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.
SPJ Hawai‘i 2025 Excellence in Journalism Awards: First Place, Best Overall News Site, for “Aloha State Daily,” by the ASD Newsroom, in the Internet Division; and First Place, Headlines, by Katie Helland, Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros, and Stephanie Salmons for "Listen to the Mike Love song people quit their jobs over."
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
Latest from Katie Helland
Bishop Museum opens auction for E Ulu A Paʻa
This annual fundraiser for the museum includes a gala with keynote speakers Sig and Kūhaʻo Zane, as well as an online auction with more than 80 items, including behind-the-scenes tours of Bishop Museum.
Katie HellandAugust 13, 2026
Laughs, carnivals and more: What to do on Oʻahu this weekend
From the ʻEwa Carnival to a preview of the “Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals,” which features a violinist, harpist and ballet dancer, there are lots of things to do on Oʻahu this weekend. Check out Aloha State Daily's guide to this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Katie HellandAugust 12, 2026
Now streaming: 'ʻAuana' soundtrack
John Signor, band leader of "ʻAuana," Cirque du Soleil's first resident production in Hawaiʻi, shares his favorite song in the show and how lyrics in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi add levels of meaning to the storytelling.
Katie HellandAugust 11, 2026
'The Queen’s Will' premieres in Honolulu
The world premiere of a new play, “The Queen’s Will,” is headed for Kumu Kahua Theatre. Playwright Sean T.C. O’Malley shares how more than 500 articles helped inspire the show, which takes the stage for the first time this month.
Katie HellandAugust 08, 2026
Waikīkī resort opens entertainment center
Family bowling is possible in Waikīkī at this entertainment center, which opened in June. The 6,000-square-foot space also includes more than 60 arcade games.
Katie HellandAugust 07, 2026
Three Oʻahu contestants advance to ‘America’s Got Talent’ live shows
Several acts featuring Oʻahu residents earned spots in the live shows of “America’s Got Talent.” The grand prize of the talent competition is $1 million, plus a potentially career-changing platform with an audience that spans more than 20 countries.
Katie HellandAugust 06, 2026
Eat spam and vote: Oʻahu weekend guide
Looking for fun things to do this Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9? From celebrating National Spam Musubi Day to casting your vote in statewide elections, Aloha State Daily has your guide for how to spend the weekend.
Katie HellandAugust 05, 2026
Raina Huang returns for four Hawaiʻi eating contests
This celebrity competitive eater will be in Honolulu this week, with stops at the Korean Festival Hawaiʻi, Nori Bar Waikīkī and Oh My Grill.
Katie HellandAugust 04, 2026
Exclusive video: North Shore brothers talk about ʻAmerica’s Got Talent’
Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, the North Shore brothers who are also the nephews of Bruno Mars are back on “America’s Got Talent.” Catch them singing for Simon Cowell at his house in an episode that airs Tuesday, Aug. 4. They also unpack their latest single “Heartbeat,” which was inspired by their grandmother, and the cheehoo that calmed their nerves during auditions.
Katie HellandAugust 01, 2026
Q&A with Bishop Museum CEO Kris Helgen
This mammal-discovering scientist is now the president and CEO of Bishop Museum. Helgen shares some of the biggest challenges and accomplishments of the past year, which is his first 12 months in the role.
Katie HellandJuly 31, 2026
Inside Ballet Hawaiʻi’s ʻForces of Natureʻ
From a volcanic eruption to the four seasons, Ballet Hawaiʻi will put music to movement as part of the capstone performance of its summer intensive, which features students as well as soloists from across the country.
Katie HellandJuly 30, 2026
Bon dance, 'Les Misérables,' and laughs: what to do on Oʻahu this weekend
Ready to plan your weekend? Aloha State Daily can help! From a Bon dance in Waipahu to a Comedy U and Consolidated Theatres collaboration in Kapolei, there are lots of events happening across Oʻahu this Friday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 2.
Katie HellandJuly 29, 2026
Oʻahu hālau wins top awards at Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition
An Oʻahu-based hālau took top honors at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, while one from Maui captured the Hawaiian Language Award. Check out the full list of winners.
Katie HellandJuly 28, 2026
New book features Hawaiʻi film spots
A new book, set to release in August, highlights the movies and television series that have been filmed on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokai, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. Written by Ed Rampell and Luis Reyes, the book explores the cinematic histories of spots across the state, including shoutouts for recent film productions, such as "Chief of War" and Disney's live-action "Moana."
Katie HellandJuly 22, 2026
Hula, surf films, and more: Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 26
Ready to plan for the weekend? Aloha State Daily can help! Whether you are looking to catch the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition and Festival or watch a free movie at Queen’s Beach in Waikīkī, there are lots of options for weekend fun on Oʻahu.
Katie HellandJuly 21, 2026
Hawaiʻi Island hālau returns for Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition
Keiki from 15 hālau across the state, including Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island, will compete in the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition this week. Kumu Kenneth “Aloha” Dean Alohapumehanaokalā Victor shares how he helps the students of Hālau Kala’akeakauikawēkiu embrace fun and dream big.
Katie HellandJuly 20, 2026
Native Hawaiian Convention returns to Honolulu
Following a convention in Washington last year, the Native Hawaiian Convention hosted by Hawaiian Council has returned to Oʻahu. Learn about the speakers, hands-on cultural workshops and panel discussions planned for this year’s event. There will also be special dedicated events to remember the 50th anniversary of the first landing on Kahoʻolawe.
Katie HellandJuly 17, 2026
Hula, ʻAuana soundtrack, and $1 ice cream: weekend guide for Oʻahu
Looking for ways to celebrate the weekend? Catch the Prince Lot Hula Festival, listen to the ʻAuana soundtrack, eat $1 ice cream and attend Bon Dances. Aloha State Daily shares a list of a dozen ways you can get into weekend mode this Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July, 19.
Katie HellandJuly 15, 2026
Your guide to upcoming theater on Oʻahu
Ready to see a production on stage? From Hawaiʻi premieres to Shakespearean classics, there are lots of shows to catch in Honolulu, Waikīkī, and more this summer and fall.
Katie HellandJuly 14, 2026
And the Nā Hōkū Hanohano winners are ...
The winners of Female Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year, as well as many other Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards have been announced. These artists took home the top awards on Saturday, July 11.
Katie HellandJuly 12, 2026
Kamaka ʻUkulele celebrates 110 years
The ʻukulele company which makes instruments played by ʻukulele virtuosos and movie stars is celebrating more than a century of business. The instruments will be featured at the International ʻUkulele Festival of Hawaiʻi, a free event that returns to the Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand, this Sunday, July 12.
Katie HellandJuly 12, 2026