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
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
Auction: bid to support the Bishop Museum
E Ulu A Paʻa, an online auction to benefit the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, opens for bids at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14. The 11-day event benefits the museum and its work.
Katie HellandAugust 13, 2025
Zippy’s Restaurants and others weigh in on Taylor Swift’s new album
Taylor Swift is in her orange era. And Hawaiʻi-based brands are joining in the fun with creative posts on social media. Aloha State Daily rounded up a few from the past 48 hours, following Swift’s announcement of a twelfth studio album: “The Life of a Showgirl.”
Katie Helland & Kady PascualAugust 13, 2025
Goodwill Goes Glam, Made in Hawaii Festival and music: Friday, Aug. 15 through Sunday, Aug. 17
From watching musicians Paula Fuga and Tavana take the stage, to buying locally made products at the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival, there is so much happening across the Islands. Aloha State Daily rounded up a list of ideas of things to do, so you don’t have to.
Katie HellandAugust 13, 2025
Aloha Collection to release Hōkūleʻa special edition bags
This brand is teaming up with the Polynesian Voyaging Society to honor the 50th birthday of Hōkūleʻa, which has inspired generations of new voyagers. The collaboration led to a group of special edition splash-proof bags, which release later this month.
Katie HellandAugust 12, 2025
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement gets a new name
After more than two decades as the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, the nonprofit has a new name, which replaces five words with just two.
Katie HellandAugust 11, 2025
Artists take history and “put it in a song” for upcoming Oʻahu concert
How do you share a message in Hawaiʻi? Through music and dance, according to Berkeley-based Kumu Hula Māhealani Uchiyama. She will join Grammy winner Kalani Peʻa and a number of Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners to perform songs from the new album, “Pōpoloheno: Songs of Resilience & Joy,” which celebrates the stories of people of African descent in Hawaiian history.
Katie HellandAugust 09, 2025
Photographing ʻThe Eddieʻ : John Hook takes us behind the lens
If you’ve watched The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, you’ve seen photographers bobbing in the waves to capture iconic images of surfers from around the world. On Friday, Aug. 8, several photographers, including Oʻahu-based John Hook, will share what it is like to capture photos from the water. Hook reflects on how he got started, as well why these photographers wear helmets.
Katie HellandAugust 08, 2025
State Librarian shares plans for Wahiawā Public Library
Learn about outdoor reading spaces and the children’s area planned for the new Wahiawā Public Library.
Katie HellandAugust 07, 2025
Honolulu remembers Hiroshima and Nagasaki with film, music
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there will be a film projection at Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium on Wednesday and a musical performance at the University of Hawaiʻi’s Kennedy Theatre on Saturday.
Katie HellandAugust 07, 2025
Blue Angels, photography and a full moon: Friday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 10
From watching the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to meeting photographers for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, there is plenty to do on Oʻahu this weekend. Aloha State Daily rounded up a list of ideas, so you don’t have to.
Katie HellandAugust 06, 2025
Kāneʻohe Bay Air Show: 8 things to know
Planes and automobiles are just part of the attractions at the Kāneʻohe Bay Air Show, which will be held this Friday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 10. The free event allows attendees the chance to explore military aircrafts and listen to live music. Here are tips for the event this weekend, which organizers estimate will draw 100,000 people over three days.
Katie HellandAugust 05, 2025
Listen to Paula Fuga and help Lahaina rebuild
The Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning singer and songwriter Paula Fuga will perform one of her favorite songs, “No Place like Home,” at the Maui Music & Food Experience on Aug. 15 and 16. She reflected on music ahead of the benefit concert to support Hua Momona Foundation’s mission to combat food insecurity, accelerate the Lahaina rebuild after the wildfires and cultivate the music scene for youth on Maui.
Katie HellandAugust 02, 2025
“Chief of War” premieres on Apple TV+
The television mini-series was written and executive produced by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett. It was filmed in New Zealand and Hawaiʻi. Producers Angie Laprete and Brian Keaulana spoke with Aloha State Daily ahead of the premiere.
Katie HellandAugust 01, 2025
Producers share details of Hawaiʻi Film Alliance
Hawaiʻi Film Alliance, a group that launched July 14, is working to bring more productions to the Islands. Aloha State Daily spoke with Angie Laprete and Brian Keaulana, who are founding members of the alliance and also part of team working on "Chief of War."
Katie HellandAugust 01, 2025
Listen to the Mike Love song people quit their jobs over
Raised on Oʻahu, Mike Love brings island music to audiences around the world. On Thursday, July 31, the singer who brought music lovers “Permanent Holiday” will play two solo shows at the Blue Note Hawaiʻi. Love spoke with Aloha State Daily about the song that went viral on YouTube and his 2025 Tour Hawaiʻi.
