It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic KapuÄiwa Building gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Honolulu, HI is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I love how office workers are reachable, friendly & helpful. I would love to get”
“After years of refusing In-home Care due to cost, My dad finally agreed to try”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot. I have good”
“I am a current client of this provider With my dad's everyday needs, especially bathing they”
“Tyler and his team are great! Love working with them.”
“After hiring the services of Always Best Care for approximately 70 consecutive days, I wanted”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have helped me in caring for my uncle while I”
“The new care we have is the best one I could ever ask for!! ”
“The worker was professional,,caring and punctual.”
“The new care we have is the best one I could ever ask for!! ”
“My aunt has been living in a nursing home for the last five years. In”
“Highly skilled, reliable and loving caregivers. They are the only agency to provide consistent care”
“We feel very blessed to have found Always Best Care! Tyler and his staff are”
“We feel very blessed to have found Always Best Care! Tyler and his staff are”
“Thank you Always Best Care for being a trusted parter with our transportation company. Looking”
“Thank you Always Best Care for being a trusted parter with our transportation company. Looking”
“I am a current client of this provider She will clean and she cooks. I like that”
“I am a current client of this provider She will clean and she cooks. I like that”
“Best home care agency so far! My dad is a was veteran who has been”
“Always Best Care has been caring for my husband for almost a year now. The”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When we needed their service, Marcus was able to”
“Staff was very professional and considerate of my needs. Response time and answering my questions”
“The best professional service!!!!”
“I love how office workers are reachable, friendly & helpful. I would love to get a service for them in the future. I worked here as a NA for almost 6 months already and this is the best agency out of 4 agencies I been to. They have a very efficient schedule, good team work, and appreciates or value their workers. I’m proud to say I’m part of this team.”
“After years of refusing In-home Care due to cost, My dad finally agreed to try Always Best Care to take him to see his doctors. At 95, my dad is not an easy person to get along with let alone for a stranger to be with him for a few hours and transporting him, with his walker, to and from the hospital. My dad just called and he is thrilled with his caretaker Madeleine for her kind attitude and helpfulness. I'm relieved that he has found a trusted person that can take him to see his doctors. I began talking to Ernel, the manager, about two months ago regarding this type of service for my dad and we stayed in touch. Ernel was always friendly and professional and was able to get Madeleine for my dad in very short notice. Tita, the administrator, followed up with all the contracts and statements and I'm now enrolled into their online system. Overall, the 5 star rating is well deserved. Aging is not fun. Watching my dad struggle with his daily routine is difficult. Having good people around like Always Best makes it a bit easier for the both of us. Thank you.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot. I have good service from them that improves my health.”
“I am a current client of this provider With my dad's everyday needs, especially bathing they have helped. They are easy to work with, get ahold of, and communicate with us well. The people they sent have been good.”
“Tyler and his team are great! Love working with them.”
“After hiring the services of Always Best Care for approximately 70 consecutive days, I wanted to give the company a detailed review. I can honestly say I unequivocally and without hesitation, would recommend Always Best Care as a home health care agency. A vast majority of the caregivers are very conscientious and punctual. The company keeps our family very well informed via their "Family Room" function on their website. The administration and office staff are very thorough and meticulous. Special recognition to office staff (Marina, Abby, and Tita). A+++ company!!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have helped me in caring for my uncle while I get more time to do my other affairs. I know he is in the best care and really appreciate their services.”
“The new care we have is the best one I could ever ask for!! She cares so much for my husband and is always there when he needs her to be. She is truly a angel that was sent to me by your company and I thank you so much for hiring her!! Aloha Jeff & Freda Pohaku”
“The worker was professional,,caring and punctual.”
