

Kaimukī Dental Group 3221 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 315

(808) 841-7944

(808) 737-7905 Christopher Wu ‘Ohana Smiles 30 Aulike St., Suite 204, Kailua

(808) 262-4792 Rob Wu Kōkua Smiles Pearlridge Dental Care 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 2000, ‘Aiea

The Queen’s Health Systems - Manamana (Punchbowl) 1301 Punchbowl St., Dentistry

(808) 691-4292 Gary G.L. Yuen Dr. Gary G.L. Yuen, D.D.S. 615 Pi‘ikoi St., Suite 1607

(808) 593-9344

(808) 489-9530 Melvin T. Yamada Melvin T. Yamada, DDS 1600 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1319

(808) 955-2439 Brandon T. Yokota Brandon T. Yokota, DDS 1943 S. King St.

(808) 946-4939 Carter S. Yokoyama Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS 75-5905 Walua Road, Suite 7, Kailua-Kona

(808) 322-0101 Chris Young Aloha Family Dentistry Hawai‘i 45-1144 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 304, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 235-0018

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY An oral/maxillofacial surgeon is a dentist who can perform surgery in and around the head. Oral surgery ranges from extracting teeth to facial reconstruction for patients who have suffered disease or trauma. Many oral surgeons are licensed to work on some of the same procedures as plastic surgeons, including rhinoplasties and chin implants.

Matthew S. Abraham Island Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 338 Kamōkila Blvd., Suite 203, Kapolei

(808) 674-2255

(808) 254-5503

Brooke Uperesa Laulani Dental Care 91-1123 Keaunui Drive, Suite 232, ‘Ewa Beach

(808) 354-0808 46

Jessica Vo

Keiko Watanabe

(808) 677-4042

(808) 488-1900

(808) 244-8808

(808) 596-2295

Jeffrey S.D. Sonson

(808) 373-2184

Wailuku Dental Group 255 Imi Kala St., Wailuku

Robert J.M. Wada

Kings Dental & Implant Services 555 N. King St., Suite 111

Regala and Su DDS, LLC 99-128 ‘Aiea Heights Drive, Suite 602, ‘Aiea

Catherine Vargas

(808) 487-9948

(808) 261-6767

Angela Su

(808) 533-2861

Candace M. Wada

Dr. Tracy N. Tanji, DDS 94-873 Farrington Highway, Suite 202, Waipahu

(808) 263-6620

Erin M. Uwaine Kaka‘ako Dental Care 600 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 204

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

2025 BEST DENTISTS

THE ART OF SURGERY

“C

an you guess which is the artificial tooth connected to the dental implant?” Single tooth replacement in the front upper jaw is full of surgical and cosmetic challenges because of the high visibility when smiling and talking. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr. Cameron Y. S. Lee and Dr. Kristin L. Lee are highly experienced implant surgeons that will partner with your family dentist and the dental laboratory to help replace your missing tooth. The result is a beautiful smile. Please call (808) 484-2288 to schedule a consultation appointment.

DR. CAMERON Y.S. LEE DR. KRISTIN L. LEE

(808) 484-2288 | HAWAIIORALSURGERY.COM

AIEA

98-1247 Kaahumanu St, Ste 314, Aiea, HI 96701 HONOLULU

1060 Young St, Suite 220, Honolulu, HI 96814

F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

2025 BEST DENTISTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46

Kenneth H. Arakawa

David K. Hiranaka

Cameron Y.S. Lee

Dr. Kenneth H. Arakawa, DDS 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1225

David K. Hiranaka, MD, DMD 76-6225 Kuakini Highway, Suite A102, Kailua-Kona

Hawai‘i Oral Surgery 1060 Young St., Suite 220

(808) 942-9999

(808) 326-2040

Todd G. Carter

Michael T. Hironaka

Maui Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 33 Lono Ave., Suite 450, Kahului

(808) 244-7634 Jeremy M. Hannon O‘ahu Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Windward 45-1144 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 301, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 230-8000 O‘ahu Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Honolulu 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 920

(808) 973-3700 Todd K. Haruki Pacific Maxillofacial Center LLC 1060 Young St., Suite 312

(808) 585-8455 94-1221 Ka Uka Blvd., #B-204, Waipahu

(808) 676-9560

Oral Surgery Hawai‘i 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1720

(808) 207-3048 Oral Surgery Hawai‘i, ‘Aiea 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 843, ‘Aiea

(808) 210-4619 Oral Surgery Hawai‘i, Kāne‘ohe 46-056 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 250, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 210-4855 Eva P. Kiezik Oral Surgery Hawai‘i 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1720

(808) 207-3048 Oral Surgery Hawai‘i, ‘Aiea 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 843, ‘Aiea Oral Surgery Hawai‘i, Kāne‘ohe 46-056 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 250, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 210-4855

(808) 877-7775

Blake K. Kitamura Oral Surgery Hawai‘i 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1720

(808) 207-3048 David S. Haynes Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates Inc. 1580 Makaloa St., Kapi‘olani Business Plaza, Suite 725

(808) 973-3747 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates Inc., ‘Aiea 98-211 Pali Momi St., Pearlridge Office Center, Suite 618, ‘Aiea

Oral Surgery Hawai‘i, ‘Aiea 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 843, ‘Aiea

(808) 210-4619 Oral Surgery Hawai‘i, Kāne‘ohe 46-056 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 250, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 210-4855

(808) 483-3727

98-1247 Ka‘ahumanu St., Suite 314, ‘Aiea

(808) 731-2220 Kristin L. Lee Hawai‘i Oral Surgery 1060 Young St., Suite 220

(808) 731-2220 98-1247 Ka‘ahumanu St., Suite 314, ‘Aiea

(808) 731-2220 Gregory Y.C. Lung Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates Inc. 1580 Makaloa St., Kapi‘olani Business Plaza, Suite 725

(808) 973-3747 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates Inc., ‘Aiea 98-211 Pali Momi St., Pearlridge Office Center, Suite 618, ‘Aiea

(808) 483-3727

(808) 210-4619

Earl A. Hasegawa Earl Hasegawa, DDS 135 S. Wakea Ave., Suite 103, Kahului

(808) 731-2220

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

James M. Michino

Neil Oishi Pacific Maxillofacial Center LLC 1060 Young St., Suite 312

(808) 585-8455 94-1221 Ka Uka Blvd., #B-204, Waipahu

(808) 676-9560 Michael J. Pampalon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates Inc. 1580 Makaloa St., Kapi‘olani Business Plaza, Suite 725

(808) 973-3747 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates Inc., ‘Aiea 98-211 Pali Momi St., Pearlridge Office Center, Suite 618, ‘Aiea

(808) 483-3727 Rohit Sahdev Hawai‘i Family Dental 275 W. Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Suite 188, Kahului

(808) 856-4640 400 Hualani St., Building 9, Suite 192, Hilo

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates Inc. 1580 Makaloa St., Kapi‘olani Business Plaza, Suite 725

(808) 443-5204

(808) 973-3747

Morgan K. Strawn

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates Inc., ‘Aiea 98-211 Pali Momi St., Pearlridge Office Center, Suite 618, ‘Aiea

Maui Jaw Surgical Institute 122 Ma‘a St., Unit A, Kahului

(808) 483-3727 Rodney N. Nishimoto Honolulu Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – Rodney N. Nishimoto, DMD, MD 900 Punahou St., Suite 101

(808) 949-8681

111 E. Puainako St., Suite 320, Hilo

(808) 443-5214

(808) 242-0077 Bruce Y. Todoki Bruce Y. Todoki, D.D.S. 1100 Ward Ave., Suite 815

(808) 532-2055

Craig A. Yamamoto Oral Surgery Hawai‘i 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1720

(808) 207-3048 Oral Surgery Hawai‘i, Aiea 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 843, ‘Aiea

(808) 210-4619 Oral Surgery Hawai‘i, Kāne‘ohe 46-056 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 250, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 210-4855 Thomas A. Yamamoto Oral Surgery Hawai‘i 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1720

(808) 207-3048 Oral Surgery Hawai‘i, ‘Aiea 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 843, ‘Aiea

(808) 210-4619 Oral Surgery Hawai‘i, Kāne‘ohe 46-056 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 250, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 210-4855 Lyle C. Yanagihara Pacific Implant Center: Lyle C. Yanagihara, D.D.S., M.S. 1440 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1233

(808) 973-1433

ORTHODONTICS Orthodontists are dentists who straighten teeth. They can analyze a mouth and surrounding bone structures, determine where teeth should be and create corrective appliances.

