Katie Helland
I’m excited to help bring a brand new source of news to the state. In my coverage, I look forward to sharing stories that will help you plan fun things to do for date nights and spend family time in Hawaii. I also hope to share stories about the people behind events and organizations, as well as their interests in music, hula, film, comedy and more.
I started working at the city newspaper when I was still in high school through summer internships. Since then, I have worked for the community newspaper in my college town, as well as The Santiago Times when I lived abroad in Chile. Most recently, I worked for Pacific Business News in Honolulu.
At ASD, I can’t wait to talk story, which is how reporters hear some of the best news tips! Hawaii has such an incredibly rich culture. And for me, it is home.
Latest from Katie Helland

Stand-up comedian shares how he started Comedy U Hawaiʻi
Comedian Jose Figueras did not grow up as a class clown. In fact, he bombed his first few open mics. But he continued to hone his skills and now runs Comedy U Hawaiʻi, which provides a space for amateur comedians to test their jokes with a live audience.
Katie HellandFebruary 13, 2026
Inside the wardrobe of Cirque du Soleil’s ʻ ‘Auana’
The first resident Cirque du Soleil show of Hawaiʻi, “ ʻAuana” includes more than 270 costume elements, such as clothing, shoes and accessories. Aloha State Daily spoke with Luana Ouverney, the production’s head of wardrobe, about what it takes to keep that many costume pieces looking fresh and vibrant.
Katie HellandFebruary 12, 2026
What to do on O’ahu this weekend: Lunar New Year celebrations, Valentine’s Day and more
Ready for the long weekend? From reduced-cost entry to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum to free performances by musicians of the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra, here are some of the events happening across O’ahu this weekend. Aloha State Daily also shares guides for Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year.
Katie HellandFebruary 10, 2026
What to do for Lunar New Year on Oʻahu: parades, lion dances, and more
Across Oʻahu, residents are preparing to usher in the year of the fire horse, which starts Tuesday, Feb. 17. Events in the next few weeks include parades, lion dances and opportunities to set intentions for the new year.
Katie HellandFebruary 10, 2026

Honolulu-born Jacob Batalon speaks pidgin in Prime's new action comedy
This graduate of Damien Memorial School returned to Oʻahu to film part the movie, “The Wrecking Crew.” The buddy cop film, which stars Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista as estranged brothers, launched on Amazon Prime Video on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Katie HellandFebruary 07, 2026

What to know about Kimié Miner’s new music
Catch the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning singer and songwriter as she performs some of her new music, including “Kuʻu Hawaiʻi” her first original mele Hawaiʻi, or song written entirely in ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi. The performance at ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach celebrates Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, or Hawaiian Language Month.
Katie HellandFebruary 06, 2026

Where to go for Valentine’s Day on Oʻahu
Whether you are single and ready to mingle or looking to celebrate love with your best friend, Aloha State Daily has rounded up a list of 10 Valentine’s Day-themed activities for Friday, Feb. 13, and Saturday, Feb. 14.
Katie HellandFebruary 05, 2026

Your guide to the weekend: 'Moana 2,' Kimié Miner and more
Want to listen to live music, see cherry blossoms or watch "Moana 2” in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi? Aloha State Daily has you covered with activities for the entire ‘ohana from Friday, Feb. 6, through Sunday, Feb. 8.
Katie HellandFebruary 04, 2026

Temuera Morrison plays Hawaiʻi governor in new film
“The Wrecking Crew,” a movie starring Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista and Temuera Morrison is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Temuera told Aloha State Daily about the acting advice he gave Bautista, when they first worked together years ago, which resulted in a gift of Louis Vuitton sunglasses on set.
Katie HellandJanuary 29, 2026

Actress Frankie Adams reflects on new movies
She plays Nani, the "sassy and smart" cousin of Jonny Hale (Jason Momoa) and James Hale (Dave Bautista) in "The Wrecking Crew." In this exclusive interview with Aloha State Daily, the actress shares her favorite places to decompress after shooting scenes in Hawai’i. Catch her also in Disney’s live action “Moana.”
Katie HellandJanuary 28, 2026

Your guide to the weekend: New Jason Momoa movie, Island music and more
Ready for the weekend? Aloha State Daily can help with plans for Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 1. Eat brunch, watch "The Wrecking Crew," which stars Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista, or catch one of three theater productions on stage.
Katie HellandJanuary 28, 2026

Iam Tongi, Jake Shimabukuro announce new music
Looking for fresh songs from artists rooted in the Islands? “American Idol” winner Iam Tongi; ‘ukulele virtuoso and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Jake Shimabukuro; and up-and-coming reggae music sensation Kanaka Fyah have picked the same day to release new music.
Katie HellandJanuary 27, 2026

Five For Fighting returns to Waikīkī
John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting will soon be performing in Waikīkī for the first time in more than 10 years. Catch one of four shows at the Blue Note Hawaiʻi from this artist who has more than 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Ondrasik shares about his career and how the Islands have inspired his music in this exclusive interview with Aloha State Daily.
Katie HellandJanuary 24, 2026

Irie Love hosts Waikīkī experience
The singer and songwriter, who was mentored by Fiji, is holding an event that combines sound healing, storytelling and singing to benefit the Mana Wāhine Movement, which empowers women.
Katie HellandJanuary 23, 2026

Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista reflect on ʻThe Wrecking Crew’
The action comedy launches on Prime Video on Jan. 27. It features two estranged brothers as they try to figure out who killed their father. Actors Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista share how the idea of the film got started and the role X played in its creation.
Katie HellandJanuary 23, 2026

Theater on Oʻahu: your guide for this week
Ready to catch a show? From a murder mystery thriller to a musical sharing a complicated love story, there are several productions to choose from at the moment.
Katie HellandJanuary 22, 2026

Catch The Green, Irie Love: Your weekend guide for Oʻahu
Looking for weekend plans? From live music to theater productions, Aloha State Daily rounded up some possible activities for Friday, Jan. 23, Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25.
Katie HellandJanuary 21, 2026

ʻOnipaʻa Peace March remembers overthrow of Hawaiʻi’s last ruling Monarch
Thousands walked a route that started at Mauna ʻAla and ended at ʻIolani Palace on Friday, Jan. 16, to remember the overthrow of Hawaiʻi’s last ruling Monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, as part of the ʻOnipaʻa Peace March.
Katie HellandJanuary 17, 2026

Chief inspector seeks murderer in Mānoa show
“Dial M for Murder” is coming to Mānoa Valley Theatre this month. Aloha State Daily spoke with Dwight Martin, who plays the chief inspector, about his career and how it feels to be back on stage. He previously served as the theater's producing director for 38 years.
Katie HellandJanuary 16, 2026

Steve Aoki reimagines tracks from recent album
This DJ with ties to the Islands has taken music from an album released last year and shared fresh takes on it. The songs are now streaming on Apple Music and Spotify.
Katie HellandJanuary 14, 2026

What to do on Oʻahu for the three-day weekend
Ready to make plans for the long weekend? We have your guide to fun on Oʻahu for Saturday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 19. From new food spots to a free parade in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., there are many events happening in the next few days.
Katie HellandJanuary 14, 2026