Readers Spot Hawaiian Life Around the World

Staradvertiser.com launches new photo submission portal for 'Signs of Hawaiian Life' travel series.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Readers from Hawaii have been spotting unexpected reminders of home during their travels, from a hotel in Japan to a ski shop in Utah. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser has launched a new online submission form for readers to share their 'Signs of Hawaiian Life' photos, which must feature a person and a Hawaiian-themed element spotted in an international location.

Why it matters

This crowdsourced photo series highlights how the Hawaiian cultural identity and brand recognition have spread globally, even in the most unexpected places. It also provides an engaging way for the newspaper to connect with its local readership and gather user-generated content.

The details

Waipahu resident Yuri Nishiyama spotted a 'Hotel Kaanapali' in Chiba prefecture, Japan, while driving through the area. Mililani resident Christopher Del Rosario came across a 'Wiki Wiki Poke' restaurant during a trip to Munich, Germany. And a family from Honolulu - Patrick, Rayna, Kristen and Kara Matsumoto - found an 'Aloha Ski & Snowboard' shop while visiting Park City, Utah.

  • The new online submission form for the 'Signs of Hawaiian Life' photo series launched on the Staradvertiser.com website on April 5, 2026.

The players

Yuri Nishiyama

A resident of Waipahu, Hawaii who spotted a 'Hotel Kaanapali' during a trip to Chiba prefecture, Japan.

Christopher Del Rosario

A resident of Mililani, Hawaii who came across a 'Wiki Wiki Poke' restaurant while traveling in Munich, Germany.

Patrick, Rayna, Kristen and Kara Matsumoto

A family from Honolulu, Hawaii who found an 'Aloha Ski & Snowboard' shop during a visit to Park City, Utah.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This crowdsourced photo series taps into the global reach of Hawaiian culture and identity, providing an engaging way for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser to connect with its local readership and gather user-generated content that celebrates the unexpected ways Hawaii's influence can be found around the world.