Katie HellandJuly 31, 2025
Watch “Chief of War” and participate in festivals: Friday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 3
Looking for things to do this weekend? From festivals to the premiere of “Chief of War,” Aloha State Daily has got you covered for island entertainment. Here are a few activities happening Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 3.
Katie HellandJuly 30, 2025
Artists remember George Brooks Veikoso, known as Fiji
Singers, songwriters and actors honored “the king of island-reggae music" in posts on social media and at concerts. George Brooks Veikoso, known as Fiji, moved to Hawaiʻi when he was a teenager.
Katie HellandJuly 29, 2025
‘Ohina Labs seeks applicants for annual filmmakers workshop
Do you have a story to tell? Do you live in Hawaiʻi? If you answered yes to these questions, you might be a match for ʻOhina Labs, an Oʻahu-based filmmakersʻ workshop, which pairs writers of short scripts with mentors in the entertainment industry.
Katie HellandJuly 25, 2025
Kapenaʻs founder shares preview of show with Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra
Island music will meet an orchestra with a one-night performance this Aloha Friday. Kelly Boy De Lima, founder of the band, Kapena, shared details about its upcoming show with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra at the Tom Moffat Waikīkī Shell on Friday, July 25. The band includes three generations of family, including De Lima, several of his children and his grandson.
Katie HellandJuly 24, 2025
What to do this weekend on Oʻahu: Friday, July 25, to Sunday, July 27
Enjoy live music, $3 sushi, and back-to-school offers this weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The band Kapena will perform alongside the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra on Friday, July 25. The following day, keiki can also enjoy free school supplies and haircuts on a first-come, first-served basis through Child & Family Service.
Katie HellandJuly 23, 2025
New music from North Shore brothers Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm
This duo of brothers just released the new song, “You Should Be,” on June 30. Their voices are also featured in Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch” movie, where they performed “Burning Love.”
Katie HellandJuly 22, 2025
“American Idol” winner Iam Tongi reflects on “Sunshine” and “Lilo & Stitch”
Iam Tongi, who grew up in Kahuku, just had his debut at the Grand Ole Opry. In 2023, he became the first Pacific Islander to win “American Idol.” In the past few months, he released several songs, including “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” in Disney’s live action version of “Lilo & Stitch.” In an exclusive Q+A with Aloha State Daily, Tongi reflects on positivity, recent milestones, and advice from his auntie.
Katie HellandJuly 21, 2025
Jake Shimabukuro has four shows at the Blue Note Hawaiʻi this week
This ʻukulele virtuoso has shows in Honolulu next week. Read about his recent Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards and his award-winning collaboration with Mick Fleetwood, the leader of the rock band Fleetwood Mac.
Katie HellandJuly 20, 2025
Oʻahu-based 8RO8 shares inspiration for new single, “On Sight”
What is the sound of aloha? 8RO8 is one artist here to find out. He grew up in Mākaha and pursued music after high school, while working at McDonald’s. Now, he has more than 230,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Learn about his new song, “On Sight,” released July 1.
Katie HellandJuly 17, 2025
6 weekend activities for $3 or less
Aloha State Daily has compiled a list of events and activities happening this Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20. Looking for live music and opportunities to walk, talk and shop? We have you covered!
Katie HellandJuly 16, 2025
Molokai luthier Eric DeVine to share building process
The owner of DeVine Guitars and ʻUkuleles picked up the profession of building instruments after taking a community college class on the Mainland. Today, his custom guitars and ʻukulele designs feature woods from around the world, along with opals, emeralds and black coral.
Katie HellandJuly 15, 2025
Waimānalo Beach Parkʻs campgrounds get new name
Learn about the groundskeeper, George Keʻa Mahoe Jr., who was honored this week by the Department of Parks and Recreation for a 40-year career working at beach parks across East Oʻahu.
Katie HellandJuly 12, 2025
Insect-A-Palooza flies into Honolulu
Do your keiki love insects? This event, presented by Patagonia Honolulu and the University of Hawaiʻi Insect Museum, gives kids of all ages a chance to learn about native bugs.
Katie HellandJuly 11, 2025
"Sharing Aloha" documentary to premiere next month
The film shares the stories of student workers who perform at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The nonprofit attraction's ticket sales cover daily operations and support the education of student employees at the nearby Brigham Young University - Hawaiʻi.
Katie HellandJuly 11, 2025
Mayor appoints new executive director for office of culture and the arts
She will lead arts and culture initiatives through strategic and community-informed programing for the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts for the City and County of Honolulu.
Katie HellandJuly 10, 2025
ʻUkulele virtuosos from across the world to headline festival
Love ʻukulele music? This free concert's headliners include Taimane Gardner, Herb Ohta Jr. and Kazuyuki Sekiguchi.
Katie HellandJuly 10, 2025
10 things to do on Oʻahu: Friday, July 11, to Sunday, July 13
From tea with butterflies to live music, Aloha State Daily has you covered. Here are just a sampling of fun activities you can pursue across Oʻahu this weekend.
