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.
A Hawaii flight bound for the mainland turned back this morning, circling for three hours before safely landing back in Honolulu. The incident, involving an aging United narrowbody jet, raises fresh concerns—at least for regular Hawaii flyers at Beat of Hawaii—about reliability on long overwater routes, especially when older aircraft are still in rotation.One concern hits especially close to home: this is the same route on United that Beat of Hawaii editors will soon fly in to San Francisco in economy. We plan to review th...
A Hawaii flight bound for the mainland turned back this morning, circling for three hours before safely landing back in Honolulu. The incident, involving an aging United narrowbody jet, raises fresh concerns—at least for regular Hawaii flyers at Beat of Hawaii—about reliability on long overwater routes, especially when older aircraft are still in rotation.
One concern hits especially close to home: this is the same route on United that Beat of Hawaii editors will soon fly in to San Francisco in economy. We plan to review the wide-body experience onboard the Boeing 777 aircraft, which is often scheduled on this morning’s flight from Honolulu to California. Today’s unexpected turn-back is a sharp reminder of just how unpredictable Hawaii flights can be.
The situation would have had additional real consequences for us. Beat of Hawaii editors are scheduled to connect in San Francisco to another United flight to London. Had this diversion occurred on our upcoming travel day, we would have missed that connection, setting off a chain reaction that would have affected our hotel stay, car rental, and more. Fortunately, we often practice what we preach here: trip insurance was purchased in advance. And had we been onboard today, it would have, without question, come into play.
As commenter Ronald W. said, “I’m surprised that they are having this much problems with the 757s even as aged as they are. Especially since ETOPS protocol comes into play.” That surprise—and concern—is clearly still relevant today.
The flight left the gate at Honolulu just before 7 a.m., departing slightly ahead of schedule. But within 10 minutes of flight, its path started to change dramatically. Instead of continuing east across the Pacific, the aircraft reversed course and began circling incessantly over the water.
Tracking data showed the plane—registration N57870—completing multiple loops east of Hawaii before returning to the airport around 10 a.m. Total flight time: about three hours. While no emergency was declared that we are aware of yet, and the landing appeared uneventful, the incident was anything but routine.
We were advised by a 757 pilot that while the aircraft can land overweight if necessary—unlike some models, it lacks a fuel-dumping system—doing so often requires a post-flight inspection. The crew may have chosen to burn off fuel either as a precaution or while troubleshooting. In Boeing cockpits, pilots are often seen “working the checklists,” manually stepping through procedures to isolate an issue. That’s a contrast to Airbus systems, which lean heavily on automation and systems management to identify and resolve anomalies.
The Boeing 757-300, used today, is a 22-year-old narrow-body jet often criticized for its dense seating and recurring maintenance concerns. While pilots praise its performance, passengers and reliability data tell a somewhat different story. Airlines have been working to retire this model, but ongoing delivery delays and fleet constraints have kept them flying—especially on Hawaii routes like this one that are sometimes considered less premium.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen problems on this route involving the same aircraft type. Past incidents include multiple mechanical turn-backs and inflight diversions often involving the 757.
See our prior coverage of the legendary Boeing 757 in Hawaii:
Is This Still the Reliable Workhorse? Another Hawaii-Bound Flight Diverts
Two Hydraulic Diversions in One Month: Same Hawaii Route
Hawaii Travel Was Forever Changed by Boeing 757
Each story adds to a pattern that continues to raise eyebrows for some including us. While today’s diversion was handled with aplomb, it’s another reminder that older aircraft operating long overwater routes remain a point of vulnerability. While we’ve enjoyed and in fact favorably reviewed the United 757 Hawaii experience before, in the future it wouldn’t be an aircraft we’d choose to fly.
If you’re like BOH editors, you may wish to start watching your flight in the days or weeks leading up to travel to check its recent performance. Tools like FlightRadar24 or FlightAware show aircraft assignments, departure patterns, and general reliability. It’s not foolproof, but it can give you a better idea of what to expect—and how to prepare.
Have you been on an aircraft that experienced a mid-flight diversion on a Hawaii route? Share your story and tips for navigating these unexpected changes. Do you check flights in advance to see what aircraft is being used? Does the type of plane affect how you plan your trip?
Your insights often reflect realities that aren’t shown on airline schedules—and they help others know what to expect when flying to or from the islands.
This same route is set to return to widebody service soon, and Beat of Hawaii editors will be onboard to review the economy experience in detail. We’ll cover seating, service, inflight offerings, and what travelers gain or lose in the airline’s high-density configuration.