Sujata Bhatia Bhatia Orthodontics + Sleep Wellness 99 S. Market St., Suite 104, Wailuku

(808) 638-3078 Aurelia Bonham Bonham & Bonham Orthodontics 140 Ho‘ohana St., Suite 312, Kahului

(808) 871-6576 24 Kiopa‘a St., Suite 101, Pukalani

(808) 793-3026 Paul Bonham Bonham & Bonham Orthodontics 140 Ho‘ohana St., Suite 312, Kahului

(808) 871-6576 24 Kiopa‘a St., Suite 101, Pukalani

(808) 793-3026 Kimi S. Caswell Caswell Orthodontics 1210 Ward Ave., Suite 200

(808) 536-2223 4618 Kīlauea Ave., Suite 4

(808) 536-2223 95-720 Lanikūhana Ave., Suite 230, Mililani

(808) 536-2223 Won Chaekal Won Chaekal Orthodontics 1330 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 302

(808) 593-0889 95-720 Lanikūhana Ave., Suite 210, Mililani

(808) 625-8899 75-1028 Henry St., Suite 203, KailuaKona

(808) 329-4425 590 Farrington Highway, Suite 523, Kapolei

(808) 674-9988

2025 BEST DENTISTS

Tammy ChangMotooka

Peter Conmy

Hawai‘i Orthodontist 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1800

Hawai‘i Smile Designs 31 E. Lanikaula St., Suite A, Hilo

(808) 947-3737

(808) 961-6662

94-673 Kupuohi St., Suite C-103, Waipahu

285 W. Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Suite 220, Kahului

(808) 947-3737

David Dung

Sean Holliday

Dung Orthodontics 1600 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 519

Holliday Orthodontics 1245 Kuala St., Suite 110, Pearl City

(808) 941-5241 98-150 Ka‘ōnohi St., Suite C-214, ‘Aiea

(808) 488-0026

Malia Kamisugi Holliday Orthodontics 1060 Young St., Suite 201

Shelliann Kawamoto Hawai‘i Orthodontist 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1800

(808) 485-1177

(808) 947-3737

4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 111

94-673 Kupuohi St., Suite C-103, Waipahu

151 Hekili St., Suite 250, Kailua

(808) 947-3737 Gerald Kim

1037 Makawao Ave., Makawao

95-1249 Meheula Parkway, Suite 135, Mililani

Holliday Orthodontics 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 111

4473 Pahe‘e St. Unit R, Līhu‘e

(808) 625-5000

1060 Young St., Suite 201

1245 Kuala St., Suite 110, Pearl City

Melissa Ferguson

Curtis N. Kamisugi

Burt Kawamoto

Kim Orthodontics 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1515

(808) 485-1177

Maui Smile Works 1129 Lower Main St., Suite 107, Wailuku

Smile Designers Inc. 98-211 Pali Momi St., Suite 500, ‘Aiea

(808) 941-9888

(808) 483-3000

Todd Kimura

95-390 Kuahelani Ave., Suite 1-A, Mililani

Holliday Orthodontics 1060 Young St., Suite 201

(808) 483-3000

Brad M. Chun

1245 Kuala St., Suite 110, Pearl City 1060 Young St., Suite 201

J. Mickey Damerell

(808) 244-1499

KidShine Dental & Orthodontics 850 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 215, Pearl City

(808) 638-3313

Terrence Codington

Smile Designers Inc. 98-211 Pali Momi St., Suite 500, ‘Aiea

Elite Smile Center 75-1028 Henry St., Suite 203, KailuaKona

(808) 485-1177 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 111 1245 Kuala St., Suite 110, Pearl City

(808) 329-4425

1060 Young St., Suite 201

CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

ENDODONTIC

ASSOCIATES LLC

Craig S. Haga, DDS, MS Andrew T. Inaba, DDS Adam S. Inaba, DDS Wade K. Nobuhara, DDS, MS Whitney Torigoe Smith, DDS

2025

ENDODONTIC ASSOCIATES, LLC

in Hawaiʻi

With 58 years of experience, Endodontics Associates LLC proudly provides excellent customer service and unmatched endodontic care. Patients can rest easy knowing that they are being treated at Hawai‘i’s most established endodontic practice. Founded in 1966 by Dr. Carl Haga, Hawai‘i’s first dentist trained in endodontics, Endodontics Associates LLC uses state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology in a stress-free environment. 2025 Best Dentists Dr. Craig Haga (son of Dr. Carl Haga), and nephews Dr. Adam Inaba and Dr. Andrew Inaba are committed to staying at the forefront of the industry to provide you with the personalized treatment and excellent customer service you deserve. Dr. Wade Nobuhara, a 2025 Best Dentist, joined the practice in June 2020, adding more than 30 years of endodontic experience to the team. Whitney Torigoe Smith recently joined the practice in 2025. Born and raised on the island, she completed over 10 years of military service as a dental officer and is looking forward to serving the people of Hawai‘i. “As a local family practice, we take the extra steps to treat every patient like family, and to ensure they receive comfortable, patient-centered and the most up-to-date care,” says Dr. Craig Haga. Endodontic Associates LLC serves patients at two convenient locations: the Ala Moana Building and the Mary Savio Medical Plaza in ‘Aiea.

ALA MOANA BUILDING 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., #208 Honolulu, HI 96814 (808) 591-1515 fax (808) 593-8628 ea96814@gmail.com MARY SAVIO MEDICAL PLAZA 98-1247 Ka‘ahumanu St., #218 ‘Aiea, HI 96701 (808) 455-9051 fax (808) 486-0344 ea96701@gmail.com

Celebrating 58 Years Visit our website to make online referrals.

endodonticassociatesllc.com

2025 BEST DENTISTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49

Mark Kitamura KidShine Dental & Orthodontics 850 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 215, Pearl City

Satya Nayak Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics 45-939 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 103, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 638-3313

(808) 247-6039

Eunsol Victoria Lee

76-6225 Kuakini Highway, Suite D-101, Kailua-Kona

Gentle Dental Mililani 95-390 Kuahelani Ave., Suite 4B, Mililani

(808) 445-6165 Katherine M. Masaki Katherine M. Masaki, DDS, MS 1150 S. King St., Suite 1103

(808) 596-4840 J. Kika Masunaga Orthodontic Arts Hawai‘i - Scott S. Masunaga DDS, Inc. 1010 S. King St., Suite 101

(808) 597-1553 ‘Aiea - 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 845, ‘Aiea

Scott S. Masunaga Orthodontic Arts Hawai‘i - Scott S. Masunaga DDS, Inc. 1010 S. King St., Suite 101

(808) 597-1553 ‘Aiea - 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 845, ‘Aiea

Scott L. Morita Morita Orthodontics 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1000

(808) 941-3355 98-1247 Ka‘ahumanu St., #325, ‘Aiea

(808) 486-5505

(808) 329-7551 65-1230 Māmalahoa Highway, Suite A-21, Kamuela

Sheriann Shimogaki Holliday Orthodontics 1060 Young St., Suite 201

(808) 485-1177 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 111 151 Hekili St., Suite 250, Kailua 1245 Kuala St., Suite 110, Pearl City

