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

Honolulu City Lights: last day extended
Missed the Honolulu City Lights? You can still catch them. The displays will be open to the public a few extra days this year due to “recent inclement weather,” according to representatives of the City and County of Honolulu.
Katie HellandDecember 29, 2025

Arts & Entertainment's top 12 stories of 2025
Aloha State Daily rounded up some of the most-read stories in Arts & Entertainment for 2025. This year, musicians who grew up on the Islands won a Grammy, competed in “American Idol” and sang the soundtrack for Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch.” Here are the headlines that resonated most with readers.
Katie HellandDecember 26, 2025

Get tickets to first Wayfind Music Festival
This event at the Capitol Modern brings together kānaka voices. Featured artists include Lōʻihi Records' Pulitzer Prize-finalist Leilehua Lanzilotti and headliner T.J. Keanu Tario, as well as Grammy Award-winners Kalia Vandever and Andrew Yee.
Katie HellandDecember 24, 2025

26 places to party for 2026: New Year’s Eve on O’ahu
Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year! Looking to ring in 2026 on Oʻahu? Here are 26 events, listed by neighborhood, happening between ʻEwa Beach and Hawaiʻi Kai.
Katie HellandDecember 23, 2025

5 Island takes on Christmas songs
It is December! That means it is time to turn up the holiday music, from classics like “Mele Kalikimaka” featuring Bing Crosby and Iam Tongi to “O Holy Night” from Thunderstorm Artis. Here are some takes on holiday music from artists rooted in the Islands.
Katie HellandDecember 22, 2025
Inaugural song contest names winner with North Shore roots
The finalists for the first Nā Pua Mele o Hawai‘i Song Contest took the stage at the Blue Note Hawai’i this week, where they sang for a live audience. Meet the contest’s winner, who takes home a cash prize plus a recording session and a scholarship for voice lessons at a business or nonprofit of their choice.
Katie HellandDecember 19, 2025

The doctor is in! (a holiday ensemble)
These Kaiser doctors have a few notes for their patients. Musical notes, that is. To spread holiday cheer, they are giving free concerts to patients and staff at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center this month.
Katie HellandDecember 18, 2025

What to do this weekend on Oʻahu
Aloha State Daily rounded up things to do this weekend, including ice skating, watching parades and ordering your favorite holiday treats. Check out this guide to the holidays on Friday, Dec. 19, Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21.
Katie HellandDecember 17, 2025

Kapono’s at The Lounge debuts with New Year’s Eve events
Three performance spaces will come alive in Hawaiʻi Kai on Dec. 31 as part of a collaboration between Henry Kapono Ka'aihue, Henry Kapono Foundation, and The Lounge at Island Sound Studios.
Katie HellandDecember 16, 2025

“Hawaiʻi to the World” has a winner
The winner of “Hawaiʻi to the World” is an Oʻahu-based artist, who is also a cultural practioner and a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and The Juilliard School. Learn more about the winner of this new talent competition.
Katie HellandDecember 15, 2025

ʻĀina Haina Public Library adds robot to staff
Pepper the Robot is the newest addition to a library in East Oʻahu. Staff shared a robot demonstration where Pepper answered questions on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Katie HellandDecember 11, 2025

5 places to carb load for the Honolulu Marathon on a budget
Looking to load up on carbs a few days before running the marathon? Aloha State Daily put together a list of places you can find noodles leading up to the race.
Katie HellandDecember 11, 2025

What to do this weekend: Friday, Dec. 12 – Sunday, Dec. 14
Ready to plan the weekend? Aloha State Daily can help. Here are five events happening this Friday, Saturday or Sunday, including performances of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” by Ballet Hawaiʻi, as well as Christmas on the Avenue in Nānākuli.
Katie HellandDecember 10, 2025

PHOTOS: The Eddie, opening ceremony
Were you stuck in the office during the opening ceremony for the Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational? Check out photos of the event, which occurred Friday, Dec. 5. The holding period for the invitational started Sunday, Dec. 7, and runs through March 6.
Katie HellandDecember 09, 2025

Oʻahu winner advances to “Hawaiʻi to the World” finale
“Hawaiʻi to the World” judges selected one artist, who received classical training at The Juilliard School, to represent Oʻahu in the finale of a new talent competition. The winner will take home a $10,000 prize. Voting is still underway to select the fan favorite, who also receives a cash prize.
Katie HellandDecember 08, 2025