“The new care we have is the best one I could ever ask for!! She cares so much for my husband and is always there when he needs her to be. She is truly a angel that was sent to me by your company and I thank you so much for hiring her!! Aloha Jeff & Freda Pohaku”
“My aunt has been living in a nursing home for the last five years. In the last year however, we have seen her health and cognitive abilities slowly decline. A social worker asked us to seek extra help from a home care agency to provide additional caregivers due to her growing needs. They provided our family with some options, but in the end, highly recommended Always Best Care. We asked other residents in the facility who were also using ABC, and they too recommended the agency . My aunt has been so pleased with her caregivers and we appreciate the entire staff at ABC. Their communication is outstanding, caregivers are compassionate and reliable and they always go out of their way to accommodate our changing needs. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Highly skilled, reliable and loving caregivers. They are the only agency to provide consistent care for my dad who is receiving VA benefits.”
“We feel very blessed to have found Always Best Care! Tyler and his staff are very helpful, caring and pleasant to work with. I love that they can be reached 24/7 and are quick to find a caregiver for my sweet 90 year old mother, even at the last minute! True to their name, they always give their best care! I highly recommend you check them out! ????”
“We feel very blessed to have found Always Best Care! Tyler and his staff are very helpful, caring and pleasant to work with. I love that they can be reached 24/7 and are quick to find a caregiver for my sweet 90 year old mother, even at the last minute! True to their name, they always give their best care! I highly recommend you check them out! ????”
“Thank you Always Best Care for being a trusted parter with our transportation company. Looking forward to working with you and the wonderful team at ABC in the many years to come.”
“Thank you Always Best Care for being a trusted parter with our transportation company. Looking forward to working with you and the wonderful team at ABC in the many years to come.”
“I am a current client of this provider She will clean and she cooks. I like that the caregiver is on time and she completes her job.”
“I am a current client of this provider She will clean and she cooks. I like that the caregiver is on time and she completes her job.”
“Best home care agency so far! My dad is a was veteran who has been receiving in home care for awhile now. Our past experiences with other agencies have always been inconsistent. It's been difficult finding an agency who can provide experienced and reliable caregivers. However, the VA introduced us to Always Best Care about 6 months ago. Since then, we have been so pleased with the services they've provided. The office staff are so accessible and easy to talk to and the caregivers are second to none. They really enjoy their work and love working for the company. This really says a lot about ABC as a company, who treats their employees well. We feel safe and in good hands.”
“Always Best Care has been caring for my husband for almost a year now. The caregivers are so companionate, respectful and extremely reliable. The office staff are wonderful to work with. They stay in constant communication with my family and are always willing to go above and beyond what they are required to do. I recommended ABC to many of my friends and family members. Thank you!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When we needed their service, Marcus was able to get us set up right away. Their caregivers provide my mom with excellent care. They help her with task around the house, meal prep, exercise, etc. Their staff is very friendly and accommodating. My mom looks forward to seeing them every day. I know my mom is good hands with Always Best Care.”
“Staff was very professional and considerate of my needs. Response time and answering my questions was timely. The services are very affordable. I recommend you contact them at the earliest opportunity to get a medical professional assigned to you & confirmed. I had no issues with them here.”
“The best professional service!!!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Kapi'olani Regional Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local La Mer or visit Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Honolulu, HI, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Honolulu, HI understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Honolulu, HI 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
UPDATE: 5:25 p.m.Hurricane Kiko remains a powerful Category 4 hurricane this evening far out in the East Pacific as it moves west toward the Hawaii islands.As of 5 p.m., the hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 145 mph about 1,560 miles east-southeast of Hilo and moving west at 9 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.“This general motion is expected to continue through Thursday night,” according to the center’s 5 p.m. update. “A turn toward the west-northwes...
UPDATE: 5:25 p.m.
Hurricane Kiko remains a powerful Category 4 hurricane this evening far out in the East Pacific as it moves west toward the Hawaii islands.
