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

10 things to do this weekend: Friday, Oct. 3, to Sunday, Oct. 5
From the final shows of the musical “Come from Away” to the arrival of a second location of Paris Baguette, here are 10 things happening on Oʻahu this weekend.
Katie HellandOctober 01, 2025

City and County of Honolulu searches for chief of ocean safety
The role pays more than $200,000 in annual salary and includes responsibility of more than 300 people across five districts on Oʻahu. The Ocean Safety Department oversees ocean safety and emergency rescue on the beach and near shore waters along Oʻahu’s 227-mile coastline.
Katie HellandSeptember 30, 2025

Your guide to Shangri La’s new ticket system
The museum, which is a center of the Doris Duke Foundation, has a new ticketing system. Previously, money raised from tour tickets, after expenses were met, benefited the Honolulu Museum of Art. Now, ticket sales will benefit HoMA and Bishop Museum.
Katie HellandSeptember 30, 2025

HIFF announces films nominated for Made in Hawaiʻi awards
Want to watch a made in Hawaiʻi film? The Hawaiʻi International Film Festival will have a number of them in theaters as part of its competition for Made in Hawaiʻi awards for best short and feature film. The festival is also a qualifying event for the animated and live action short film category of the Academy Awards.
Katie HellandSeptember 26, 2025

Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra offers free ocean-themed concert
Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra is teaming up with the University of Hawaiʻi on this free concert themed around the ocean that includes animations, storytelling and hula. As of Monday, the performance was sold out.
Katie HellandSeptember 26, 2025

Lopaka Kapanui brings ghost stories to Hawaiʻi Theatre
What do ghosts, storytellers and the symphony have in common? They will be gathering for a one-night-only show at Hawaiʻi Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 18. Storyteller Lopaka Kapanui shares a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming collaboration with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra.
Katie HellandSeptember 25, 2025

“Da Mayah” extends shows at Mānoa Valley Theatre
Playwright Lee Cataluna started writing after a trip to New York City, where she watched a show on Broadway. Now, her first play, “Da Mayah,” is back on stage in Honolulu and several of the original cast members from the 1998 production are in it. Learn about the moment when she was “strangely brave” and decided to write.
Katie HellandSeptember 24, 2025

Uni, Aloha Festivals, and live music: Friday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 28
Looking for fun plans this weekend? From food recommendations to live music, Aloha State Daily has you covered. Here are a few ways you can spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Katie HellandSeptember 24, 2025

Tickets on sale for Hawaiʻi International Film Festival
The festival includes events on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi. This is the only Academy Awards-qualifying film festival in the state. Events start Oct. 15. Tickets are now on sale for individual movies or passes to all movie screenings.
Katie HellandSeptember 23, 2025

Three movies — and one tv series — to watch
Looking for something to watch? These movies feature scenes shot in Hawaiʻi or ties to the Islands and run in Consolidated Theatres through Sept. 25.
Katie HellandSeptember 19, 2025

Jason Momoa talks “Chief of War”
“This was my life’s goal to do this,” said the actor, who wrote the nine-part mini-series with Thomas Paʻa Sibbett for Apple TV+. Momoa talks about surprises and what it means to play the warrior Kaʻiana in a story about the unification of the Islands in this exclusive interview with Aloha State Daily.
Katie HellandSeptember 19, 2025

Watch “The Paper Bag Plan” at Consolidated Theatres
This independent film opens in Consolidated Theatres at Ward this week. The movie’s executive producer, Keʻalohi Lee Lucero, graduated from Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Her parents make a cameo in the film and still live on Lānaʻi.
Katie HellandSeptember 19, 2025

Screenwriter Thomas Paʻa Sibbett shares behind-the-scenes for “Chief of War”
Thomas Paʻa Sibbett grew up in Washington and focused on Hawaiian Studies at Brigham Young University – Hawaiʻi. Now, he is teaming up with Jason Momoa for an Apple TV+ mini-series about the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.
Katie HellandSeptember 18, 2025

Slack key guitar, barbecue and acai: What to do Friday, Sept. 19 to Sunday, Sept. 21
It’s a foodie weekend! Enjoy a barbecue that supports student scholarships at Windward Community College and a sweet deal on acai on Oʻahu's east side. Or catch live music and stage performances. Aloha State Daily did the research so you don’t have to. Read this list of 12 things to do this weekend and start planning fun.
Katie HellandSeptember 17, 2025