Daniel Shin Hawai‘i Family Dental 98-150 Ka‘ōnohi St., Suite C201, ‘Aiea

(808) 748-4970 Kendall R. Tada Caswell Orthodontics 1210 Ward Ave., Suite 200

(808) 536-2223 4618 Kīlauea Ave., Suite 4

(808) 536-2223 95-720 Lanikūhana Ave., Suite 230, Mililani

(808) 536-2223 Rosemarie Tan O‘ahu Orthodontics 725 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Imperial Plaza, Suite C124

(808) 738-5500 Bryson Nakatani Hawai‘i Orthodontist 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1800

(808) 947-3737 94-673 Kupuohi St., Suite C-103, Waipahu

(808) 947-3737

Erik TinHan TinHan Orthodontics - Pearl City 98-1268 Ka‘ahumanu St., Suite 105, Pearl City

(808) 485-2444 377 Keāhole St., Suite 211A

Kaitlyn Tom Dung Orthodontics 1600 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 519

(808) 941-5241 Dung Orthodontics 98-150 Ka‘ōnohi St., C214, ‘Aiea

(808) 941-5241 Mililani Orthodontics 95-1249 Meheula Parkway, Suite 135, Mililani

(808) 941-5241 Steven Tottori Tottori Orthodontics 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Ala Moana Building, Suite 710

(808) 674-9191 525 Farrington Highway, Kapolei

Alex Verga Maui Braces 285 W. Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Suite 220, Kahului

(808) 874-9229 1037 Makawao Ave., Makawao

Michael J. Wall Michael J. Wall, DMD, MS 45-1048 Kamehameha Highway, Suite B, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 235-6801 Michael B. Wong Michael B. Wong, D.D.S., M.S.D. 46-005 Kawa St., Suite 301, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 597-6244

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Pediatric dentists, or pedodontists, treat children from as young as 1 year old to early adulthood.

Cally L. Adams

Cally L. Adams, DDS, LLC 1325 S. Kīhei Road, Suite 108, Kīhei

(808) 875-4808 50

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

Janel S. AnchetaCarroll Ancheta Pediatric Dental 98-1247 Ka‘ahumanu St., Suite 205, ‘Aiea

Brent B.Y. Ching Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children 1319 Punahou St., Suite 1080

Tian He KidShine Dental & Orthodontics 850 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 215, Pearl City

(808) 487-1000

(808) 949-8411

(808) 638-3313

Todd K. Asato

David Ching

Allen K. Hirai

Children’s Dental Associates Inc. 1314 S. King St., Suite 618

(808) 596-9889 94-673 Kupuohi St., Suite C103, Waipahu

(808) 680-0097 Emily S. Bordner First Smiles 2752 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 5-207

(808) 988-2636 J.W. Chang Honu Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 95-1105 ‘Āinamakua Drive, Suite 202, Mililani

KidShine Dental & Orthodontics 850 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 215, Pearl City

(808) 638-3313 Jason Ching O‘ahu Pediatric Dentistry 850 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 260, Pearl City

(808) 456-4555 Bren M. Chun Kim Pediatric Dentistry 642 Ulukahiki St., Weinberg Medical Plaza, Suite 308, Kailua

Pediatric Dentistry Kāhala 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 201

(808) 737-0076 Erica Hollander Just Keiki Pediatric Dentistry 141 Ma‘a St., Kahului

(808) 419-7841 Hans Hsu ToothBuds Dental – Diamond Head 3150 Monsarrat Ave., Suite 201

(808) 735-5437 Tooth Buds Kaua‘i 3-3359 Kūhiō Highway, Līhu‘e

(808) 445-6272

(808) 261-5354

(808) 378-4869

Mary M. Chau

46-001 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 418, Kāne‘ohe

Juliana Hsu

Children’s Dental Associates Inc. 1314 S. King St., Suite 618

(808) 596-9889 94-673 Kupuohi St., Suite C103, Waipahu

(808) 680-0097 Fred Chen Pearlridge Pediatric Dentistry 98-211 Pali Momi St., Suite 615, ‘Aiea

(808) 484-4459 KidShine Dental & Orthodontics – Pearl City 850 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 215, Pearl City

(808) 638-3313 KidShine Dental & Orthodontics – Kapolei 590 Farrington Highway, Suite 155, Kapolei

(808) 427-9987

J.J. Chun Kapolei Keiki Dental 4450 Kapolei Parkway, Suite 570, Kapolei

(808) 944-1020 Nicole Endo KidShine Dental & Orthodontics 850 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 215, Pearl City

Noa Tongue Tie and Airway Health 725 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 124C

(808) 909-6363 Lauren Jenni Imai Pediatric Dental Group 1221 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1048

(808) 593-8828 4180 Rice St., Suite 105, Līhu‘e

(808) 638-3313

(808) 245-2131

Radford Y. Goto

Maile S.C. Kim

ToothBuds Dental – Diamond Head 3150 Monsarrat Ave., Suite 201

(808) 735-5437 Tooth Buds Kaua‘i 3-3359 Kūhiō Highway, Līhu‘e

(808) 378-4869 Benjamin Hanks Maui Pediatric Dentistry 1280 S. Kīhei Road, Suite 206, Kīhei

(808) 868-5757

Kim Pediatric Dentistry 642 Ulukahiki St., Weinberg Medical Plaza, Suite 308, Kailua

(808) 261-5354 46-001 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 418, Kāne‘ohe

2025 BEST DENTISTS

Spencer L. Kim Kim Pediatric Dentistry 642 Ulukahiki St., Weinberg Medical Plaza, Suite 308, Kailua

(808) 261-5354 46-001 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 418, Kāne‘ohe

Michelle R. Kobayashi Pedodontic Associates 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 847, ‘Aiea

(808) 487-7933 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 405

(808) 735-1733 31 Kamehameha Ave., Kahului

(808) 877-0066

Supriya Koirala

Tuan M. Pham

Dean Sueda

Emilie Sumida

Bryan S. Tamura

KidShine Dental & Orthodontics 25 Kāne‘ohe Bay Drive, Suite 109, Kailua

The Queen’s Health Systems - Manamana (Punchbowl) 1301 Punchbowl St., Dentistry

Honolulu Keiki Dental 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 617

(808) 944-1603

Children’s Dentistry of Maui 99 S. Market St., Suite 102, Wailuku

Pedodontic Associates 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 847, ‘Aiea

(808) 374-8421

(808) 691-4292

4450 Kapolei Parkway, #570, Kapolei

(808) 244-5495

(808) 487-7933

David A. Sumikawa

4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 405

Christopher C. Lee Children’s Dental Associates Inc. 1314 S. King St., Suite 618

(808) 596-9889 94-673 Kupuohi St., Suite C103, Waipahu

(808) 680-0097

Honu Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 95-1105 ‘Āinamakua Drive, Suite 202, Mililani

Paul K. Seo Dentistry for Kids 98-1254 Ka‘ahumanu St., Suite 158, Pearl City

(808) 486-8881

Peter Lee Hawai‘i Pediatric Dentistry 91-3575 Kauluakoko St., Suite 3004, ‘Ewa Beach

(808) 645-4780

Cody Sia O‘ahu Pediatric Dentistry 850 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 260, Pearl City

(808) 456-4555

(808) 944-1020 Stacie Sueda Honolulu Keiki Dental 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 617

4180 Rice St., Suite 105, Līhu‘e

4450 Kapolei Parkway, #570, Kapolei

Mark Sumikawa

Stephen Sueda Honolulu Keiki Dental 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 617

(808) 944-1603 4450 Kapolei Parkway, #570, Kapolei

31 Kamehameha Ave., Kahului

(808) 877-0066

(808) 593-8828

(808) 944-1603

(808) 944-1020

(808) 735-1733

Pediatric Dental Group 1221 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1048

Luke Y. Teruya Pedodontic Associates 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 847, ‘Aiea

(808) 245-2131

(808) 487-7933

Pediatric Dental Group 1221 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1048

4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 405

(808) 735-1733

(808) 593-8828

31 Kamehameha Ave., Kahului

4180 Rice St., Suite 105, Līhu‘e

(808) 877-0066

(808) 245-2131

(808) 944-1020 CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

“I would like to again give a big MAHALO to my colleagues for nominating me for this prestigious honor. It really is a privilege to be included with such a distinguished group of dental professionals.”

