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.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
Latest from Katie Helland
“Meet the Drapers” episode films in Kāneʻohe
Venture capitalist Tim Draper joined Marc Benioff, CEO and co-founder of Salesforce, and Chenoa Farnsworth, managing partner of Blue Startups, to hear pitches from companies with ties to the Islands last week. The episode will be part of Season 10 of “Meet the Drapers.”
Katie HellandApril 16, 2026
Documentary featuring professional surfer to screen at Wai Kai
Growing up, Sheldon Paishon experienced homelessness on Oʻahu's west side. A documentary about his life — and the mentor who helped him find success as a professional surfer — will be screening at Wai Kai this week.
Katie HellandApril 16, 2026
Ledward Kaapana, Hōkūleʻa tribute and more: What to do on Oʻahu Friday, April 17, to Sunday, April 19
Looking for weekend plans? From catching a free concert from the legendary Ledward Kaapana to listening to “Raise Hawaiki,” a symphony about Hōkūleʻa performed in its entirety for the first time by the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, here are some of the things you can do this weekend on Oʻahu.
Katie HellandApril 14, 2026
Hawaiʻi-based artists participate in 24-hour play festival
More than 30 Hawaiʻi-based artists came together this past weekend to create six new plays, which were performed before a live audience at the end of the festival.
Katie HellandApril 14, 2026
Merrie Monarch Festival names 2026 winners
The 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival named the winners of its hula competition on Saturday, April 11. The overall winner also won first place kāne overall, kāne ʻauana, kāne kahiko, and wahine kahiko.
Katie HellandApril 12, 2026
Kumu Hula Micah Kamohoalii blends tradition and fashion at Merrie Monarch
With the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival underway, Kumu Hula Micah Kamohoalii reflects on the festival, the invitational craft fair, and rain in Hilo.
Katie HellandApril 11, 2026
Ziggy Marley reflects on benefit show, new album
The eldest son of Bob and Rita Marley is about to release his first studio album in eight years, “Brightside.” The nine-time Grammy winner spoke with Aloha State Daily about the new music, which releases on April 18, as well as his benefit concert this weekend at The Republik in Honolulu.
Katie HellandApril 10, 2026
Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre presents world premiere of new opera
The opera, “Kamalehua: The Sheltering Tree," will be performed next month in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and English. The lead role features baritone Quinn Kelsey, who recently performed at The Metropolitan Opera.
Katie HellandApril 09, 2026
Merrie Monarch, steel guitar and Ziggy Marley: Friday, April 10, to Sunday, April 12
With a third Kona Low storm in the forecast, Aloha State Daily rounded up some things to do this weekend. Stuck at home? Watch the livestream of Merrie Monarch or enjoy movies featuring local actors and the Islands. Or venture out to catch reggae star Ziggy Marley’s show, which benefits the Waikīkī Community Center. This weekend, readers can also enjoy free admission to ʻIolani Palace for Kamaʻāina Sunday.
Katie HellandApril 08, 2026
Benefit concert with Jason Momoa, Jack Johnson, Kolohe Kai, The Green and more
Hawaiian Council has teamed up with nine acts, including The Mākaha Sons and others, to host a benefit for those impacted by the recent Kona Low Storms. The list of performers includes artists who are regular headliners at various events.
Katie HellandApril 07, 2026
Symphony sets sail with ode to Hōkūleʻa
Navigators, stars and a whole lot of ocean are in this symphony score coming to Honolulu for the first time in its entirety on Sunday, April 19. Michael-Thomas Foumai, the composer of the piece, discusses how he wrote music that shares the story of Hōkūleʻa.
Katie HellandApril 07, 2026
How to watch Merrie Monarch
The Merrie Monarch Festival returns this year with hula competitions from Thursday, April 9, through Saturday, April 11. Activities and events for the weeklong festival also include an invitational Hawaiian arts fair, along with hula shows and a grand parade.
Katie HellandApril 04, 2026
Irie Love shares musical journey on Saturday in Waikīkī
The Kailua-based Queen of Island Reggae just returned from Aotearoa where she performed for the first time in more than 10 years. This weekend, she will share classics, new music from her album “Reflections,” and archive throwback songs on Saturday, April 4, in Waikīkī.
Katie HellandApril 03, 2026
Kona low storms slow business on North Shore
Poke for the People has been giving away meals to community members impacted by the floods as well as the volunteers helping them rebuild. But this week, the eatery cut its hours in half due to a decrease in sales. In Haleʻiwa, spring break for Mainland schools doesn’t look quite the same as it has in prior years, according to the shop's owner.
Katie HellandApril 02, 2026
Five things to do on Oʻahu this weekend: Friday, April 3, through Sunday, April 5
Looking for plans for the long weekend? Aloha State Daily has rounded up some ideas of events for the entire ʻohana, including plans for Easter Sunday.
Katie HellandApril 01, 2026
What’s next for Otake Camp?
Some residents of Otake Camp are still in the dark. Farmers lost crops. Families lost homes. And everywhere, the mud prevails. They are seeking generators, lumber and funds to restart.
Katie HellandApril 01, 2026
ʻThe Book of Mormonʻ and more headed for Honolulu
The Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall will be alive with music from Broadway in Hawaiʻi in 2026 and 2027. The group has announced its next season, and tickets are now available.
Katie HellandMarch 30, 2026
Behind-the-scenes with Takehiro Hira on Apple TV’s 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters'
The Emmy-nominated actor, who calls Oʻahu home, shares how a poignant scene in "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” came together, as well as his favorite food to eat after being away from home.
Katie HellandMarch 27, 2026
Waimānalo Country Farms asks visitors to return this summer
The farm known for its sunflower fields and fresh corn, as well as lemonade and pumpkins, was hard hit by the recent Kona Low storms and lost its spring harvest. But Shawn Kadooka wants people to give to those who lost homes and says they can support the farm later by visiting when it opens this summer.
Katie HellandMarch 27, 2026
North Shore resident seeks $10,000 to help his street recover from floods
When homes on Kukea Circle flooded, Waialua resident Ricardo Taveira took to social media and offered his phone number — and help. He checked in on neighbors and their pets. Now, he is looking for microwaves, washers, dryers, stoves, beds and sofas to help his community recover.
Katie HellandMarch 26, 2026
Kōkua Waialua, FoodieCon, and more: What to do on Oʻahu this weekend
Ready to help farmers in Waialua who were impacted by floods? Want to see a humuhumunukunukuapua‘a formed entirely from Legos? Aloha State Daily rounded up a list of things to do Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29.
Katie HellandMarch 25, 2026