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
This American Idol contestant to headline at Blue Note Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi residents watched some of his performances on television as part of Season 23 of “American Idol.” Now this singer, who grew up on the North Shore of Oʻahu, is coming back for a day of concerts.
Katie HellandMay 30, 2025
What to do on Oʻahu this weekend: Friday, May 30 - Sunday, June 1
Looking for something fun to fill the weekend? From dinosaurs in Kalihi to sunflower fields in Waimānalo, Aloha State Daily has rounded up five things you can do with family and friends.
Katie HellandMay 30, 2025
This French bulldog just had his movie premiere in “Lilo & Stitch”
This Hawaiʻi-Kai based pup inspired Stitch, the blue alien in “Lilo & Stitch,” to catch some waves. He learned the sport for the movie but had previous experience with skateboards and stand-up paddle boards.
Katie HellandMay 29, 2025
This “Lilo & Stitch” movie star barks!
The cast for Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch,” which launched, Friday, May 23, includes dogs, chickens and goats. Meet Hauʻula-based Sue Chipperton, the North Shore animal trainer who got them camera ready.
Katie HellandMay 29, 2025
Kumu Kahua Theatre announces five-show season
This Honolulu-based theatre has announced its line-up of shows for next season. The plays focus on strong leading women as protagonists and “magnify the feminine voice,” according to Donna Blanchard, the nonprofit’s managing director.
Katie HellandMay 28, 2025
Iosepa starts 31-day voyage across Hawaiian Islands
The double-hulled sailing canoe, Iosepa, is headed for a month-long tour of the Hawaiian Islands, starting Saturday, May 24. At its helm is Captain Mark Ellis, director of voyaging experiences at the Polynesian Cultural Center, where the canoe stays when it is not on the water.
Katie HellandMay 24, 2025
Dinosaurs spotted at Bishop Museum, and we've got video proof!
Almost a dozen reptiles, including some from the sea, have descended on this Oʻahu-based museum to entertain and educate visitors.
Katie HellandMay 23, 2025
“Lilo & Stitch” is a family affair for screenwriter Chris Kekaniokalani Bright
For this writer, the reveal of Disney’s live action version of “Lilo & Stitch” on Friday, May 23, feels a bit like handing off a present on Christmas morning where “you can’t wait for everybody to see it, and you’re just waiting for them to open it.”
Katie HellandMay 23, 2025
Kāneʻohe-based Scott Na‘auao will speak about revival at CreativeMornings
This free event brings creatives together to talk about a common theme in cities across the world. The next event in Honolulu will take place at Salt at Our Kakaʻako.
Katie HellandMay 22, 2025
Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu shares how the same oli was featured at Merrie Monarch and in Disney’s new “Lilo & Stitch” movie
Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu reflects on Merrie Monarch and how hula and music are not “the same thing, but they should both make your brain dance.” An oli he performed at Merrie Monarch this year had the audience singing. It appeared in the original animated version of ʻLilo & Stitch’ in 2002. It will also be part of the soundtrack for Disney’s live action version of the movie, which debuts Friday, May 23.
Katie HellandMay 22, 2025
Aquatic dinosaurs visit Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
These giant oceanic reptiles are making a special stop at this Oʻahu-based museum, starting Saturday, May 24. In fact, the animatronic dinosaurs have arrived to hang out with keiki of all ages as part of a visiting exhibit.
Katie HellandMay 21, 2025
Dinosaurs, coral and science to be showcased at this Oʻahu festival
Dinosaurs, deep sea coral and aquaponics are just some of the things keiki of all ages can explore at this festival held at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. As part of the special event, admission to the museum is discounted to $5 for kamaʻāina and military. ASD spoke with Kapalikūokalani Maile, the museum's education programs manager, to learn more.
Katie HellandMay 20, 2025
ASD interviews Kaipo Dudoit, an actor in Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch”
Oʻahu-based actor Kaipo Dudoit surfs, fire dances and has a crush on his neighbor in Disney’s live action version of “Lilo & Stitch.” The movie, which was filmed on Oʻahu, is set to debut in theaters on May 23.
Katie HellandMay 17, 2025
Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival announces line-up of events
This annual celebration of food and wine is back with a new theme: feast. The events focus on food, education, agriculture, sustainability and tourism, and feature more than 100 world-renowned chefs and culinary leaders.
Katie HellandMay 16, 2025
Bishop Museum to host first Summer Sizzle Music Festival
A new summer music festival debuts this weekend at Bishop Museum. Headliners include Sammy Johnson, Anuhea and Mana‘o Company.
Katie HellandMay 16, 2025
“Kim’s Convenience” to premiere at Mānoa Valley Theatre this week
The Netflix sitcom “Kim’s Convenience” started as a play. This week, director Reiko Ho will bring this story to a stage on O'ahu.
Katie HellandMay 15, 2025
The hit single “Rain” from Waipahu-based artist Daju has a new remix
The song “Rain” from the Waipahu-based singer and producer Daju, was written on a stormy day in January of 2024. TikTok made it famous. Now, it has more than 2.6 million streams on Spotify. The new remix, which dropped May 2, adds one more voice: Denise Julia.
Katie HellandMay 14, 2025
ʻAmerican Idol’ contestant Thunderstorm Artis is eliminated
Singer and songwriter Thunderstorm Artis, who grew up in Haleʻiwa, was eliminated from “American Idol: Season 23,” on Monday, May 12.
Katie HellandMay 13, 2025
Voting begins for American Idol’s Thunderstorm Artis to perform at the Waikīkī Shell
ASD gets an exclusive interview with American Idol contestant Thunderstorm Artis, who was raised in Haleʻiwa. Artis could come back home to Oʻahu for a hometown visit — and concert — as part of Season 23 of the television show, if the nation votes him one of their top three contestants tonight.
Katie HellandMay 12, 2025
Waterman Mike Field's art is on display at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
This Hawaiʻi Island-based artist was born in Guam and grew up on Oʻahu. He got his start when he went to the East Coast for college and found himself drawing the leaves, fish, flowers and coconut trees of home.
Katie HellandMay 10, 2025
Disney announces music in “Lilo & Stitch” live action movie
The line-up of voices for this Disney classic includes the return of Kumu Hula Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu and Kamehameha Schools Children’s Choir as well as Iam Tongi and the North-Shore-based brothers Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm singing an Elvis Presley song reproduced by their uncle, Bruno Mars.
Katie HellandMay 09, 2025