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 KapuÄiwa Building in Honolulu, HI 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.
“Dear Mr. Kimura, Thank you for providing such excellent care for my mom. We were”
“Melissa, thank you for everything - you were my first step toward recovery.... You came to”
“Thank you to Donna & Paulette for their friendly professional self in assisting James with”
“Always Best Care is an excellent program to find very well qualified care givers for”
“Ernel was very; helpful, knowledgeable, empathetic and professional yet affable. Her understanding and compassion, along”
“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 past client of this provider She talked to her. We liked the provider they”
“I am a current client of this provider She requested to have Filipino-speaking caregivers, and they”
“I am a current client of this provider They are there for her to monitor her”
“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”
“Dear Mr. Kimura, Thank you for providing such excellent care for my mom. We were so lucky to have Nur H. as our caregiver, she was the perfect fit. Nur was so caring, patient, conscientious and respectful. Just knowing that Nur would be with our mom in the afternoon, relieved a lot of the day-to-day stress. Your services and people like Nur allowed me to honor my mom's wishes of being able to live in her home until it was no longer safe for her to do so. Thank you so much for helping to make her wish possible. Sincerely, Cynthia.”
“Melissa, thank you for everything - you were my first step toward recovery.... You came to the hospital a few minutes after I called you, saying that your office was close by. You can't imagine the panic that I felt! I was going to discharge, but it was contingent on me having Home Care. You were truly a Godsend. And you were patient and calm with me despite my speech difficulties. I was so fortunate to have met you, and the Caregivers from your agency. Thank you again, for being there.”
“Thank you to Donna & Paulette for their friendly professional self in assisting James with his OT. We appreciate you two!”
“Always Best Care is an excellent program to find very well qualified care givers for your love ones. They work with your schedule. The care givers that have come to help me with my husband have and are so helpful & professional. Their care extends to wellness calls, physical therapy, and helping you find a foster home or something similar when the care develops to needing for non- home care. Highly recommend them”
“Ernel was very; helpful, knowledgeable, empathetic and professional yet affable. Her understanding and compassion, along with the friendly professionalism she displayed, really is helping to assuage my angst during this difficult time. I am looking forward to working with her concerning the care of my aging mom in the future. Onward & upward….!????????”
“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 past client of this provider She talked to her. We liked the provider they sent. We liked the flexible schedules.”
“I am a current client of this provider She requested to have Filipino-speaking caregivers, and they try to accommodate. I like that my mom likes the caregivers that come.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are there for her to monitor her and follow her. There people are professional, the caregivers.”
“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.”
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 in Honolulu, HI 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.
Weather officials are closely tracking a potential tropical system lurking far southeast of the state that threatens to bring heavy rainfall to eastern portions of the islands later this week.While uncertainty remains higher than usual, a broad area of showers and thunderstorms associated with former Tropical Depression 15-E is expected to organize during the first half of this week and advance toward the Big Island. National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu said model simulations show a wide range of outcomes, with rainfall to...
Weather officials are closely tracking a potential tropical system lurking far southeast of the state that threatens to bring heavy rainfall to eastern portions of the islands later this week.
While uncertainty remains higher than usual, a broad area of showers and thunderstorms associated with former Tropical Depression 15-E is expected to organize during the first half of this week and advance toward the Big Island. National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu said model simulations show a wide range of outcomes, with rainfall totals ranging from inches over a single day to totals “measured in feet over several days” if the system passes close to the state.
Forecasters may consider issuing a flood watch for the Big Island and Maui as the system approaches.
For today, a small craft advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday for Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel and Big Island leeward and southeast waters. Northeast winds of 15 to 25 knots with gusts up to 35 knots and seas of 6 to 9 feet will make conditions hazardous for small vessels, the NWS said.
Breezy tradewinds will remain fresh to locally strong today, producing moderate surf along east-facing shores. South-facing shores will see above-average surf today from a long-period swell before gradually fading midweek.
Across eastern Pacific waters, two other named tropical systems are active but are not posing an immediate threat to Hawaii.
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Former Tropical Storm Polo rapidly intensified into a hurricane today and was located about 270 miles south-southeast of Manzanillo, Mexico, heading east at 5 mph with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph as of 7 a.m. According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, conditions are ideal for “explosive intensification” over very warm waters, and Polo is expected to become a major hurricane by Tuesday while remaining mostly offshore of southwestern Mexico.
A tropical storm watch is in effect for portions of the Mexican coast from Tecpan de Galeana to Punta San Telmo.
Farther west but still far from the Central Pacific, Tropical Storm Odalys is spinning over open waters about 1,415 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, heading northwest at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph. Odalys is expected to turn sharply eastward Tuesday and remain over open ocean, though it could reach hurricane strength by midweek, the NHC said.