As we prepare to review the widebody experience on this Hawaii route, today’s diversion underscores why aircraft type matters so much for travelers. Stay tuned for our insights—and share yours in the meantime.
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McCoy Pavilion expected to reopen in early 2025!After nearly five years of improvement projects and pandemic closures, the famed Lester McCoy Pavilion is expected to reopen in early 2025!The popular facility has been closed since late 2019 due to several different improvement projects and the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, the pavilion closed for a project to improve the Auditorium’s air conditioning. That was completed in the midst of pandemic closures, and rather than reopen the pavilion for a few months in-be...
After nearly five years of improvement projects and pandemic closures, the famed Lester McCoy Pavilion is expected to reopen in early 2025!
The popular facility has been closed since late 2019 due to several different improvement projects and the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, the pavilion closed for a project to improve the Auditorium’s air conditioning. That was completed in the midst of pandemic closures, and rather than reopen the pavilion for a few months in-between projects (during which time we likely would not have been able to use it for public purposes) the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation decided to keep it closed until the next projects began.
The biggest issue, which caused the most significant delays, was the damage from the tree roots from the Banyan trees in the courtayrd. The Banyan Courtyard and Portico Building were built in 1937, with the encompassing McCoy Pavilion built in 1974. So these exceptional trees are nearly a century old, and planted on reclaimed land. Before the park was created the shoreline was located at what is now the makai edge of Ala Moana Boulevard. Because the park was constructed on reclaimed land, the subsurface soil is very shallow and sits on top of a coral shelf. The groundwater table is only 4-feet below the park’s finish grade. As a result, the large roots of the Banyan trees were forced to spread laterally instead of vertically to seek fresh water. These conditions over the past decades resulted in extensive damage within the hardened structures of the courtyard, auditorium/assembly area, park offices, portico building, and sewerlines.This includes the Banya Courtayrd ponds, which are not reflecting pools. Unfortunately the leaks are not being addressed with these projects so we will need to determine how to address that issue.
In total, there were four McCoy Pavilion projects tasked during this time, at a cost of $4.08 million in design with $10.5 million in construction.
We are hoping to have the last of these projects completed by early 2025, paving the way for its reopening. They include:
We appreciate the patience and understanding of Ala Moana Regional Park users and event organizers who have waited patiently for the reopening of this iconic facility. This includes the tennis and pickleball court players, utilizing the courts around the pavilion, who have been directly impacted by the construction.
With 40 designated picnic sites across the 119 acres of Ala Moana Regional Park there is plenty of space for your to enjoy “the People’s Park!” You can use these facilities on a casual, first-come-first-served basis during regular park hours from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, or you can permit these locations if:
To begin the permit process, first call the friendly Ala Moana staff at 808-768-4611 to coordinate. Then fill-out a “Use of Park Facilities” application and submit it at least three weeks prior to your event. Then enjoy the park!
??ina Moana Exercise Equipment: Installed along the pathways near the lagoon. The project began in July 2018 and ended in August 2018
Park Trellis Improvements: Replaced the deteriorated frame that was removed for safety reasons in the 1990's. Project began in August 2018 and was finished in the beginning of 2019.
Diamond Head Bathhouse renovation project
Ala Moana Regional Park as we know it today rests on reclaimed land that was once swampy marshland. It was part of historic change in land-use, a large development of open areas needed for additional space beginning in the 1920's.
Structural construction of the park began soon after the land was created in the 1930's. A Sport Pavilion, Banyan Court, lawn bowling green, Bridle Path Bridge, and the Roosevelt entry Portals were some of the initial park ammenities. The two ponds and drainage canals were additionally dredged around 1932 for both aesthetic and the practical purpose of control local water run-off. The park was dedicated in 1934 by then president Franklin Delano Roosevelt and dubbed "The People's Park".
Following the use of the park as a military battery and staging area during WW II, the park experienced restoration and evolution throughout the 1990's. Beginning in 1954, the mile-long sandy beach fronting the park was constructed. Today that beach requires periodic sand replenishment due to erosion. Nourishing the beach is an element of the Master Plan. From 1957 to 1961 several park features were added, including concession and bathhouse facilities at both the Diamond Head and Ewa ends of the park. In 1962, the 47-acre ??ina Moana (Magic Island) was constructed. Originally conceptualized as a major resort area, it was later added to the park as additional open space. 1975 saw the addition of McCoy Pavilion and later in the 1990's additional bridges were added over the canals.
In 1988, the park was added to the State Register of Historic Places. Preservation and restoration of these structures is a key element of the current Master Plan.