'No arrests' in Fiji Tribute concert, HPD says
Aloha State Daily reached out to several city departments, including the Honolulu Police Department and those overseeing the Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell and Kapi’olani Regional Park, which each hosted events for ticket holders.
Katie HellandSeptember 16, 2025

Catch Henry Kapono and other legends in September concerts
Henry Kapono will join well known and up-and-coming singers and musicians for the Home in the Islands Music Festival, hosted by the Henry Kapono Foundation. Among the events is the foundation’s inaugural In the Key of Aloha fundraiser gala, which features Kapono, Jerry Santos, Brother Noland, Kimié Miner, Tavana, and artists from the On the Rise program at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach.
Katie HellandSeptember 12, 2025

Punahou School graduate is in “Chief of War”
Brandon Finn, a graduate of Punahou School, explores complicated father and son relationships in his role as Prince Kūpule in the Apple TV+ mini-series, “Chief of War.” He shares his favorite scene to shoot and how he learned ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi for the role.
Katie HellandSeptember 12, 2025

Movie “Chaperone,” filmed in Hilo, hits Consolidated Theatres
This independent film, written and directed by Hawai’i Island-based Zoë Eisenberg, is an age-gap story. Set in Hilo, it explores the motives of a 29-year-old woman who decides she has nothing to lose in pursuing a relationship with a teenager.
Katie HellandSeptember 11, 2025

Three theater productions to see this week
Ready to watch live performances? These Oʻahu-based theater organizations are performing the first shows of their seasons. Get ready to be transported to Canada and Hilo, all while exploring universal themes from a seat by the stage.
Katie HellandSeptember 10, 2025

Warriors game, Fiji tribute, car show and more: Friday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 14
Already thinking about what to do this Saturday and Sunday? With a homecoming game for the Warriors and a free one-night-only tribute to Fiji, there are plenty of events to choose from this weekend. Aloha State Daily has pulled together a quick list of ways to keep your entire ʻohana entertained.
Katie HellandSeptember 10, 2025

Frank Orrall reflects on Poi Dog Pondering and his new cookbook
The Henry J. Kaiser High School graduate is the founder of Poi Dog Pondering. Now, he is also the author of his first cookbook.
Katie HellandSeptember 09, 2025
Audition for Duke’s Ukes
Duke’s Waikīkī is looking for young musicians to perform in its annual ʻukulele competition. Interested musicians can audition now through Sept. 10. First-place winners of the competition take home an ʻukulele made from koa.
Katie HellandSeptember 06, 2025
Kumu Kahua Theatre debuts “Smother”
A drama that explores the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter has taken the stage at Kumu Kahua Theatre. The story was written by playwright Sara Ward, who works in the theater’s box office and wrote most of the story on site, while audiences enjoyed performances that were in session — and she had a few precious hours of free time.
Katie HellandSeptember 05, 2025

"Chief of War" actor Siua Ikaleʻo shares journey to playing Nahi
He didn’t plan to try out for Nahi, the little brother of Kaʻiana, played by Jason Momoa, in “Chief of War.” But the casting team for the Apple TV+ mini series asked actor Siua Ikaleʻo to audition for the role after casting him as a villain didn’t seem to be the right fit.
Katie HellandSeptember 04, 2025

Art, aloha and steel guitar: Friday, Sept. 5 – Sunday, Sept. 7
Enjoy live music, tour ʻIolani Palace and participate in a festival honoring the Kōlea, also known as the Pacific Golden Plover. Check out these events and more happening this weekend on Oʻahu.
Katie HellandSeptember 03, 2025

September marks inaugural Hawaiian History Month
Learn about some of the groups coming together to mark the occasional with events and activities.
Katie HellandAugust 30, 2025