For today, the forecast for Kauai through Maui counties calls for mostly sunny and breezy conditions across most islands with highs from 85 to 90 degrees, the NWS said. Northeast tradewinds will blow at 15 to 25 mph, bringing isolated showers to windward and mauka areas. Tonight will turn mostly cloudy with scattered windward showers and overnight lows from 75 to 80 degrees.
For the Big Island, expect partly sunny and breezy conditions with highs from 89 to 94 degrees. Windward areas will see numerous showers, while leeward areas can expect scattered afternoon showers under northeast winds of 15 to 25 mph. Tonight will be cloudy windward and clearing leeward with scattered showers and lows from 73 to 78 degrees.
We’re so excited to feature this new cafe serving Hawaiian coffees to the city of Honolulu. This is going to the top of our must-visit list for the next trip, that’s for sure. This is the new flagship location for Hala Tree.The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by DONA, Pacific Barista Series, and La Marzocco.As told to Sprudge by marketing partner Ellie Schwartz.For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?We are a completely vertical...
We’re so excited to feature this new cafe serving Hawaiian coffees to the city of Honolulu. This is going to the top of our must-visit list for the next trip, that’s for sure. This is the new flagship location for Hala Tree.
The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by DONA, Pacific Barista Series, and La Marzocco.
As told to Sprudge by marketing partner Ellie Schwartz.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
We are a completely vertically integrated, family-owned coffee company from owners Jean and Danielle Orlowski. At our core, Hala Tree is about true stewardship. We aren’t just sourcing green coffee or roasting it—we are the ones managing the soil, tending the trees, and hand-picking the cherries on our estate in Captain Cook on the Big Island. We control every single baseline variable from farm to roastery to cup. When you sit in our cafe, you’re experiencing an unbroken chain of custody and a profound respect for Hawaiian agricultural heritage.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
Our Waik?k? location is our absolute flagship. We wanted to design a minimalist, industrial-modern sanctuary right in the high-energy heart of Honolulu at Lilia Waik?k?. It’s built to be a deeply intentional retreat where locals and visitors alike can pause and connect with 100% Kona coffee.
The major evolution for this space is our expanded culinary focus: we have built a full-scale, on-site artisan bakery led by our resident pastry chef. Every single dough, pastry, and baked good is prepped and baked fresh in-house daily using locally sourced Hawaiian ingredients whenever possible. It beautifully bridges the gap between exceptional specialty coffee and true scratch-made pastry culture.
What’s your approach to coffee?
Uncompromising purity and radical transparency. We exclusively serve and produce 100% Kona coffee—no blending, no masking. Because we control the farming, processing, and roasting stages, our approach focuses on expressing the distinct micro-climates of Captain Cook. We curate Hawaiian heritage Kona Typica but extended offering to many other coffee varieties, showcasing each coffee’s uniqueness.
We also believe that specialty coffee shouldn’t feel like a closed gate. We embrace transparency by featuring a unique QR code on every single retail bag we sell. A guest can sit at the bar, scan their bag, and trace the exact harvest window, processing milestones, and roast profile of those exact beans. It bridges the disconnect that historically exists in the global coffee supply chain.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
We are exclusively a 100% Kona coffee brand, which means our equipment and our sourcing must be precise enough to honor the delicate nuance of single-origin estate beans.
We’ll be using a three-group Nuova Simonelli Black Eagle Maverick Gravimetric espresso machine paired with twin Mahlkönig E80T grinders. The slow bar uses Kalita Wave 185 brewers (the same device that took Hala Tree Coffee to the national finals in the US Brewers Cup) for our core medium roast coffees, and V60s for the lighter roasted Catalyst lineup.
The standard espresso offering will be our Medium Roast Washed Typica, the most classic presentation of Kona coffee. We will also have a rotating selection of experimental coffees in the second grinder including varieties like SL34 and Gesha, as well as coffees from the Catalyst lineup, such as our three-day anaerobic natural Maragogype.
The Waik?k? flagship will be the premier stage for Catalyst, our exclusive line of nano-lots. These are hyper-limited, micro-separated lots from our farms in Captain Cook that represent the absolute pinnacle of our agricultural experimentation and flavor profiling.
Signature drinks are still in development, but will feature elevated flavors and techniques in the style of a craft cocktail bar (think atomized aromatics, hydrosols, and other non-sugar-based flavor delivery).
To match this level of precision on the culinary side, our resident pastry chef’s kitchen is being outfitted with state-of-the-art commercial convection and deck ovens. Because we handle all of our laminated doughs and artisan bakes entirely on-site, the pastry equipment had to be just as uncompromising as our espresso setup.
