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

Harry Potter movies return to big screens across Oʻahu
“Lumos!” Harry Potter fans can practice this and other spells as they watch the eight-movie series at Consolidated Theatres across Oʻahu this summer. The chance to indulge in wizardly magic in air conditioned theaters costs $5 per movie.
Katie HellandJune 12, 2025

Eight things to do on Oʻahu this weekend: Friday, June 13, to Sunday, June 15
Aloha State Daily rounded up some fun things to do this weekend. From a butterfly tent at Ward Village to a scavenger hunt at Battleship Missouri Memorial, there are plenty of activities to keep the family busy this Father’s Day weekend.
Katie HellandJune 11, 2025

HSO harpist Constance Uejio to retire, you still have a chance to hear her play
This Oʻahu-based harpist will finish more than four decades with Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra in August. She is being recognized at the Masterworks concert finale featuring Brahms Symphony No. 1 on Sunday, June 15.
Katie HellandJune 11, 2025

“American Idol” winner Iam Tongi releases new single
This singer-songwriter with Kahuku roots just released new music. The cover is inspired by his relationship with his father and comes out just before Father’s Day.
Katie HellandJune 10, 2025
Nicole Scherzinger wins first Tony Award for lead actress
This Honolulu-born Native Hawaiian Ukrainian and Filipino actress won her first Tony Award for her performance in “Sunset Blvd” on Sunday, June 8. She took the stage to perform “As If We Never Said Goodbye” as part of the celebrations.
Katie HellandJune 10, 2025

American Savings Bank’s Loʻi Gallery highlights Kris Goto, seasons
Artist Kris Goto reflects on art, seasons and being brave. She also shares how surfing inspired her work.
Katie HellandJune 07, 2025
Free summer yoga near Battleship Missouri Memorial
The military community can enjoy free yoga on Tuesdays on the pier in front of the Battleship Missouri Memorial this summer. Participants must have base access.
Katie HellandJune 06, 2025

Auditions underway for "Hawaiʻi to the World" talent competition
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is seeking talent from the islands, Japan and the Mainland to be ambassadors of Hawaiʻi.
Katie HellandJune 06, 2025

New legislation strives to protect young movie stars, dancers and social media influencers
The governor has signed new legislation which aims to protect keiki actors and actresses by requiring trustees and guardians to place a percentage of their earnings in trusts that can be accessed when they are older.
Katie HellandJune 05, 2025

Waikīkī has a new magic show with rotating headliners
Magic Lee, the founder of Waikīkī’s Magical Parlour, grew up in Kalihi and picked up magic after watching a trick as a teenager. He performed magic as a bartender for Stevenson’s Library on Kauaʻi and a winery based in California, before starting this regular show in the heart of Waikīkī.
Katie HellandJune 04, 2025
3 things to do this weekend: Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8
Aloha State Daily rounded up some fun things to do this weekend. From free performances by Johnny Suite and Irie Love at the Capitol Modern to a newly opened parlor with rotating guest magicians in Waikīkī, we’ve got fun activities for the entire family!
Katie HellandJune 04, 2025
Shangri La and Capitol Modern host Summer Solstice celebration
Capitol Modern and Shangri La are hosting a First Friday event celebrating the Summer Solstice on Friday, June 6. This event is part of a quarterly series and includes live performances from Johnny Suite and Irie Love.
Katie HellandJune 03, 2025

Win prizes for reading – and meet the artist behind this summer program
Kakaʻako-based artist Lauryn Gordines planned to become a teacher, but then moved into the fashion world. Today, she paints murals and recently designed art for the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System’s summer reading program.
Katie HellandJune 02, 2025

Six hobbies you can start at the Hawaiʻi public library this summer
Summer break is here! Borrow an ʻukulele and plant a summer garden for free with help from your local public library. Here are six things keiki of all ages can find at public libraries across the state.
Katie HellandMay 31, 2025
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