As of 5 p.m., the hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 145 mph about 1,560 miles east-southeast of Hilo and moving west at 9 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
“This general motion is expected to continue through Thursday night,” according to the center’s 5 p.m. update. “A turn toward the west-northwest is expected on Friday, with a gradual increase in forward speed expected over the weekend as Kiko approaches the Hawaiian islands from the east.”
Kiko is a compact storm, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 25 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds extending 80 miles.
On Monday, at the end of the current five-day forecast, forecasters expect the weakening hurricane to have maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, a Category 1 storm, as it churns a few hundred miles east of Hilo.
“By days 4 and 5, the cyclone will begin moving over cooler water with gradually increasing westerly vertical wind shear, and mid-level moisture plummeting below 40 percent. These factors should lead to steady and eventually rapid weakening of Kiko as the cyclone approaches the Hawaiian islands from the east,” forecasters said.
Forecast models have the storm nearing the Big Island by Tuesday.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu said Kiko “is poised to approach the islands early next week.”
“A flash flood threat may develop over the islands in the Tuesday-Thursday time frame conditional on the exact track of the system,” the weather service said in its long-range forecast for the state.
11:15 a.m.
Hurricane Kiko is now a Category 4 hurricane, according to an 11 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
As of 11 a.m. Kiko was located about 1,600 miles east of Hilo, moving west at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph. This motion is expected to continue for the next few days, with a gradual shift towards the west-northwest at a slightly faster speed.
“A turn toward the west-northwest is forecast by day 3 as an upper-level trough north of Hawaii erodes the western portion of the subtropical ridge,” forecasters said, “with this general motion then continuing through day 5.”
Kiko will remain over warm water and light vertical wind shear for at least the next three days, forecasters said.
“After that time, cooler (sea-surface temperatures) and an increase in southwesterly vertical wind shear should lead to a faster rate of weakening,” according to the hurricane center.
The latest five-day forecast has Kiko as a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, hundreds of miles east of Hilo by Monday.
EARLIER COVERAGE
Hurricane Kiko continued to intensify early today as it churned well east-southeast of the Hawaiian Islands, with forecasters expecting it to become a major hurricane later today.
As of 5 a.m., Kiko was about 1,665 miles east of Hilo, moving west at 7 mph with maximum sustained winds near 110 mph and higher gusts, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The system is forecast to strengthen further over the next 48 hours and could reach Category 3 strength by tonight.
No coastal watches or warnings are in effect, and forecasters say it is still too early to know if Kiko will have any direct impacts on Hawaii. The storm is expected to continue on a general westward path before making a gradual turn toward the west-northwest later this week.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu said Hawaii’s current weather pattern will remain mostly stable through the weekend, with light to moderate tradewinds delivering overnight and early-morning showers to windward and mauka areas. Most leeward regions are expected to remain dry, except for scattered afternoon showers along the Kona slopes of the Big Island.
Forecasters are monitoring Kiko’s potential to send increased easterly swells toward the islands early next week, which could push surf on east-facing shores near advisory levels. A coastal flood statement remains in effect through Sunday due to peak monthly high tides and elevated water levels along low-lying areas.
The coastal flood statement is in effect for all Hawaiian islands through Sunday afternoon due to peak high tides associated with the lunar cycle. While the flooding is expected to be minor, forecasters warn that low-lying shoreline areas, coastal roads, docks, boat ramps and other infrastructure may see brief inundation during the daily afternoon high tides.
Residents and visitors are urged to avoid driving through flooded roadways, secure boats and canoes, and move electronics, vehicles and other valuables to higher ground. Officials also encourage monitoring vessels to ensure mooring lines don’t get too tight and watch for potential overwash around boat ramps.
The impacts could include flooding of normally dry beaches, minor coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion into some vulnerable areas.
Marine conditions are otherwise expected to remain moderate, with tradewinds producing generally manageable seas and background swells along north- and south-facing shores.