2025 in Hawaiʻi

“Thank you to my dental colleagues and mentors for continuing to inspire me to offer the best dental care I possibly can. Thank You to our Patients for their trust and confidence in us. Lastly, Thank You to my Awesome Staff for making us who we are.”

Joined by a team of friendly, attentive staff, 2025 BEST DENTIST DR. BERWYN ITO offers exemplary dental care for all your general and aesthetic needs. From emphasizing gentle techniques to minimize anxiety, to helping each patient make the best, most-informed treatment choices for their needs, he takes great care to ensure patients leave with healthy teeth and happy, confident smiles. DR. BERWYN Y. ITO | 1600 KAPI‘OLANI BOULEVARD, SUITE 1400, HONOLULU, HI 96814 | (808) 947-8888 HDS, HMSA, HMAA, CIGNA AND MOST DENTAL INSURANCE ACCEPTED

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2025 BEST DENTISTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51

Derek Tom ‘Aiea Pediatric Dental Center 98-150 Ka‘ōnohi St., Suite C207, ‘Aiea

(808) 488-0100 Clyde Y. Uchida Clyde Y. Uchida, DDS, MS Inc. 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 3070

(808) 739-0878 Gavin Uchida Blue Whale Children’s Dentistry of Hawai‘i 3660 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 201

(808) 735-2583 Renee C. UchidaHashizume Clyde Y. Uchida, DDS, MS Inc. 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 3070

(808) 739-0878

Cherie C. UchidaMoribe Clyde Y. Uchida, DDS, MS Inc. 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 3070

(808) 739-0878 Michelle Wild Honu Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 95-1105 ‘Āinamakua Drive, Suite 202, Mililani

(808) 445-6272 Nadiene Wu Hawai‘i Family Dental 91-5431 Kapolei Parkway , Suite 1707, Kapolei

(808) 460-7945 98-150 Ka‘ōnohi St., Suite C201, ‘Aiea

Chris Yim

Diane Y. Cha-Loo

Lyndon D. Fong

Kāne‘ohe Kids Dental

Spark M. Matsunaga Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 459 Patterson Road

Hawai‘i Advanced Periodontic and Implant Associates 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 616

(800) 214-1306

(808) 947-3333

Michael G. Ching

Nicholas J. Fujii

Dean S. Arashiro

Michael G. Ching and Susan N. Mizuno D.D.S. M.S. Inc. 1060 Young St., Suite 216

Nicholas J. Fujii DDS Inc. 98-211 Pali Momi St., Suite 710, ‘Aiea

Dean S. Arashiro, DDS, MS, LTD 145 Ma‘a St., Kahului

(808) 525-7161

(808) 893-0880

Kenneth Y.K. Choy Honolulu Periodontics + Implants 2226 Liliha St., Suite 408

46-005 Kawa St., Suite 301, Kāne‘ohe

(808) 235-0550 Lauren Young ToothBuds Dental – Diamond Head 3150 Monsarrat Ave., Suite 201

PERIODONTICS Periodontists are dentists who deal with the supporting structures of the teeth, especially the gums.

(808) 735-5437 KidShine Dental & Orthodontics – Pearl City 850 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 215, Pearl City

(808) 638-3313 Tooth Buds Kaua‘i 3-3359 Kūhiō Highway, Līhu‘e

(808) 378-4869

(808) 748-4970 1847 S. Kīhei Road, Suite 101, Kīhei

(808) 856-4625

Edmund A. Cassella Periodontal Specialists of Hawai‘i 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1506

(808) 955-1506

(808) 427-9989 Darin K. Iha Darin K. Iha, D.D.S., M.S. 1600 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 507

(808) 941-5561

(808) 593-9400

Ray Liao

Aaron Colby Periodontics Hawai‘i LLC 6700 Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Suite 216A

(808) 728-7774

Honolulu Periodontics + Implants 2226 Liliha St., Suite 408

(808) 593-9400

94-826 Moloalo St., Waipahu

Providing excellent and caring pediatric dentistry in Honolulu and Kapolei A place as comfortable as home for a lifelong relationship of dental care. Transform your smile with Honolulu and Kapolei Keiki Dental, where vibrant oral health meets gentle care! Our expert team is dedicated to creating positive dental experiences for your little ones. From routine check-ups to specialized pediatric services, we prioritize safety, comfort, and communication with our patients and their families. Explore our stateof-the-art facility online and schedule your child’s appointment today. Bright smiles start here!

Left to right: Dr. Stacie Sueda, Dr. Dean Sueda, Dr. Stephen Sueda

Honolulu Keiki Dental 1441 Kapiolani Blvd Ste 617 Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 honolulukeikidental.com (808) 944-1603 Kapolei Keiki Dental 4450 Kapolei Pkwy #570 Kapolei, HI 96707 kapoleikeikidental.com (808) 944-1020

2025 BEST DENTISTS

Allison P. Tran

Duane Fujii

Adam Long

Aleksandr Tarasov

Allison P. Tran DDS 94-1042 Ka Uka Blvd., Suite 202, Waipahu

Pacific Dental Studio 1100 Ward Ave., Suite 820

Waimea Smiles 65-1230 Māmalahoa Highway, Carter Professional Center, Suite E-21, Kamuela

Kōkua Smiles Pearlridge Dental Care 98-1005 Moanalua Road, Suite 2000, ‘Aiea

(808) 744-0288 Michael R.C. Umaki Periodontal & Implant Associates of Hawai‘i 1833 S. Beretania St.

(808) 955-2275 Gregg T. Uyeda Gregg T Uyeda, DDS, MS 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 800

(808) 533-7200 Ryan H. Yim Periodontal Specialists of Hawai‘i 1441 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 1506

(808) 955-1506

PROSTHODONTICS Prosthodontists are dentists who deal with restorations— crowns, bridges, dentures and implants or mixedimplant and fixedbridge cases.

M. Moria Amjadi Punahou Dentistry 900 Punahou St., Suite 201

(808) 947-1323 Jmi Lilinoe Bassett Asam

(808) 531-3003 Glenn S. Hanada Glenn S. Hanada, D.M.D. 850 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 116, Pearl City

(808) 485-8558 Asia A. Inagaki The Queen’s Health Systems - Manamana (Punchbowl) 1301 Punchbowl St., Dentistry

(808) 691-4292

Pacific Dental & Implant Solutions 4211 Wai‘alae Ave., Suite 102

Roger P. Liu

(808) 736-5234

(808) 955-3095

(808) 887-8801 Kevin J. Loo

(808) 489-9530

Pacific Dental, Implant & Esthetic Specialists 848 S. Beretania St., Suite 305

Erik K. Wong

(808) 524-1102

(808) 871-6283

Maui Prosthodontics - Erik K. Wong, DMD 140 Ho‘ohana St., Suite 300, Kahului

Richard H. Miyamoto Richard H. Miyamoto, D.D.S. 615 Pi‘ikoi St., Suite 1101

(808) 596-2622

Roger P. Liu, DDS 1580 Makaloa St., Suite 840

EXCEPTIONAL ORTHODONTIC CARE TAILORED TO YOU

At the office of Dr. Curtis N. Kamisugi and Dr. Burt Kawamoto, we believe every smile is unique. That’s why we take pride in providing personalized care for every patient, blending cutting-edge technology with trusted techniques to craft a smile you’ll love. With convenient locations in ‘Aiea and Mililani, our friendly and highly trained team is here to deliver the orthodontic experience you deserve in a comfortable, fun environment. Start your journey to a healthier, more confident smile today!