How is your project considering sustainability?
Sustainability for us starts directly at the soil level on the Big Island. Because we farm our own coffee, we practice regenerative agriculture, mindful water-conservation during our wet-fermentation processing, and ethical labor standards with fair, transparent wages for our farm teams.
By running a true farm-to-cup operation, our carbon footprint and supply chain logistics are drastically reduced compared to traditional importers. In the Waik?k? build, we are prioritizing hyper-local sourcing—not just for our pastry chef’s menu ingredients, but by looking to reduce single-use waste footprints and partnering with eco-conscious commercial neighbors within the Lilia Waik?k? development.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
July 1, 2026
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
The entire space was envisioned and designed in-house by our co-founder, Danielle Orlowski. Danielle is a professional interior designer who previously practiced in France, and she brought that distinct European sensibility, discipline, and appreciation for cafe culture straight into this project.
We purposely chose not to outsource the design to an agency because we wanted the flagship to be an authentic, intimate extension of our journey. Danielle beautifully bridged the gap between our rustic agricultural roots in Captain Cook and a refined, urban sanctuary in Honolulu.
Her background allowed her to meticulously balance a clean, minimalist aesthetic with industrial-modern touches, ensuring the space feels both deeply grounding and highly functional. From the ergonomics of the espresso bar to the choreography of our scratch-baked pastry case, every single detail is a reflection of her design expertise and our brand’s soul.
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Mahalo!
The Hawai?i State Department of Education (HIDOE) continues recovery and planning efforts for N???lehu Elementary School and Ka?? High & P?hala Elementary School following significant impacts from Hurricane Lala.N?‘?lehu Elementary and Ka‘? High & P?hala Elementary remain temporarily closed to students and staff.Due to uncertainty with potential impacts from the pending storm, restoration of utilities, and safe access to the campuses, the Department will finalize and share plans for resuming educational prog...
The Hawai?i State Department of Education (HIDOE) continues recovery and planning efforts for N???lehu Elementary School and Ka?? High & P?hala Elementary School following significant impacts from Hurricane Lala.
N?‘?lehu Elementary and Ka‘? High & P?hala Elementary remain temporarily closed to students and staff.
Due to uncertainty with potential impacts from the pending storm, restoration of utilities, and safe access to the campuses, the Department will finalize and share plans for resuming educational programming early next week.
The Department, complex area and school leaders are developing plans to support continued learning while campus and community recovery efforts remain underway. Families and employees at both schools will receive additional information directly as plans are finalized.
On Wednesday HIDOE facilities and information technology personnel, state Department of Accounting and General Services personnel, and contractors visited both campuses to conduct additional assessments and identify needs related to restoring school operations.
N???lehu Elementary
Ka?? High & P?hala Elementary
Friday, Aug. 21, is Statehood Day, a state holiday. Public schools and offices will be closed statewide.
The Department recognizes that students, families and employees in these communities continue to experience significant impacts from the storm. We appreciate their patience as school teams and recovery partners work to determine the safest and most effective path forward for students.
The Hawai?i State Department of Education (HIDOE) will resume normal operations at public schools statewide Wednesday, Aug. 19, following post-storm campus assessments, utility restoration and recovery efforts.
On Tuesday, most public schools reopened to students, while staff returned to other campuses to continue assessments and preparations for reopening.
All remaining schools are cleared to reopen to students and staff Wednesday, including a small number of campuses on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island without power that are able to safely operate.
Two Hawai?i Island schools remain under previously announced extended closures:
“Seeing firsthand the impacts on our schools and communities underscored the challenges many families are facing, particularly in areas affected by road conditions and extended power and communication outages,” said Superintendent Keith Hayashi, who on Monday visited schools in the Kea?au, P?hala and N???lehu areas on Hawai?i Island.
“At the same time, I was encouraged by the tremendous work underway by county and state responders, our school teams and others helping communities recover on Hawai‘i Island. As schools reopen, we know recovery is not over for many of our students, families and employees, and we’ll continue supporting them through that process,” Hayashi said. “I also want to thank Gov. Josh Green and Mayor Kimo Alameda for their leadership and partnership throughout the response.”
As staff returned to campuses Tuesday and assessments continued, additional storm-related damage was identified and reported, bringing HIDOE’s statewide preliminary total to more than 600 work orders as of noon — 360 on O?ahu, 81 on Hawai‘i Island and 175 across all other islands. Reports range from downed trees and damaged roofs to water intrusion, electrical issues and other facility impacts.