There's 5,000 miles between Fairfield, Connecticut and Honolulu, Hawaii. The gap is much, much smaller on the baseball field as their representatives in the Little League World Series proved Friday.A decisive fifth-inning rally gave the Fairfield National All-Stars a winning edge.Metro Region representative Fairfield National used three walks, a hit batter, a crucial error, and two hits — capped by a two-run single by Luca Pellegrini — to erase a one-run deficit and defeat West representative Honolulu 5-1 to improve...
There's 5,000 miles between Fairfield, Connecticut and Honolulu, Hawaii. The gap is much, much smaller on the baseball field as their representatives in the Little League World Series proved Friday.
A decisive fifth-inning rally gave the Fairfield National All-Stars a winning edge.
Metro Region representative Fairfield National used three walks, a hit batter, a crucial error, and two hits — capped by a two-run single by Luca Pellegrini — to erase a one-run deficit and defeat West representative Honolulu 5-1 to improve to 2-0 in Series play in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
"I told them it was all grit, all courage," Fairfield National manager Brian Palazzolo said in his team's postgame press conference. "We've played in big games and this was obviously the biggest game we've played. We've been battle tested. We've been able to keep our composure and grind them out and put a couple of runners on base."
With the win, Connecticut's Fairfield National advances to the winners bracket semifinals Monday at 7 p.m. to take on Midwest Region representative Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Down 1-0 after being blanked on one hit by Honolulu starter Bronson Fermahin, Fairfield National rallied against closer Mason Mitani, who did not allow a hit in the West Region tournament.
"We've always preached that we like to score in big bunches," Palazzolo said. "I much rather it be in the top of the first inning. But we're never out of it. We have the capabilities of putting the ball in play, drawing huge walks and sticking around. We're never out of the game until the final out."
Center fielder Dante Madera walked to lead off the top of the fifth and advanced to third one out later on a single by Boden Dunlap. Mitani got the second out but walked Joe Sorrentino to load the bases and then Brian Palazzolo, the manager's son, on a 3-2 pitch to force in the tying run. Charlie McCullough's grounder to second base was misplayed to allow two runs to score and put Fairfield National in front. After Logan Gryga was hit by a pitch, Luca Pellegrini greeted reliever Logan Brokaw to plate two more runs and make it 5-1.
"Just an outside pitch and I was able to drive it to right field," Pellegrini said.
Tommy D'Amura, who relieved starting pitcher SJ Taxiltaridis to start the fourth inning, was the winning pitcher. Honolulu put two runners on with one out in the sixth before Pellegrini started a game-ending double play.
Honolulu will try to stay alive Sunday at 1 p.m. when it takes on the winner of Saturday's elimination game between Great Lakes Region representative Clarendon Hills, Illinois and Mid-Atlantic Region representative Glenmoore Eagle Little League of Upper Uwchlan Township, Pennsylvania.
Fairfield National, which was playing two days after opening up with a 1-0 win over Southwest Region representative Lamar Little League of Texas, used its pitching and defense to stay in it early,
Honolulu threatened in the top of the first as Brokaw led off with a double and took third on a wild pitch. But Taxiltaridis struck out the next two batters and got Fermahin to fly out to center fielder Madera to get out of trouble.
Taxiltaridis hit back-to-back hitters with two outs in the second but fanned Mitani to strand the runners.
Honolulu broke through in the third as with two outs and two on, Josh Tanaka's hit to the left-center field gap plated one run but a relay from Madera to first baseman D'Amura to catcher Jimmy Taxiltaridis was in time to get runner Keali'i Maunakea-Kalahiki.
D'Amura gave up three straight one-out singles but a second relay started by Madera ended with Taxiltaridis tagging out Fermahin at the plate. A walk loaded the bases but D'Amura got Shane Bunag on a soft liner to the mound to keep it 1-0.
Fairfield National's one big inning was enough.
"Defense is always fun when you make the plays and have a good time in the field," D'Amura said.