98-211 Pali Momi Street, Suite 500, Aiea, HI 96701 | (808) 483-3000 | kamisugi-ortho.com |

2025 in Hawaiʻi

@dr.curtiskamisugi |

@smiledesignersinc

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Best Dentists 2025 PROFILES 2025 in Hawaiʻi

Looking for a dentist? We’re here to help. In this special section, you’ll learn more about the best dentists in Hawai‘i and what sets them apart, so you can find that someone to help you achieve the beautiful, confident smile you deserve. In the following pages, we’ll share 22 dentists and specialists whose respect and admiration by their peers got them placed onto this prestigious annual list.

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2025 in Hawaiʻi

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Rohinton Patel, D.M.D. “I am thankful and humbled to be selected for this honor by my peers and colleagues,” says Dr. Patel, who was the first in Hawai‘i to have a Galileos Cone Beam CT scan and amongst the nation’s first to perform guided dental implant minimally invasive surgery. As part of the select Cerec Mentors Group of Scottsdale Center for Dentistry, he is at the forefront of the newest released technology for Cerec Primescan, Cerec single-visit digital dentistry and 3-D imaging. Dr. Patel has been voted a Best Dentist in America since 2009. A Preferred Provider for SureSmile Orthodontics and Invisalign®, he also provides sedation dentistry for apprehensive and special needs patients, pediatric and geriatric dental care, Zoom Teeth Whitening, TMJ therapy, emergency dentistry and routine dental cleanings. “We offer comprehensive treatment plans that provide minimally invasive, conservative options that maintain patients’ optimal oral health,” says the Boston University School of Dental Medicine graduate, who completed his internship at Harvard University Vanguard Medical Associates. Over 18 years of experience enables Dr. Patel to offer a painless injection technique. For apprehensive patients, with his anesthesiologist, Dr. Ed Campbell, he offers “Full Sedation Dentistry”—customized dental treatments in a monitored surgical suite that exceeds government safety standards. Dr. Patel has been an adjunct clinical professor of Boston University School of Dental Medicine since 2009, as well as visiting professor/faculty for the University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine, lecturing first-year medical students on oral anatomy, physiology and disease. Dr. Patel serves as president of Dental Lifeline for the State of Hawai‘i. As a lifelong student of advanced cosmetic dentistry and implantology, oral cancer and genetic dental research, he concentrates a portion of his practice on smile makeovers and cosmetic rejuvenations, and on patients with special needs, often under full sedation.

HAWAI‘I KAI TOWNE CENTER’S EXECUTIVE PLAZA BUILDING 6700 KALANIANA‘OLE HWY, SUITE 216, HONOLULU, HI 96825 (808) 955-0008 | HAWAIIPACIFICDENTAL.COM

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2025 in Hawaiʻi

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Cecile Sebastian, D.D.S. Dr. Cecile Sebastian and her loyal team have offered comprehensive dental care for the past 30 years in the same convenient downtown Honolulu location. After receiving her dental degree from Northwestern University Dental School, she continues to advance her and her team’s learning. She has taken them to the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Education for cosmetic and full mouth rehabilitation cases, completed a year-long mini-residency on dental implants at Loma Linda University, and advances their training in Sleep Dental Medicine at the Vivos Institute. This allows them to deliver the most up-to-date procedures and techniques which are constantly changing. They offer everything from cosmetic dentistry to procedures that help patients re-establish proper facial, jaw function, optimal bite and occlusion, TMJ health and Sleep and Airway Dentistry. Dr. Sebastian also helps patients who show dental signs of sleep-disordered breathing. Partnering with physicians, she utilizes oral appliances to help patients breathe and sleep better. All these many different services have earned Dr. Sebastian various awards and accolades. In addition to being named a Best Dentist in HONOLULU Magazine for the past 20 years, she has been voted the past 15 years as the first place cosmetic dentist by Honolulu Star-Advertiser readers, was chosen as the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award individual winner for Business Ethics, was named a technology leader by Pacific News Network, and was recognized at the YWCA Leader Luncheon, which honors women for the contributions they have made to their professions and their community. “We offer community talks to service organizations on all aspects of dentistry, and have given many school presentations to children on how to care for their teeth,” Dr. Sebastian explains. In October 2024, she was inducted into the Pierre Fauchard Academy, an international honorary dental organization dedicated to service and leadership in dentistry. And she recently achieved Diplomate status in the American Sleep and Breathing Academy; this exemplifies professional excellence in upper airway, breathing, and sleep issues in the field of dental sleep medicine.

“Our mission is to heal our patients through individualized patientcentered care,” she says. “Much time is spent creating treatment options for our patients and discussing these at consultation visits to allow them to make their best informed decisions on how we can help them.”

Staying up to date on the industry’s technological advances and keeping up with continued education has been paramount to Dr. Sebastian’s success, and she plans to keep Hawaii smiling for many more years to come.

1003 BISHOP ST., PAUAHI TOWER, SUITE 340, HONOLULU, HI 96813 (808) 537-2880 | SMILEINNOVATIONSHAWAII.COM SMILEINNOVATIONSHAWAII |

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

SMILEINNOVATIONSHAWAII

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

2025 in Hawaiʻi

O R A L & M A X I L L O FA C I A L S U R G E R Y

David K. Hiranaka, M.D., D.M.D. Safety and customer service are the mantra at Dr. David Hiranaka’s maxillofacial, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery practice. The Harvard-trained dentist, physician, and surgeon, since 1994, has been serving the Hawai‘i Island community for more than 30 years, providing services to those suffering from missing teeth, infections or tumors in the face or jaw, or an aesthetic flaw. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard School of Dental Medicine and obtained his M.D. from Harvard Medical School, followed by a five-year internship residency in General Surgery and Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and concluding with a fellowship in aesthetic facial plastic surgery at the Institute of Facial Surgery in Salt Lake City. “Helping our patients improve their lives by maximizing their facial or jaw needs is the most rewarding part of what we do,” says Dr. Hiranaka, who says oral and maxillofacial surgery can lead to life-changing improvements in patients’ lives by restoring form and function to the face and jaw areas. He stays up to date with technologic advances and incorporates minimally invasive techniques in implant dentistry and associated jaw reconstruction to create a patient experience that goes above and beyond their expectations. Certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Hiranaka offers oral and maxillofacial services, full-scope facial cosmetic surgery and skin care procedures, using advanced technologies such as Cone Beam CT navigated dental implant surgery, endoscopic facial surgery and various treatments for facial rejuvenation. Dr. Hiranaka’s practice has maintained Joint Commission Accreditation for the past 15 years and earned recognition as a Center of Excellence for all-on-4 dental implants. He serves on the Board of Directors at Kona Community Hospital as a volunteer. Dr. Hiranaka is currently the director of a locally based Seattle Study Club, a nationally recognized continuing education club for dentists on the Big Island of Hawai‘i.

Serving Hawai‘i since 1994.

KONA | 76-6225 KUAKINI HIGHWAY, SUITE A102, KAILUA-KONA, HI 96740 (808) 326-2040 | DRDAVIDHIRANAKA.COM

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2025 in Hawaiʻi

O R A L & M A X I L L O FA C I A L S U R G E R Y

Jeremy Hannon, D.M.D. Oahu Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, directed by Dr. Jeremy Hannon, has been providing unparalleled surgical care to our Hawaii community for the past 12 years. The center is sought after by Oahu’s top dentists and medical centers for outstanding full scope Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery procedures, with an emphasis on wisdom teeth extraction and same day dental implants. Dr. Hannon and his experienced team believe that surgical excellence must be paired with compassionate, communicative, and individualized approach to every patient’s experience. Because surgery can be a stressful event, Dr. Hannon and his team thoughtfully educate patients on their condition and what to expect every step—referral to recovery— ensuring maximum comfort and peace of mind. Founded on a mission to provide outstanding care to anyone in need, his team prides themselves on the work they do on behalf of the community, and “treating each individual as Ohana.” At Oahu Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery we offer state of the art, cutting edge technology including Carestream Cone Beam 3D CT, X-GUIDE dynamic 3Dnavigation system by X-Nav, Trios 3 Shape Intraoral Scanner, SprintRay 3D Printing, and creating a completely digital optimized workflow.

