Melissa Chang

1 month ago | honolulumagazine.com | Melissa Chang

Chris Kajioka’s nostalgic cocktail lounge on Pi‘ikoi is worth a visit, if you can find it. People somehow knew about 430 Pkwy’s opening without any fanfare, and even more incredibly, they were able to find the place without signs or directions. The staff swears the new cocktail lounge is not supposed to be a speakeasy, and they didn’t deliberately try to be hard to find, but it’s quite a feat to get there on your first try.

1 month ago | honolulumagazine.com | Diane Seo |Melissa Chang |Andrea Lee |Thomas Obungen

Your don’t need to be under the weather—or chilled by the weather—to savor a good bowl of jook, especially with the countless options in Honolulu. From simmering Chinese congee with pork and century-old egg, to a Vietnamese version brimming with beef, herbs and a fried egg, rice porridge sheds its bland reputation with bold options. Here are eight of our faves. Aloha Manapua This is our hidden gem of jook.

2 months ago | honolulumagazine.com | Melissa Chang

The chef-owner of Fond Maui is 1) getting raves for his tasting menus, 2) competing on “Chopped” and 3) trying to rebuild after the Lahaina fire. If you know, you know: Maui diners have been fans of chef Jojo Vasquez for more than two decades. Many of his dishes are distinctly Filipino, a nod to his roots, but infused with contemporary flair. His talents have made him a contender on Food Network shows including Iron Chef America and Beat Bobby Flay.

2 months ago | honolulumagazine.com | Melissa Chang

In high school, my then-boyfriend, from ‘Aiea, drove us to Mililani for a “country” adventure. At a restaurant filled with locals, he mused, “These people think I’m a townie. That means they think you’re a super high-class townie.”I never gave much thought to what areas of Honolulu are actually “town.” I was born and raised in upper Liliha, went to McKinley High School, and worked most of my career in the area spanning Downtown to Ala Moana. I’m a lifelong, bona fide townie.

Feb 12, 2025 | honolulumagazine.com | Melissa Chang

It’s the longtime dream of a family who lost home and jobs in the Lahaina fires. In 1988, the Haro family traded one beach town for another: They left their home near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to build a life in Lahaina. For more than 30 years, family members worked at hotels and restaurants: Leoda’s Kitchen, Star Noodle, Royal Lahaina, the Ritz-Carlton at Kapalua.