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

Pau hana with singer and songwriter Landon Chung this weekend
Meet one of the artists performing at this inaugural market in Waikīkī.
Katie HellandMarch 15, 2025
Oʻahu ʻukelele builder Manny Halican talks story in new Hawaiʻi State Archives show
Meet the luthier who makes ʻukelele that incorporate everything from seashells to resin to parts of kitchen countertops.
Katie HellandMarch 15, 2025

Kawaii Kon is back this weekend
This event, run by fans, celebrates anime, manga and Japanese culture.
Katie HellandMarch 13, 2025

How do I watch the lunar eclipse this week?
Looking for free entertainment Thursday night? Glance up at the sky, particularly the moon, which will appear red for part of the evening. Learn more about some of watch parties for the celestrial event on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island.
Katie HellandMarch 13, 2025
Meet this year's Lei Day queen Lei Llanos
Llanos, who is from Waipahu and was recently crowned queen for the annual May Day celebration put on by the City and County of Honolulu, shares more about her lei-making process.
Katie HellandMarch 13, 2025

Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra and Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony to host free concert
The two musical groups will host the one-night-only performance as the final part of the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra’s Beethoven Festival.
Katie HellandMarch 11, 2025

Tickets on sale now for Hawaiʻi International Film Festival’s ʻŌpio Fest
This year, the ʻŌpio Fest includes 16 feature films, as well as more than 50 ones created by students in elementary, middle or high school. The event combines HIFF’s spring showcase with a youth film festival for students from Alaska and Hawaiʻi.
Katie HellandMarch 08, 2025

Chinagu Eisa Hawaiʻi to take stage at Honolulu Festival
Todd Kobashigawa is president of Chinagu Eisa Hawaiʻi, which will perform on the main stage of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center this weekend. Learn more about the club.
Katie HellandMarch 06, 2025

What to do for fun on Oʻahu this weekend
Already dreaming of the weekend? Aloha State Daily rounded up some fun things you can enjoy. From a parade in Waikīkī to Hōkūleʻa’s 50th birthday, here are four not-to-miss events happening this Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Katie HellandMarch 06, 2025

Where to see “Anora” in Honolulu
It won five Oscars. You haven’t seen it. That can still be fixed.
Katie HellandMarch 06, 2025
Previously sold out “Rent” adds Thursday show
A production of “Rent,” by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Department of Theatre & Dance, added a Thursday show after ones scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday sold out days ahead of the performances. Learn how to get tickets.
Katie HellandMarch 05, 2025

Grammy-Award winning Eric Marienthal to perform one night in Honolulu
This saxophone player, who has performed in more than 75 countries and recorded 15 solo CDs, will take the stage in Honolulu for a one-night-only performance. He will also teach a free masterclass at ’Iolani School.
Katie HellandMarch 04, 2025
Inside the ʻumeke with artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer
Meet the artist behind the new art installation at Honolulu Hale.
Katie HellandMarch 01, 2025

Check out these $5 movies on Oʻahu!
It’s not too late to catch Oscar-nominated films on the big screen before the Academy Awards.
Katie HellandFebruary 28, 2025

Keiki take Ōlelo Hawaiʻi to Disneyland
This hui marked Hawaiian Language Month with a trip to Southern California.
Katie HellandFebruary 27, 2025

Guided garden tours are back after pandemic break
Foster Botanical Garden has brought back its docent-led guided tours after an almost five year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Katie HellandFebruary 26, 2025

Kepola Dudoit makes art from paper
This artist uses paper in a rainbow of colors to create portraits of people and flowers. Today, her artwork is featured at local nonprofits and American Savings Bank.
Katie HellandFebruary 25, 2025

Red Session is back for one more show
The Oʻahu-based third wave ska band with members from California and Hawaiʻi returns to Honolulu for this reunion show.
Katie HellandFebruary 21, 2025

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to star in possible Martin Scorsese movie about a Hawaiʻi mob boss?
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Director Martin Scorsese are pitching a possible new movie set in Hawaiʻi with a host of other stars, according to several Mainland media outlets.
A. Kam Napier & Katie HellandFebruary 20, 2025

New art installation now open at Honolulu Hale
This work of art, unveiled on Friday Feb. 14, is also a space where community members can meet in Downtown Honolulu.
Katie HellandFebruary 19, 2025

Artist Steven Kean shares inspiration and upcoming exhibit at Loʻi Gallery
This North Shore artist designed the art for the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach in 2017. His morning routine? Check the surf!
Katie HellandFebruary 14, 2025