Today, the significance of the park remains paramount in the lives of local residents and visitors. As one of the state’s oldest and busiest parks, currently seeing an estimated four million users every year, Ala Moana Regional Park has become an integral part of our island community. The city hopes this facility will continue to be a resource that the public treasures, all while hosting annual events, such as the Lantern Floating Hawai?i ceremony and Independence Day fireworks, and special occasions, such as the return of the H?k?le?a.
The purpose of the EISPN for the Master Plan is to outline a variety of short and long-term projects and park improvements to restore, revitalize, and enhance Ala Moana Regional Park, including ??ina Moana (Magic Island). Proposed actions include:
Hawaii’s longest domestic flight, a nonstop journey spanning over 5,000 miles, will be discontinued in April by one of the two major airlines serving the Boston to Honolulu route. Delta started flying this route three months ago and is already calling it quits.Even featuring Shake Shack burgers was not enough for Delta to compete with Hawaiian Airlines, which began flying from Boston in 2019. This unexpected decision leaves travelers with just one option and raises concerns about the viability of this and other ultra-long routes...
Hawaii’s longest domestic flight, a nonstop journey spanning over 5,000 miles, will be discontinued in April by one of the two major airlines serving the Boston to Honolulu route. Delta started flying this route three months ago and is already calling it quits.
Even featuring Shake Shack burgers was not enough for Delta to compete with Hawaiian Airlines, which began flying from Boston in 2019. This unexpected decision leaves travelers with just one option and raises concerns about the viability of this and other ultra-long routes to Hawaii.
This flight was ambitious for Delta and speaks to insufficient demand for two airlines to cover the route. From the outset, the route faced logistical and financial hurdles.
To retain profitability, ultra-long domestic flights require careful route planning and high demand across both economy and premium cabins. While initial excitement surrounded Delta’s launch, sustaining the operation proved a more significant challenge.
Delta initially planned to suspend service during the off-season, with flights scheduled to resume later in the year. However, a recent update we confirmed shows that the scheduled return has been removed, casting doubt on whether the route will ever operate again.
Operational costs were a primary consideration. Maintaining a nonstop flight of this length is expensive and requires significant resources and aircraft availability.
Fuel costs alone make it difficult to justify without strong revenue streams. This spring, fares on the route dropped as low as $249 each way, arguably not enough to cover fuel and other costs.
Competition may have played a role. Hawaiian Airlines continues to serve this route and has built a presence in the market. Splitting demand between two carriers may have made profitability difficult, which may be enough to keep Alaska/Hawaiian operating on that route. Time will tell whether they will continue to serve Boston from Honolulu.
Demand fluctuations also matter. While nonstop flights are convenient, many travelers opt for one-stop options that provide flexibility in pricing and scheduling. Seasonal shifts in demand also make year-round service challenging to sustain.
Despite increased competition and falderal in recent months, Hawaiian is committed to maintaining the service. Earlier this year, it announced additional flight frequency during peak travel months, signaling some confidence in long-term viability.
However, history suggests that airfare tends to rise when a competing airline exits a Hawaii route. Without a second airline in the market, travelers may see fewer $249 discount fares and reduced availability of award seats for those using frequent flyer miles.
Just months ago, this route was the stage for a high-profile battle between two airlines, each trying to win over Hawaii travelers. In November 2024, Beat of Hawaii reported on Delta’s entry into the Boston–Honolulu market, a direct challenge to Hawaiian Airlines’ dominance on the longest domestic flight in the U.S.
Both airlines marketed their competing Airbus A330 offerings at the time—Delta with its Delta One Suites and premium economy, and Hawaiian with its island-inspired service and extra-legroom seating. Delta even introduced Shake Shack burgers in its premium cabin, which made headlines but raised questions about whether novelty offerings could sway loyalty in the ultra-long-haul Hawaii market.
For those who relied on this flight, the immediate impact is clear—fewer options and a likely shift in pricing dynamics. However, alternatives still exist.
Don’t wait to book ahead to secure the best airfares before pricing changes. One-stop routes remain another option. Several airlines offer connecting flights that allow for more flexibility in pricing and scheduling. Travelers using airline miles should book soon, too.
While this appears to be a final decision, airlines have been known to re-enter markets when demand and competitive conditions change. A future return is possible if strong passenger interest or a strategic shift occurs, such as Alaska/Hawaiian exiting the route.
For now, travelers hoping for a nonstop flight on this route can rely on Hawaiian Airlines for their travel needs.
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