"It's cool how we can stay in the game even when we're down," he added. "We've always been a winning team. We know what we can do and that was come back and get the win."
Fermahin allowed one hit on the mound for Honolulu. He walked three and struck out eight.
The win was the first in three tries for the Connecticut representative against Hawaii in the World Series. In 2021, Honolulu defeated Manchester.
"We're playing on Monday," manager Palazzolo said. "And it's a real good feeling right now."
Little League World Series
at Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Fairfield National 000 050 — 5 4 0Honolulu 001 000 — 1 5 1
Batteries: CT - SJ Taxiltaridis, Tommy D'Amura (4, W) and Jimmy Taxiltaridis; HI - Bronson Fermahin, Mason Mitani (5, L), Logan Brokaw (5) and Shane Bunag.
Bon dances are returning to O‘ahu, so dust off your yukata and get ready to make your way around the yagura to the beat of taiko drums. One of the most beloved cultural events in Hawai‘i, bon dances take place during Obon season in the summer. The Japanese Buddhist tradition is a celebration of life and a way to honor your ancestors.This year, Hawai‘i’s Plantation Village opens the 2025 bon season with dancing under the stars, local food offerings, a pop-up craft tent and more on June 7. Honolulu’s larges...
Bon dances are returning to O‘ahu, so dust off your yukata and get ready to make your way around the yagura to the beat of taiko drums. One of the most beloved cultural events in Hawai‘i, bon dances take place during Obon season in the summer. The Japanese Buddhist tradition is a celebration of life and a way to honor your ancestors.
This year, Hawai‘i’s Plantation Village opens the 2025 bon season with dancing under the stars, local food offerings, a pop-up craft tent and more on June 7. Honolulu’s largest and arguably most popular bon dance takes place at M?‘ili‘ili Summer Fest on July 5. Don’t worry if you miss it—there are more than a dozen other festivals to enjoy throughout the summer too. Here is our lineup of bon dances and Obon festivals happening across O‘ahu this summer. Note that dates and times may be subject to change.
SEE ALSO: How to Up Your Bon Dance Cred
June 7, 4 to 10 p.m. Hawai‘i’s Plantation Village, 94-695 Waipahu St., 808-677-0110 hawaiiplantationvillage.org, @hawaiisplantationvillage
June 13, 7 to 10 p.m. Pan-Pacific Festival, Kal?kaua Ave. panpacificfestival.org, @panpacificfestival
June 13 & 14, 6 to 10 p.m. Wahiaw? Hongwanji Mission, 1067 California Ave., Wahiaw?, 808-622-4320 , @wahiawahongwangji
June 21, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. ‘Ewa Hongwanji Mission, 91-1133 Renton Road, ‘Ewa Beach, 808-681-5222 sites.google.com/view/ewa-buddhist-temple/home, @EwaHongwanji
June 27 & 28, 6 to 10:30 p.m. Honpa Hongwanji Hawai‘i Betsuin, 1727 Pali Highway, 808-536-7044 hawaiibetsuin.org, @hawaiibetsuin
July 5, 5 to 10 p.m.