Opening ceremony for The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational
The paddle out and opening ceremony for The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational happened at Waimea Bay on Friday, Dec. 5. Now, the holding period for the competition starts on Sunday, Dec. 7, and runs through early March.
Katie HellandDecember 06, 2025

Filmmaker Connor Trimble releases new film about Haleʻiwa
This film about the North Shore celebrates the surf community that calls Haleʻiwa home. The collaboration between “The Inertia” and Hawaiʻi-based filmmaker Connor Trimble is now on YouTube.
Katie HellandDecember 05, 2025

“Chicago” supervising music director calls Honolulu home
Robert Billig, the supervising music director for the nationally touring production of “Chicago,” has many credits to his name. This week, he adds bringing the Tony Award-winning show to Oʻahu.
Katie HellandDecember 04, 2025

“Chicago,” holiday parades, and more: Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 7
Looking for a Hawai’i-made gift? Look no further than a local craft fair. Or enjoy the spectacle of live music and marchers in one of eight holiday parades happening on O’ahu this weekend. Aloha State Daily found 15 events happening on Oʻahu this week, many of which are free.
Katie HellandDecember 03, 2025

Hawaiʻi Island artist advances to finale for “Hawaiʻi to the World”
This singer and songwriter will represent Hawaiʻi Island in the finale of a new talent competition, “Hawaiʻi to the World,” which was launched by Hawaiian Council. So far, finalists have also been named to represent Kauaʻi and Maui.
Katie HellandDecember 02, 2025

Free concert features Celtic pipes and drums
Want to catch some Celtic holiday music as part of a free concert? Stop by Honolulu Hale and catch this performance.
Katie HellandDecember 02, 2025

20-plus Christmas parades on Oʻahu
Neighborhood parades start this weekend across Oʻahu. Here is a list of more than 20 events happening between Nānākuli and Hawaiʻi Kai in the next few weeks.
Katie HellandNovember 27, 2025

Free holiday concert at Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall
This concert shares holiday favorites and features the Royal Hawaiian Band — and Henry Kapono, among other guest artists — on Friday, Nov. 28.
Katie HellandNovember 27, 2025

Maui band advances to “Hawaiʻi to the World” finale
This Island reggae band caught the judges' attention and will advance to the finale for "Hawaiʻi to the World," a televised talent competition launched by Hawaiian Council. The finale will include contestants from four islands: Kauaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu.
Katie HellandNovember 26, 2025

Your guide to the long Thanksgiving weekend
Wondering where to celebrate Thanksgiving Day? Check out this guide from Aloha State Daily. When you are not spending time with family, paint a mural with Solomon Enos, shop for holiday gifts as part of Keep it Kaimukī Saturday and visit Waimea Valley to celebrate Lā Kūʻokoʻa.
Katie HellandNovember 26, 2025

Ballet Hawaiʻi’s “The Nutcracker” puts Islands center stage
Usually, “The Nutcracker” brings up visions of a Sugar Plum Fairy or the "Waltz of the Snowflakes," but those attending performances of this holiday classic from Ballet Hawaiʻi should prepare for geckos, sea turtles, iʻiwi, and a Sugar Plumeria Fairy.
Katie HellandNovember 25, 2025

Paint with Solomon Enos
Ever wanted to be part of painting a community mural? Next Saturday, Nov. 29, could be your chance. This government office is teaming up with artist Solomon Enos to beautify a basement parking garage.
Katie HellandNovember 22, 2025

Wailuku Film Festival launches in 2026
Submissions are open for a new festival, which brings films to Wailuku, where theaters are within walking distance of restaurants and businesses. A focus of this festival is providing opportunities for young filmmakers.
Katie HellandNovember 21, 2025

Haiku from keiki featured in this contest
Do you know keiki who might like to feature their poetry about the Islands in a local competition? The 74th annual Cherry Blossom Festival’s Haiku Art Contest is looking for young poets this week.
Katie HellandNovember 20, 2025

Watch the finale of HI93’s Battle of the Bands and Comedians
Two dozen contestants and four rounds of competition are culminating in one night of music and laughter in Kakaʻako this week. Catch the finale of HI93’s Local Break: Battle of the Bands and Comedians where five comedians and five bands will leave it all on the stage as they compete for the contest’s grand prizes.
Katie HellandNovember 20, 2025