Katie HellandJuly 09, 2025
Kauaʻi mayor declares 'Sydney Elizebeth Agudong Day'
The Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau hosted events to celebrate the live action remake of “Lilo & Stitch.” As part of the activities, the mayor for the County of Kauaʻi honored this Kauaʻi-born actress for her role in the film.
Katie HellandJuly 09, 2025
Australian director brings “Side by Side by Sondheim” to Mānoa Valley Theatre
The show’s director and choreographer, James Wright, gives readers a preview of the plot and shares what sets this production apart from others.
Katie HellandJuly 07, 2025
Honolulu-based author wins national award
Alice Inoue is a life coach, business founder and astrologer. The award-winning author just added another accolade to her career, an award for her newest book “Daily Mindful Moments: A Year of Life Wisdom.”
Katie HellandJuly 04, 2025
Ballet Hawaiʻi's “Reflections in Motion" showcase features students, alongside professionals
Ballet Hawaiʻi is hosting a summer intensive for students that brings experts in dance from across the country to Oʻahu for four weeks. Here is how you can get tickets to the one-night dance showcase featuring classical ballet, as well as Broadway-inspired choreography.
Katie HellandJuly 03, 2025
Parker Ranch to host rodeo and horse races on July 4
Start the holiday weekend with a visit to Waimea, where Parker Ranch is hosting its 61st annual rodeo and races. Fifth generation rancher DeeDee Keakealani Bertelmann shares the history of the event and tips on how to get good seats and navigate the weather.
Katie HellandJuly 03, 2025
New deputy director named for Honolulu's Department of Enterprise Services
The new hire replaces Tracy Kubota, who retired last month after a 30-year career in public service. The department manages several entertainment venues, including the Neal S. Blaisdell Center and the Tom Moffat Waikīkī Shell.
Katie HellandJuly 02, 2025
Bloomberg Philanthropies selects Honolulu as finalist in global competition
The City and County of Honolulu will receive $50,000 to prototype a program that would add new rooftops and community gardens to public places, including its new rail line, as part of a plan to grow fresh produce for underserved populations.
Katie HellandJuly 01, 2025
Oʻahu fireworks: your preview for July 4
Looking for fireworks that crackle and shimmer in the night sky on Independence Day? Aloha State Daily has you covered. We have rounded up possible shows for you and the keiki to enjoy from Waikīkī to the North Shore.
Katie HellandJune 30, 2025
5 ways to celebrate the July 4 weekend (mostly without fireworks)
Aloha State Daily has rounded up some ways to enjoy the long weekend with music, rodeo activities, horse races and pool time. Make your plans now! The weekend is just a few days away.
Katie HellandJune 29, 2025
Disney announces second live action “Lilo & Stitch” movie
The statement from Walt Disney Studios arrives as the original live action remake, which launched in theaters about a month ago, approaches $1 billion in sales worldwide. The live action movie features local talent, including Hawaiʻi Island-born Maia Kealoha, as Lilo, and Kauai-born Sydney Agudong as Nani, her older sister.
Katie HellandJune 26, 2025
Kalaʻe Parish — a self declared ʻweekend cowboyʻ — just won 5 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards
You can watch Kala’e + Kalena, the award-winning husband-and-wife duo, perform at the Waimea Valley Summer Concert Series and Kāneʻohe Night Market this weekend. ASD asked Parish about what inspires his music and how it felt to be recognized.
Katie HellandJune 26, 2025
7 things to do on Oʻahu this weekend: Friday, June 27, to Sunday, June 29
This Friday, Saturday and Sunday are filled with musical performances, including one featuring singer Kalaʻe Parish, who won five Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards last weekend. Also performing this weekend is Maoli, the island reggae and country band taking “Last Sip of Summer” on an international tour that includes two nights in Honolulu.
Katie HellandJune 25, 2025
And the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award goes to ...
Missed the live stream for the 48th annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards? Learn who won Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and more.
Katie HellandJune 24, 2025
Chef Angie Lee shares what to expect at Seisuke Knife Festival Hawaiʻi this Sunday
This sushi chef who launched Tsuki Maki, an omakase-style pop-up concept in Hawaiʻi and Japan, will demonstrate how to make oshizushi, or pressed sushi, at the inaugural festival on Oʻahu.
Katie HellandJune 24, 2025
Producer gives inside scoop on 'Six,ʻ the Broadway musical touring Honolulu this month
Kevin McCollum, the producer of “Rent,” brings a new musical, “Six” to Honolulu. McCollum has produced three shows that have gone on to win Tony Awards for Best Musical: “Rent” (1996), “Avenue Q” (2004), and “In the Heights” (2008). “Six,” presented by Broadway in Hawaiʻi, runs at Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall through June 29 and explores the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII. McCollum shares how growing up in Hawaiʻi influenced his career.
Katie HellandJune 21, 2025