“Dr. Hannon, having never met him but heard only positive feedback, has wiped away all anxiety I had of oral surgeons. I was very impressed by his ability to reassure me. Communication was excellent before, during and after procedure. I even received a follow-up call from Dr. Hannon himself to make sure I was OK.” - PATIENT REVIEW POSTED ON

45-1144 KAMEHAMEHA HWY., SUITE 301, KANEOHE, HI 96744 | (808) 230-8000 1441 KAPIOLANI BLVD., SUITE 920, HONOLULU, HI 96814 | (808) 973-3700 OAHUORALSURGERY.COM

HONOLULU MAGAZINE

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2 025 2025

2025 in Hawaiʻi

in Hawaiʻi

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Riichiro Sato, D.D.S. A person’s personality and way of thinking are greatly influenced by their parents, friends, and childhood environment. Dr. Riichiro Sato’s approach to dentistry reflects his unique background and international experiences. Raised by two physicians, he inherited a keen curiosity and applied it to dentistry. Through years of research, teaching, and practice, Dr. Sato emphasizes evidence-based dentistry to achieve good results. He also understands barriers to the “ideal” treatment plan and highlights the importance of effective communication, acting as both a technician and educator to help patients understand what needs to be done for success. Fluent in Japanese and English, and licensed in both countries, Dr. Sato brings a global perspective to dental care. He is currently a visiting professor at Iwate Medical University in Japan and serves as chairman of the Hawai‘i chapter of the American College of Dentists.

HONOLULU DENTAL CLINIC

1441 K APIOLANI BLVD., SUITE 722 HONOLULU, HI 96814 (808) 943-9338 HONOLULUDENTALCLINIC.COM

ORTHODONTICS

Satya Nayak, D.M.D. Meet Dr. Satya Nayak, the smile magician at Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics, where your journey to a stunning smile is as smooth as a Hawaiian breeze! Dr. Nayak is in the top 1% of Invisalign providers nationwide, and he’s taken things to the next level with NayakTrack—a game-changing tech that lets you scan your smile from anywhere. Dr. Nayak can then track your progress virtually, giving you personalized dedicated care on the go. It’s Invisalign made easy, with a dose of fun! At Hawaiian Smiles, we blend cutting-edge tech with a family-friendly vibe, making sure your smile transformation fits perfectly into your busy active lifestyle—all while keeping it stress-free and enjoyable.

HAWAIIAN SMILES ORTHODONTICS

KANEOHE 45-939 KAMEHAMEHA HWY #103 KAILUA-KONA 76-6225 KUAKINI HWY #D101 KAMUELA 65-1230 HAWAII BELT RD A21 (808) 247-6039 CALL OR TEXT @HAWAIIANSMILESORTHO 5-STARS ON GOOGLE F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

2025

2025 in Hawaiʻi

in Hawaiʻi

P E D I AT R I C D E N T I S T RY

PERIODONTICS

Nicholas J. Fujii, D.D.S. Born and raised on Oahu, I graduated from Hawaii Baptist Academy in 2004, followed by the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2009. I received my dental degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City in 2013 and was given the opportunity to further my studies there in Periodontics through 2015. Deciding to establish Aiea as my sole location was challenging but will allow me to continue to work with colleagues in providing the best dental care possible for this community. I greatly appreciate the team at the Aiea location and their efforts in helping me provide periodontal and implant care for the community. I am thankful for the continued support and referrals from colleagues who put their trust in me to provide periodontal care for their patients. By working together, we can offer the best dental care possible for this community. We are grateful that the healthy smiles our knowledge and skill have created instill self-confidence in our patients’ lives.

NICHOLAS J. FUJII D.D.S. INC. PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS 98-211 PALI MOMI ST., SUITE 710, AIEA, HI 96701 (808) 427-9989

Jason Ching, D.D.S. Born and raised in Honolulu, Dr. Jason Ching is a Punahou alum and a graduate of Brown University. After completing dental training at the University of the Pacific and earning a certification in pediatric dentistry at Tufts University, he is now one of just a handful of pediatric dentists in Hawai‘i who are trained in the first FDA-approved hard-soft tissue Solea dental laser. This laser, he explains, is ideal for children with severe dental anxiety because it eliminates the need for anesthetic shots and the use of a drill. Combined with his specialized training in laser soft tissue surgery, Dr. Ching also uses this laser to treat congenital abnormalities such as lip tie and tongue tie, which helps children who have impaired breastfeeding or compromised speech. “Having Hawai‘i’s keiki feel comfortable, safe, and positive about going to the dentist is important to build a foundation for lifelong healthy teeth,” he says.

850 K AMEHAMEHA HWY SUITE 260 PEARL CITY, HI 96782-2656 (808) 456-4555 OAHUPEDIATRICDENTISTRY.COM

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

2025

2025 in Hawaiʻi

in Hawaiʻi

P E D I AT R I C D E N T I S T RY

Cody Sia, D.M.D.

Jordan Takaki, D.M.D.

Pediatric dentist Cody Sia believes in treating his patients the same way he would treat his own children. “Having two young boys, I always reflect on what I would do for them,” he says. “This allows me to have an open dialogue with parents to come up with the best treatment for their child.” Dr. Sia adds that a child’s treatment isn’t always straightforward, as it’s highly dependent on their behavior. Offering nitrous oxide for anxious patients or minimally invasive treatment such as SDF or hall crowns allows him to balance a patient’s treatment needs with what their age and level of cooperation will allow. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to provide dental care to children in Hawaii,” he adds. “Being born and raised on Oahu, I feel it is important to serve the community which allowed me and my family to grow.” When Dr. Sia isn’t in the office helping little ones find their best smiles, he enjoys being in and around the ocean, whether it’s spearfishing, bodyboarding, or relaxing on the beach with his wife, sons, and their dog.

Dr. Jordan Takaki enjoys his role as a general dentist, helping teenagers and young adults through their dental journey. “We encourage, empower, and help our patients improve their oral health,” he says, “whether it’s through education, role playing or actively fixing problems, we meet patients and families where they are.” Dr. Takaki’s primary goal is to provide the information and support about dietary changes and proper oral hygiene practices needed to navigate teenage independence and freedom. By being efficient, communicative, and prepared to help in any way necessary, Dr. Takaki builds relationships with his patients, the community, and other health professions that are built on trust and support. He adds that the goal at Oahu Pediatric Dentistry is to create healthy habits and improve patients’ long-term outcomes — all while hopefully creating positive, lasting memories that will have them saying, “I remember going to that dentist, they were my favorite!”

850 K AMEHAMEHA HWY SUITE 260 PEARL CITY, HI 96782-2656 (808) 456-4555 OAHUPEDIATRICDENTISTRY.COM

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PERIODONTICS

ORTHODONTICS

Lyndon D. Fong, D.D.S., M.S.

Bryson Nakatani, D.D.S., M.S.

I am deeply grateful to my colleagues and long-standing staff for their support in providing personalized, exceptional patient care. I personally guide patients through their diagnoses and treatment options, ensuring their referring dentists are always informed. Our practice stays at the forefront of innovation with advanced technology, including Cone Beam (3D) imaging, digital scanning, 3D printing, laser-assisted surgeries, Piezo-electric surgical procedures, and tools for cancer diagnostics, tissue regeneration, and esthetic surgeries. As an international lecturer and Associate Professor at the University of Hawai‘i Dental Hygiene Program, I am honored to share knowledge and contribute to advancing dental education.

