Hello Honolulu! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Shrek the musical, summer 5-day art camp, and emergency roadway repairs + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Roadway recovery work ahead: Emergency repairs on Tantalus Drive will start July 6 for four months. Expect contraflow and delays as crews rebuild the storm-damaged shoulder near 2369 and 2375 Tantalus Drive -- get the full repair details.
New housing options ahead: Hawaii enacted Act 121, expanding the Ninety-Nine Year Leasehold Program. At least 60% of units must be affordable to households up to 140% of median income, with owner-occupancy safeguards -- learn how the program works.
Helping more kids join: YMCA of Honolulu is hiring youth leaders to move hundreds off after-school waitlists, offering free Y membership, up to 60% off programs, and a referral bonus up to $500 -- get the full hiring details.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Plushie therapy, anyone? When you need a quick hit of joy that doesn’t involve H-1 traffic, Gotcha Waikiki Sheraton is a compact claw-machine playground with over a dozen rigs and prizes like LABUBU, Pokémon, and Sanrio blind boxes. Perfect for a between-errands detour, or a friendly wager with the crew.
Your green escape: When the surf is crowded and your group chat indecisive, Kapiʻolani Regional Park delivers oceanfront lawn, shady trees, Diamond Head views, room for pickup games and sprawling picnics. Bring a ball, a malasada, maybe the uke... let the tradewinds do the rest.
For your lanai jungle: Mari’s Urban Garden has the houseplants, hardy full-sun picks, seeds, and potting supplies that actually thrive in Honolulu’s real life, not just on Instagram. Swing by when your monstera looks judgy, leave with fresh soil, a better pot, and maybe a new leafy roommate.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Need cash but can't take on another monthly payment? This gets you a lump sum from your home's equity with no monthly bill and no interest, because it isn't a loan. Use the funds for anything, whether that's home improvements, paying off debt, or a large purchase, and pay it back by the end of your 30-year term. Checking your offer is easy, fully online, and won't affect your credit score. *See your cash offer →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
Wish you had someone to talk to right now? The quiet hours are the hardest, especially when you just want someone to talk to. That's exactly what this is built for: real conversations, real matches, real people. Not endless swiping, but actual chats with singles who want to connect as much as you do. Someone to talk to could be a message away. *Join now and start chatting → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🧘 Bubs Oʻahu Flow @ Salt + Burn Studio | Thursday (6/25) at 10:00 AM – This mommy and me pilates barre fusion at Salt + Burn in Kakaʻako keeps your keiki close while you reclaim core muscles you remember. Bubs Oʻahu leads a pre and postnatal friendly flow, light on ego, heavy on glutes, smiles, and baby giggles.
🎭 Shrek The Musical @ Manoa Valley Theatre | Thursday (6/25) – Shrek The Musical is stomping onto Oʻahu with Tony-winning sparkle, all-new Jeanine Tesori tunes, and a book that actually lands the jokes. Think fairy tale fun for the keiki, big Broadway polish for the grownups, and blessed air conditioning, too.
🎨 Summer 5-Day Art Camp @ Art Tent Studio | Friday (6/26) at 8:30 AM – June through August, a 5-day art camp for the 5-to-6 crowd keeps tiny hands busy in the best kind of mess. Weekly themes hop from famous artists to rainforests, supernovas, and ocean worlds, with a stop in social studies. Peace for you, masterpieces for them.
🤝 Meet Simone Legno @ BAIT | Friday (6/26) at 5:00 PM – Take a break from errands and swing by BAIT, Animation Magic, and Don Don Donki to meet Simone Legno, score an exclusive signed poster, and snap a few ridiculously cute photos. Three Oahu stops, one efficient nostalgia trip, and zero judgment for geeking out.
👵 Hawaii Active Seniors Expo™ @ Hawaii Convention Center | Saturday (6/27) at 8:30 AM – The islands' biggest active seniors expo is bringing kupuna and their 'ohana together for smart, no-nonsense guidance on health, fitness, and real-world resources. Think less hard sell, more talk story, with screenings, demos, and tips your back, wallet, and walks will appreciate. Free admission.
🎨 Summer Fun Messy Church @ First United Methodist Church | Saturday (6/27) at 4:00 PM – Summer afternoons call for kid-fueled chaos, neighborly laughs, and someone else cooking dinner. First United Methodist Church is hosting a family-friendly bash with games, engaging activities, and plenty of aloha, then a shared meal you do not have to make or clean up.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Honolulu report Weather forecastToday — High: 86°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 45%
Scattered rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. East northeast wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Scattered rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. East northeast wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 86°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 32%
Scattered rain showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. East northeast wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Scattered rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. East northeast wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. This house is wildThis brand new Kahala 5BD/5.5BA stunner pairs bold modern architecture with resort-style ease. Iroko wood, Shou Sugi Ban siding, and lava stone bring rich texture, while the pool, spa, tropical landscaping, and poolside pavilion set the scene. Inside, the great room, chef’s kitchen, sculptural staircase, elevator, and luxe primary suite keep the design polished and unforgettable.
Take a peek inside → |
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