Naiwi Teruya is starting a music school in West Maui
The ʻukulele player used to borrow his siblings’ instruments as a child. Now, he is preparing to start the Maui Music Youth Program, which will share ʻukulele lessons with the next generation in West Maui.
Katie HellandAugust 30, 2025
Keʻalohi International Piano Competition announces winner
In the audience for a competition highlighting pianists from around the world were several special guests from Osaka, Japan. Learn more about the winner of the Keʻalohi International Piano Competition, and the exchange students from Japan who got to see the finalists perform.
Katie HellandAugust 29, 2025

“Sharing Aloha” in theaters Aug. 29
The documentary features a behind-the-scenes look at life for students who work at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Several of the featured students are part of PCC’s signature show, “Hā: Breath of Life.”
Katie HellandAugust 29, 2025

“Tinā” opens in Hawaiʻi theaters today, Aug. 28
Miki Magasiva, the writer and director of “Tinā,” shares a behind-the-scenes look at the movie, ahead of the film’s arrival to theaters on Oʻahu and Maui.
Katie HellandAugust 28, 2025

Actor Beulah Koale shares “Tinā” behind the scenes
Actor Beulah Koale has been in the television shows “Hawaiʻi Five-0,” “NCIS: Hawaiʻi,” and “Magnum P.I.” Recently, he played a pivotal role in the movie “Tinā.” Now, he is asking Dwayne Johnson to see that movie, which celebrates Samoan culture, mothers and community.
Katie HellandAugust 28, 2025

Your guide to Labor Day weekend
Wondering how to spend the long weekend? Aloha State Daily has you covered. Check out activities for the 80th Commemoration of WWII, including an air show plus a free concert by the Mākaha Sons; enjoy the Okinawan Festival; or find the latest fashion at the Hawaiʻi Swim Show. Learn more about these events and others happening Friday, Aug. 29, through Sunday, Aug. 31.
Katie HellandAugust 27, 2025

Actor Moses Goods shares how he gets into character for “Chief of War”
With four episodes left of “Chief of War,” the Apple TV+ mini-series written and executive produced by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett, Aloha State Daily talks story with actor Moses Goods, who plays Moku, advisor to the future King Kamehameha I. He shares how he gets into character — and one challenge of wearing a malo in New Zealand.
Katie HellandAugust 26, 2025

Kay Fukumoto reflects on Maui Taiko’s Lahaina performances
Maui Taiko recently performed in the Lahaina O-Bon Festival, held at the site of the Lahaina Jodo Mission, which was destroyed in the Maui wildfires of 2023. On Friday, Aug. 15, the group also performed in a benefit concert to help Lahaina rebuild and to cultivate a music program for youth in West Maui.
Katie HellandAugust 22, 2025

Fiji Tribute: get free tickets
A one-night-only tribute to George Brooks Veikoso, known by the stage name Fiji, is coming to Honolulu next month. Catch headliners J Boog, Common Kings, Maoli and more. Free tickets become available on Friday, Aug. 22.
Katie HellandAugust 21, 2025

Ledward Kaapana: Catching up with a legend
The Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning slack key guitarist was recently the opening act of the Maui Music & Food Experience, a benefit to help Lahaina rebuild and to support a new music program for youth in West Maui. This weekend, Kaapana is a featured performer for the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, Waikīkī Style, which supports the Waikīkī Aquarium. But this seasoned performer also plays at airports and hospitals, in between concerts.
Katie HellandAugust 21, 2025

Catch football, surf contests, Henry Kapono, and ʻOlympics of the piano’ : Friday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 24
Ready to make weekend plans? Aloha State Daily rounded up a list of things to do. From the first football game of the season for the Rainbow Warriors to performances by Henry Kapono, here are some ideas of fun things to do on Oʻahu.
Katie HellandAugust 20, 2025

Henry Kapono reflects on new music, ahead of concerts
The Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning singer and songwriter shared the inspiration for his well known song “Sailing,” ahead of several upcoming concerts, including a tribute to his friend Jimmy Buffett on Aug. 24. Next month, the Henry Kapono Foundation will also host its “We Are Friends” fundraiser on Sept. 28.
Katie HellandAugust 19, 2025

Catch the Keʻalohi International Piano Competition: free quarterfinal and semifinal performances
The winner of this competition takes home a $10,000 cash award and the top finalists perform with the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra. The contest draws pianists from around the world to O’ahu, where they are competing this month.
Katie HellandAugust 15, 2025