KAPOLEI, Hawaii (KHON2) — It’s a moment the entire Kapolei community has been waiting for and the time is finally here. Hawaii’s first Don Don Donki store will open its doors this weekend.
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KHON2 snagged an early look at the storefront in a special Valentine’s Day pre-opening preview.
The store will serve as a one-stop-shop for a mix of Japanese and American food products, full-service meat and seafood counters and a Waka Sakura conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Company officials expect over 3,000 customers at the grand opening on Saturday and said their store has a different feel than their Pearl City and Honolulu Don Quijote locations.
“So this location is different, here we offer eateries, you actually have an area to sit down in the store. We have a restaurant called Waka Sakura, which offers Japanese style sushi,” said PPRM Hawaii chief merchandizing officer Carlos Baez. “Being that our stores don’t go really past the Kunia location, we decided to come to the second city and bring down Don Don Donki, Don Quijote, Japan products to this side of the island.”
Customers can also enjoy their favorite okazuya dishes and popular street food in a 350-seat indoor and outdoor dining area. Area representative Kanani Souza said the shelves go on and on with seemingly endless goods.
“It’s absolutely huge,” Rep. Souza said, “and I’m so excited that they have different Japanese confectionary options and American options, and they have an entire array of of fruits and vegetables, and they also have hot foods.”
The store is massive, but customers said they like how the extra space at the Kapolei location allows for a less congested layout and staff have their product organization all mapped out.
“Luckily, when you first step in, there’s a huge map so you can check out where are you going to go, what you’re going to do,” said Honolulu resident Toby Tamaye. “This is like a sensory overload. There is just things all over the place. I could shop here all day. It’s much less condensed then Kaheka so there’s way more space to move around and it feels like there’s just a lot more organization here at this store.”
The Waipahu Don Quijote is no more, but many employees moved to Don Don Donki and there is new energy in Kapolei.
“Even though times are difficult, people are still finding a way to do business here,” Rep. Souza said. “Our doors are open and we welcome growth, and it’s open 24/7, which is even more wonderful!”
Don Don Donki’s official grand opening is on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 9 a.m.
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawai?i’s cities are making a splash in a new study ranking the happiest places in the United States.
While many factors contribute to happiness, Hawai?i’s cities stand out for their health, well-being and community spirit.
Here’s a closer look at why Hawai?i ranks amongst the happiest states in the U.S.
According to the report, Pearl City and Honolulu are amongst the best cities when it comes to mental well-being, also known as happiness.
Pearl City ranks #1 in the whole U.S. in having the lowest depression rate; meanwhile, Honolulu isn’t far behind at #2.
Mental health plays a major role in happiness, and both cities are leading the way in ensuring that residents experience fewer mentally unhealthy days.
In fact, Pearl City outshines many cities across the U.S., such as Knoxville TN, where depression rates are notably higher.
This was not assessment of available mental health options for hospitals and therapy.
While Hawai?i cities shine in mental health, sleep is another story. Pearl City, alongside Honolulu, ranks poorly for sleep quality. The study found that residents get less rest compared to other cities.
While cities like South Burlington, VT top the sleep charts, Hawai?i is working toward finding solutions to help its residents improve their sleep habits.
Given that adequate rest contributes to overall happiness, addressing this issue could further boost the state’s rankings.
Both Pearl City and Honolulu also perform well in the “Community and Environment” category. This shows that the strength of social connections is key to well-being.
Living in a city where people are engaged with their communities and feel connected to their environment can make a big difference in how happy they feel.
These connections help foster strong support networks and a sense of belonging.
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While Hawai?i may not lead in every category, its residents consistently report high levels of life satisfaction.
People living in cities like Honolulu often benefit from the balance of a relaxed island lifestyle and strong community ties.
This sense of life satisfaction ties directly to the overall happiness of residents, even though Hawai?i faces challenges such as high living costs.
When it comes to relationships, Pearl City stands out again with a ranking at #2 in the country for the lowest separation and divorce rates.
In fact, Pearl City and Fremont, CA, are two of the happiest cities in the U.S., with both enjoying solid marital stability.
Lower rates of separation and divorce are often linked to higher happiness because they reflect stronger family structures and emotional well-being.
Hawai?i’s happiness isn’t without its struggles. The high cost of living, particularly on O?ahu, can be a source of stress for many residents.
This financial strain contrasts with the ideal of finding happiness in a more affordable city.
However, Hawai?i still ranks highly compared to other states due to its natural beauty, close-knit communities and outdoor activities that promote physical and mental health.
While Fremont took the crown as the happiest city in the U.S., Hawai?i is carving out its place as a hub for well-being.
Cities like Pearl City and Honolulu score high for mental health and community support, though sleep quality remains an area to improve.
You can click here to read more about the report.
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As Hawai?i continues to focus on enhancing quality of life for its residents, the state’s natural advantages, like its environment and culture, will keep it near the top in the pursuit of happiness.