At Hawaii Orthodontist, we pride ourselves in providing the most comfortable and enjoyable orthodontic experience for our patients. “One way we do this is by utilizing state-of-the-art technology—such as fully customized 3D printed braces, Invisalign, intraoral scanning, and CBCT imaging—to achieve excellent outcomes and beautiful smiles,” he says. Hawaii Orthodontist also uses iTero Lumina, the latest in intraoral scanning technology. The smaller size of the Lumina scanner, Dr. Nakatani explains, enhances the patient’s comfort while providing photo-realistic digital models for diagnostic accuracy. “My greatest strength as an orthodontist is my insatiable curiosity to understand how and why things work,” he says. “This helps me to come up with solutions to complex malocclusions while taking into consideration my patient’s overall dental health.”

1441 K API‘OLANI BLVD., SUITE 616, HONOLULU, HI 96814 (808) 947-3333 | HAWPIA.COM

ALA MOANA BUILDING #1800 | KUNIA SHOPPING CENTER C103 (808) 947-3737 | HAWAIIORTHODONTIST.COM

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OORRT THHOODDOONNT TI CI CS S

ORTHODONTICS

Shelliann Kawamoto, Tammy Chang-Motooka, D.D.S., D.D.S.,M.S. M.S.

Tammy Chang-Motooka, D.D.S., M.S.

I have been fortunate to practice with Dr. Tammy Chang-Motooka formind 15 years Gratitude is what comes to as Iand reflect back 2024 we welcomed Dr. Bryson Nakatani oninmy 30 years of practice. I was able to particito our orthodontic family.professional Together, we offer our while pate in numerous organizations, combined years experience latest in mentors working with andoflearning fromand so the many admired innovative We to experiences stay current and with and peers. Itechnology. feel thankful forcontinue these past improvements orthodontic appliances andOrthodontist! treatment now so proud ofinour amazing team at Hawaii modalities through persistence with Nakatani, continuingmyself and Dr. Shelliann Kawamoto, Dr. Bryson education. Our skilled andsame friendly orthodontic our entire team share the practice vision ofteam using enables usorthodontic to provide high quality to orthodontic care and advanced techniques provide excellent exceptional service for patients of allcaring ages. Ienvironment. obtained my patient service in a comfortable and doctorate Dental Surgery, Orthodontics HawaiiofOrthodontist is ancertificate InvisaligninBlue Diamond and Dentofacial and Master of Science in Provider, limitedOrthopedics to 1% nationwide. We strive to continue Oral Biology degree from the University Missouriusing our years of experience, along withof new proven techKansas City. I ampatients a member of the Association nologies, to help of all agesAmerican achieve their goals of of Orthodontists, Coast Society obtaining beautifulPacific and healthy smiles. of Orthodontists, andIpast the Dental and feel president so blessedoffor myHonolulu career asCounty an orthodontist Society (2010) andwonderful Hawaii Society of Orthodontists personally, for my family. (2011).

Gratitude is what comes to mind as I reflect back on my 30 years of practice. I was able to participate in numerous professional organizations, while working with and learning from so many admired mentors and peers. I feel thankful for these past experiences and now so proud of our amazing team at Hawaii Orthodontist! Dr. Shelliann Kawamoto, Dr. Bryson Nakatani, myself and our entire team share the same practice vision of using advanced orthodontic techniques to provide excellent patient service in a comfortable and caring environment. Hawaii Orthodontist is an Invisalign Blue Diamond Provider, limited to 1% nationwide. We strive to continue using our years of experience, along with new proven technologies, to help patients of all ages achieve their goals of obtaining beautiful and healthy smiles. I feel so blessed for my career as an orthodontist and personally, for my wonderful family.

HAWAII ORTHODONTIST HAWAII ORTHODONTIST ALA MOANA BUILDING, SUITE 1800 ALA MOANA BUILDING #1800 | KUNIA SHOPPING KUNIA SHOPPING CENTER C103 CENTER C103 (808) 947-3737 (808) | HAWAIIORTHODONTIST.COM 947-3737 HAWAIIORTHODONTIST.COM

ALA MOANA BUILDING #1800 | KUNIA SHOPPING CENTER C103 (808) 947-3737 | HAWAIIORTHODONTIST.COM

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Scott Masunaga, D.D.S.

J. Kika Masunaga, D.D.S., M.S.D.

“I have the best job in the world!” proclaims Dr. Scott Masunaga of his passion for orthodontics: Creating a dynamic, esthetic smile along with a balanced and enduring dental bite for all of his patients. “Achieving excellent orthodontic results challenges orthodontists to draw on their skill to change a patient’s ‘phenotype’ (an individual’s observable, genetically influenced appearance), and in adolescent children, to shape their jaws and teeth into cosmetically pleasing facial features and smiles as they mature. “A skilled orthodontist achieves ‘growth shaping’ by prescribing the proper treatment, but whose true quality takes decades to evaluate. A continuous accumulation of orthodontic techniques and knowledge are therefore necessary to attain outstanding and effective lifelong results.” He was inspired and mentored by his father, Dr. Glenn Masunaga, one of Hawaii’s first licensed orthodontists, who named his practice “Orthodontic Arts,” in recognition of this relationship of science and art. Dr. Scott thanks his peers for recognizing his unwavering commitment to providing outstanding orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Kika Masunaga practices alongside her father, Dr. Scott, whose 40 years of practice has largely shaped Orthodontic Arts’ reputation for excellent care. His experience and her knowledge of the latest techniques offer their patients an ideal blend of proven and innovative treatments. She is humbled to be recognized by her colleagues, continuing her family’s history in Hawaii’s only third-generation orthodontic practice. A Punahou School graduate, Dr. Kika earned an honors degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a fouryear scholarship and dental degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She completed her orthodontic specialty training at the University of the Pacific, a nationally recognized program and the “birthplace” of Invisalign®. She is an invited member of the national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. “We’ve been fortunate to grow alongside the families we serve, which I believe sets us apart. Our unique perspective from treating cases across generations allows us to better anticipate the orthodontic needs of families who have trusted us for 70 years, and deliver outstanding long-term results.” She is grateful for this trust from her patients, and looks forward to serving the community for generations to come.

MEDICAL ARTS BUILDING: 1010 S. KING ST. STE. 101, HONOLULU, HI, 96814

PEARLRIDGE UPTOWN MALL: 98-1005 MOANALUA RD. AIEA, HI, 96701

PHONE: (808) 597-1553 | WEBSITE: WWW.ORTHODONTICARTSHI.COM 64

PHONE: (808) 597-1553 | WEBSITE: WWW.ORTHODONTICARTSHI.COM

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GENERAL DENTISTRY

Candace Wada, D.D.S.

Robert Wada, D.D.S.

Dr. Candace Wada has been enhancing smiles for years, offering comprehensive care from preventive services to implant dentistry. Using advanced CAD-CAM technology, she crafts precise crowns and bridges in her patient-focused, state-of-the-art office. Alongside her friendly, knowledgeable team, she provides modern treatment options and assistance with dental insurance in a caring, family-oriented environment. A member of the American Dental Association, Hawaii Dental Association, and Honolulu County Dental Society, Dr. Wada is an ADEX examiner and stays current with the latest in dentistry through seminars and study clubs. Dedicated to giving back, she volunteers with Donated Dental Services and Give Back a Smile, helping patients in need. She also mentors aspiring dentists, three of whom have joined the profession. Dr. Wada practices with her son, Dr. Robert Wada, at their Kahala Mall Office Tower location. The practice has grown to include Dr. Nichele Wada and Dr. Travis Tanaka, embodying a true family-focused team.