Throughout the storm response, HIDOE employees, facilities crews, contractors and utility partners have worked to assess damage, restore essential services and prepare campuses for reopening.
The Hawai?i State Department of Education will resume normal operations at most public schools statewide on Tuesday, Aug. 18, following post-storm campus assessments and recovery efforts. All state and complex area offices will reopen on Tuesday.
All public schools on Kaua?i, Maui, Molokai and L?na?i will reopen to students and staff.
Some schools on O?ahu and Hawai?i Island will remain closed to students Tuesday as crews continue addressing storm-related health and safety issues, utility service and other conditions affecting campus operations. At some of these campuses, staff will report to work to continue preparations for reopening.
Throughout Monday, school leaders, facilities personnel and designated staff assessed campuses, restored operations and prepared facilities for the safe return of students and employees. Power and other utility service has gradually been restored to affected campuses.
Following announcements by Gov. Josh Green and Hawai?i County Mayor Kimo Alameda, all Hawai?i Island public schools will remain closed to students Tuesday. Employees will report unless their school is among those identified below as closed to both students and staff.
The following Hawai‘i Island schools will be closed to students and staff Tuesday while health and safety issues are addressed:
Previously announced extended closures for students and staff on Hawai?i Island also remain in effect:
The majority of O?ahu public schools will reopen to students and staff Tuesday.
The following O‘ahu schools will remain closed to all staff and students Tuesday while health and safety issues are addressed:
However, if power is restored and conditions allow, these schools may reopen. Families and staff will be notified directly of any changes.
The following O?ahu schools will be closed to students only and school staff will report:
Honolulu/East O?ahu
Windward O?ahu
Central O‘ahu
West O‘ahu
Families at schools that remain closed to students will receive reopening updates directly from their schools and through official HIDOE communication channels.
As of 6 p.m. Monday, HIDOE had received approximately 100 storm-related work orders statewide — 80 on O‘ahu and 28 on neighbor islands.
The Department recognizes that some students, families and employees continue to experience storm impacts in their homes and communities. We appreciate their patience and understanding, as well as the work of school employees, facilities crews, utility workers, first responders and emergency management partners throughout the response and recovery.
Following assessments of school campuses and surrounding community conditions, the Hawai?i State Department of Education will keep public schools and offices closed statewide on Monday, Aug. 17.
The additional closure will allow time to complete campus safety assessments, restore utilities where necessary and address storm-related impacts.
The Department will continue working with county and state partners and will provide updates regarding Tuesday’s operations as additional information becomes available.
Previously announced extended closures on Hawai‘i Island for N?‘?lehu Elementary and Ka‘? High & P?hala Elementary School remain in effect.
Hawai?i State Department of Education school leaders, facilities personnel and state and county partners are continuing to evaluate storm-related impacts on schools and take necessary actions for reopening.
The HIDOE announced the following school closures on Hawai?i Island due to ongoing impacts from Hurricane Lala:
The Department recognizes that many Hawai?i Island families and employees continue to experience impacts from the storm in their homes and communities. The safety of students and staff remains the Department’s highest priority.
Families at both schools will receive updates directly from their schools regarding instructional plans and reopening timelines as additional information becomes available.
The Department continues to assess conditions at schools statewide. Additional updates regarding Monday’s school operations, if needed, will be announced later today through official HIDOE communication channels.
The HIDOE extends its gratitude to first responders, emergency management personnel, utility crews and school employees who are working to support affected communities and safely restore operations.
The Hawai?i State Department of Education continues to closely monitor Tropical Storm Lala and is working in coordination with state and county emergency management officials as the storm approaches the state.
Based on the latest weather conditions and forecasts, the HIDOE is expanding previously announced closures on Hawai?i Island to include:
The cancellations include school-sponsored extracurricular activities, athletics and community use of school facilities. Previously scheduled school-related events and activities during a campus’ closure period will be canceled or postponed.
All HIDOE public schools statewide are continuing with normal school-day operations today, Aug. 14. Hawai‘i Island and Maui County school principals may cancel after-school activities this afternoon based on local conditions.
HIDOE offices statewide will operate normal business hours today.
The Department will continue to monitor weather conditions and assess any impacts to school campuses. A decision regarding school operations for Monday will be made through official channels as information becomes available, and communicated to families and staff.
The Department will continue to monitor weather conditions and assess any impacts to school campuses. A decision regarding school operations for Monday will be made through official channels as information becomes available, and communicated to families and staff.
The Hawai?i State Department of Education (HIDOE) is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Lala and working in coordination with state and county emergency management officials as the storm approaches the state.