M?‘ili‘ili Summer Fest, Washington Middle School, 1633 S King St. moiliilisummerfest.org, @moiliilifest
July 5, 7 p.m. Waipahu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, 94-821 Kuhaulua St., Waipahu, 808-677-4221 waipahuhongwanji.org, @waipahutemplesangha
July 11 & 12, 7 p.m. Hale‘iwa Shingon Mission, 66-469 Pa‘ala‘a Rd., 808-637-4423
July 11 & 12, 6 to 9 p.m. Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Church of Hawai‘i, 2280 Auhuhu St., Pearl City, 808-455-3212 rkhawaii.org, @rkkhawaii
July 11 & 12, 7 p.m. Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i, 1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu, 808-531-9088 betsuin.hhbt-hi.org, @higashihongwanjihawaii
July 12, 5 to 10 p.m. Windward Buddhist Temple, 268A Ku‘ulei Road, Kailua windwardbuddhisttemple.org, @windwardbuddhisttemple
July 18 & 19, 7 p.m. Wahiaw? Ryusenji-Soto Mission, 164 California Ave., Wahiaw?, 808-622-1429
July 18 & 19, 7 p.m. Koboji Shingon Mission, 1223-B North School St., Honolulu, 808-841-7033 koboji.org, @kobojishingonmission
July 18 & 19, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Shinshu Kyokai Mission, 1631 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, 808-973-0150 shinshukyokai.org, @SKM.Hawaii
July 19, 5 to 9 p.m. Jikoen Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, 1731 N. School St., Honolulu, 808-845-3422 jikoenhongwanji.org
July 19, 7 p.m.* Wai‘anae Hongwanji Mission, 85-762 Old Government Road, Wai‘anae, 808-696-3125 sites.google.com/view/waianae-buddhist-temple *This will be the last bon dance at this temple, which is closing.
July 25 & 26, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Palolo Hongwanji, 1641 Palolo Ave., Honolulu, 808-732-1491 @palolo.hongwanji
July 26, 5 to 9:30 p.m. ‘Aiea Hongwanji, 99-186 Puakala St., ‘Aiea, 808-487-2626 aieahongwanji.org
July 30, 5 to 9 p.m. Pearl at Kalauao, 98-535 Kaonohi St, ‘Aiea, 808-487-2460 pearlatkalauao.com, @pearlatkalauao
Aug. 1 & 2, 7 to 10 p.m. Hale‘iwa Jodo Mission, 66-279 Hale‘iwa Road A, Hale‘iwa, 808-637-4382 hawaiijodo.net
Aug. 1 & 2, 7 to 10 p.m. Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji, 94-413 Waipahu St., Waipahu, 808-671-3103 sotozen.com, @waipahusotozentempletaiyoji
Aug. 6 & 9, 6 p.m. Shingon Mission of Hawai‘i, 915 Sheridan St., 808-941-5663 shingonshuhawaii.com, @shingonhawaii
Aug. 8 & 9, 6:30 to 10 p.m. Soto Mission of ‘Aiea-Taiheiji, 99-045 Kauhale St., ‘Aiea, 808-488-6794 sotomission.com, @aieataiheiji
Aug. 9, 7 to 10 p.m. Pearl City Hongwanji Mission, 858 2nd St., 808-455-1680 pearlcityhongwanji.com
Aug. 15 & 16, 7 p.m. Mililani Hongwanji, 95-257 Kaloapau St., 808-625-0925
Aug. 15 & 16, 6:30 to 10 p.m. Soto Mission of Hawai‘i, 1708 Nuuanu Ave., 808-537-9409 sotomission.org, @sotomission
Aug. 16, 5 to 9:30 p.m. Jodo Mission of Hawai‘i, 1429 Makiki St., 808-949-3995 jodo.us
Aug. 30, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Okinawan Festival, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kal?kaua Ave., 808-676-5400 okinawanfestival.com, @okinawanfestival See our recap reel of the 2023 event.
Sept. 13, 4 to 9 p.m Megabon, Leeward Community College, 96-045 Ala ‘Ike, Pearl City megabonhawaii.com, @megabonhawaii See our recap reel of the first event in 2023.
Sept. 20, 4 to 9:30 p.m. Autumn Okinawan Dance Matsuri, Hawai‘i Okinawa Center, 94-587 Uke‘e St., Waipahu, 808-676-5400 huoa.org
Sept. 27, 5 to 9 p.m. Autumn Matsuri by Senwa Kai, P?lama Settlement basketball court, 810 N Vineyard Blvd., Kalihi-P?lama, 808-848-2500
Times and dates are subject to change. Special mahalo to Michael Ching for gathering much of the bon dance schedule info.
was a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine.
Andrea Lee is the digital editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
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