Growing up around a dental practice, Iolani graduate Dr. Robert Wada saw firsthand how rewarding dentistry can be. After graduating from the University of Oregon in 2008, he earned his dental degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2015 and joined the family practice. With a newly renovated office and the latest technology like CAD/CAM dentistry, Dr. Wada provides patients with personalized care in a warm family environment. Staying current with techniques and materials is important to Dr. Wada, who attends numerous study clubs and seminars. He also gives back to the community by volunteering with Donated Dental Services. Dr. Wada thanks his mother, Dr. Candace Wada, for being his inspiration and his staff for going the extra mile to make patients feel at home. “Building trust with my patients through quality, comfortable, and personalized care is a priority,” says Dr. Wada, who looks forward to developing lifelong relationships with his patients.

KAHALA SMILE PROFESSIONALS, LLC

4211 WAIALAE AVENUE, SUITE 309 HONOLULU, HI 96816 | (808) 732-9232 KAHALASMILEPROFESSIONALS.COM

4211 WAIALAE AVENUE, SUITE 309 HONOLULU, HI 96816 | (808) 732-9232 KAHALASMILEPROFESSIONALS.COM F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

4211 WAIALAE AVENUE, SUITE 309, HONOLULU, HI 96816

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O R A L & M A X I L L O FA C I A L S U R G E R Y

Todd Haruki, D.D.S., M.D.

Neil Oishi, D.D.S., M.D.

Since establishing Pacific Maxillofacial Center in 1999, Dr. Haruki has collaborated with Hawaii’s top dentists and physicians to enhance patients’ oral health and overall wellness. A Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Fellow of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiologists, Dr. Haruki specializes in dental implants, wisdom teeth extractions, and procedures under IV anesthesia. Renowned for excellence in dental implant surgery, Pacific Maxillofacial Center is recognized by X-Nav Technologies as one of Hawaii’s few Centers of Excellence for guided implant surgery. Dr. Haruki attributes this success to his exceptional team, whose shared passion and commitment ensure the delivery of outstanding specialty care.

Dr. Oishi is a board-certified, dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon. After graduating from Punahou School, he earned his dental degree from the University of Southern California, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class. He went on to obtain his medical degree and complete his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at the University of Florida. As a partner of Pacific Maxillofacial Center, Dr. Oishi focuses on wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement and bone grafting procedures. His clinics, honored by X-Nav Technologies as Centers of Excellence, continue to incorporate the latest techniques and technologies to provide better outcomes and a more comfortable patient experience.

MAIN OFFICE | 1060 YOUNG STREET, SUITE 312 HONOLULU, HI 96814 | (808) 585-8455

WAIPIO OFFICE | 94-1221 K A UK A BOULEVARD, SUITE B204 WAIPAHU, HI 96797 | (808) 676-9560

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PERIODONTICS

Michael R.C. Umaki, D.D.S.

Gregg T. Uyeda, D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Michael Umaki and his staff value excellence and continuously strive to do what’s best for their patients, using a blend of knowledge, skill, and kindness to create a welcoming environment, and an experience that leaves their patients healthy and happy. With a paramount commitment to safety, they have implemented new protocols to ensure a secure environment for patients. This includes the installation of new equipment and technology to reduce the risk of contamination, measures to promote social distancing, and the use of safety barriers, UV air filters, high-volume extraoral suctions, face shields, and N95 masks. Now, more than ever, it is reassuring to know your surgeon cares about you and your safety. Dr. Umaki and his staff remain dedicated to providing safe, first-rate treatment to their patients with the greatest of care.

Dr. Uyeda has practiced Periodontics & Implants in Hawaii for over 33 years and has enjoyed every moment of it. “My colleagues and their staff have become like family to my staff and me. We really enjoy hearing from them, whether the call is regarding their patients or just to talk story. Their patient referrals remind us to be thankful for the confidence they have in us as we strive to establish a good relationship with all patients and improve their periodontal and implant health and confidence.” With two years of practice at the Ala Moana Building in our rear view mirror, we thank you for taking that ride with us. Together, let’s move forward with the exciting journey of Dentistry and life. “Congratulations to all 2025 Best Dentists and MAHALO to my colleagues for the honor and privilege of being selected again this year.”

PERIODONTAL & IMPLANT ASSOCIATES OF HAWAII

1833 S. BERETANIA ST. HONOLULU, HI 96826 (808) 955-2275

GREGG T. UYEDA, D.D.S., M.S. | PERIODONTICS & IMPLANTS 1441 K APIOLANI BOULEVARD, SUITE 800 HONOLULU, HI 96814 | (808) 533-7200 F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 5

AFTERTHOUGHTS

BY VIRG INIA LO O

Breaking Tradition to become a single mom, or being a mom at all? Could anyone? Well, maybe “Popo,” as we called my father’s grandmother. She raised mullet in the Hanaloa fishpond at Pearl Harbor, which kept her 10 kids fed and afforded them to go to college. She’d have something to say, and I bet she wouldn’t write a book. She’d tell me, though, “Just do what you gotta do.” I’ve heard stories about her my whole life—Popo sleeping over Friday nights at my grandparents’ house so she could play mahjong all night; jai not really being jai unless it’s her version; Popo meeting Chiang Kai-shek and his wife, Soong Mei-ling, while touring Taiwan. Growing up, there was always a family photo from 1949 on the wall of my parents’ house. It showed all of Popo’s children and spouses, along with my father sitting cross-legged in the front row with the rest of the grandkids. In the photo, taken for her 60th birthday, Popo was seated in her black cheongsam, sporting a cattleya corsage the size of her head. She was the epitome of a matriarch, a tiger mom of her era. Initially, while writing my book, How to B, I thought I had a story the opposite of Popo’s life. I wanted to tell the funny, sometimes wacky story about getting pregnant without a partner. I wanted to share the etiquette of asking someone to be a sperm donor; how going to an infertility clinic makes you feel like a tiger jumping through hoops on fire; and learning to parent while living with your own parents. That’s what the book was supposed to be about. But writing it took me somewhere unexpected. Choosing to have a kid on my own and wearing the mantle of single mom felt counter to all the expectations I was raised with—to go to a good school, get married to a nice boy, buy a house and have

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2.5 kids. Writing How to B helped me unravel how and why my choices turned out so differently and allowed me to unpack the fear of not meeting my Chinese family’s expectations. After I finished the book, I remembered Popo was a single mom herself. Her husband, my great-grandfather, was killed in a car accident when her youngest child was just 9 days old. She learned to drive herself to the fishpond. She got a lawyer to prevent her husband’s family from taking away the business. She raised those kids on her own, became a Buddhist late in life, and toured Europe with her daughters in her late 70s. So much for doing what is expected of you. Becoming a parent, especially becoming a mom, can change your entire sense of self. I lost myself for a bit, got mired in the tropes of trying to be a mom “the right way.” Popo would have told me, “No such thing, you just do what you gotta do.” I never met Popo, unless you count going to bai san at Nu‘uanu Memorial Park where she is buried. Every April when I was young, our large extended family would gather to lay out a five-course mock meat meal on her gravestone, pouring liquor from red porcelain cups into the grass and tossing gold paper into a burning barrel. Each generation lined up to pay respect, foreheads kissing the grass, the youngest children bowing last. We haven’t done the full ritual in years, but our family still gathers there in April, whoever is in town, bringing buckets of flowers picked from the yard. It’s a time to catch up on family gossip. Then it’s time: All the kids line up and bow on Popo’s grave, my 12-year-old son now the last to pay respects. I realize, what I thought seemed so far off the path is exactly how it’s always been. COURTESY: VIRGINIA LOO

OULD I WRITE a “how to” book about trying

PHOTO COURTESY VIRGINIA LOO

Hawai‘i author Virginia Loo channels her great-grandmother as she reflects on her journey on becoming a single mother.

Virginia Loo is the author of the recently published book, How to B, which shares her story as a globe-trotting epidemiologist who decides to have a child with no partner.

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