Based on current weather conditions and forecasts, all HIDOE public schools on Hawai?i Island will maintain normal school-day operations on Friday, Aug. 14. In-person instruction will continue as scheduled. School principals may cancel select after school activities on Friday afternoon.
HIDOE offices on Hawai?i Island will maintain normal business hours.
From 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, all Hawai?i Island public school campuses and offices will close through Sunday, Aug. 16. All previously scheduled school-related events and activities during the closure period will be canceled or postponed.
Emergency management officials have advised that decisions regarding potential school closures on other islands be made as conditions and forecasts become clearer.
Hawai?i Island public schools and offices are expected to resume normal school-day operations on Monday, Aug. 17.
HIDOE will continue to closely monitor conditions and coordinate with state and county emergency management officials and will share updates through official channels as information becomes available.
Honolulu city officials are urging residents to begin preparations for potential damage from a developing tropical system in the Central Pacific that could slam Hawaii this weekend.Although there is still uncertainty over the track of the system, which is still more than 1,000 miles away, officials are urging residents not to wait and to begin preparations now.“This is the time to prepare, not panic,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi in a news release. “We still do not know exactly where this system will track or h...
Honolulu city officials are urging residents to begin preparations for potential damage from a developing tropical system in the Central Pacific that could slam Hawaii this weekend.
Although there is still uncertainty over the track of the system, which is still more than 1,000 miles away, officials are urging residents not to wait and to begin preparations now.
“This is the time to prepare, not panic,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi in a news release. “We still do not know exactly where this system will track or how strong it will become, but we know enough to take it seriously. I am asking everyone on Oahu to use the next several days wisely. Check your emergency supplies, make sure your family has a plan, secure your property, and stay informed. The earlier we prepare, the better positioned we will be to respond to whatever comes our way.”
Forecasters were monitoring an “area of potential tropical development” about 1,050 miles east-southeast of the islands.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center said there is a 90 percent chance that a tropical depression or storm will form Wednesday as the system, which it has dubbed CP93, begins moving northwest at around 15 mph. “Interests in the Hawaiian islands should closely monitor the progress of the system,” forecasters said this afternoon.
The next tropical storm or hurricane that forms in the Central Pacific will be called Lala.
Honolulu city officials warned that even ahead of CP93’s arrival, Oahu could experience gusty winds and an increased risk of wildfires. They urge residents to remain especially cautious with any activity that could ignite a fire, and to secure loose outdoor items before winds ramp up.
The state could experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, dangerous surf, and possible flooding depending on the eventual track and strength of the system, which is expected to become clearer as it moves closer.
On Kauai, officials warn that county services and facilities as well as Kuhio Highway near Hanalei Bridge may close with little to no notice. Kauai County also advises the public to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river, or beach excursions.
“River and stream crossings, recreational trails, and other outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous,” said Kauai County in a news release. “During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean.”
City & County of Honolulu officials said they are reviewing operational plans and preparations across departments to ensure personnel, equipment and resources are ready if needed.
City officials said residents should take the following steps now:
>> Review and update family emergency plans, including where to go if evacuation is necessary.
>> Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications and essential items to last at least 14 days.
>> Have flashlights, batteries, portable chargers and other supplies ready in the event of a power outage.
>> Secure outdoor furniture, equipment and other loose objects that could become hazardous in strong winds.
>> Clear gutters, drains and areas that could contribute to flooding.
>> Keep vehicles fueled and avoid waiting until the last minute to purchase essential supplies.
>> Know whether homes are in a flood, coastal or other hazard area and be prepared to relocate if necessary.
>> Sign up for HNL Alert emergency notifications by visiting hnlalert.gov or texting HNLALERT to 888777.
National Weather Service officials said, “Residents and visitors should prepare now for potential tropical cyclone impacts this weekend.”
“Once the system becomes better organized, we should have higher confidence in the weather impacts,” NWS forecasters said. In the meantime, they gave this list of potential hazards for this weekend:
>> Fire weather: On Friday, winds will begin to strengthen and a dry and stable air mass with low relative humidity in advance of the storm will lead to high wildfire potential.
>> Strong winds: On Saturday, winds could further strengthen, although extent of those winds is dependent on the track and intensity of the system.
>> Heavy rain: The system could bring heavy rain over the weekend, “particularly across east and southeast-facing slopes” with flash flooding and rapidly rising streams possible in some areas.
>> High surf: A large easterly swell is expected as the storm moves northwestward across the Central Pacific, building along eastrn shores from the east islands to the west. Warning-level surf of 15 feet or larger is possible over the weekend.
Further out, in the East Pacific, a well-defined low pressure system dubbed EP99 has also formed to the west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja, Calif., which could become a tropical depression by Wednesday.
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