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
Music video filmed at Hanalei Bay gets world premiere in Hollywood
Actress turned filmmaker Carolina Espiro created a music video for four-time Grammy Award winner Kalani Peʻa’s song “Hanalei I Ka Pilimoe.” Shot entirely by moonlight at Hanalei Bay, its world premiere debuted on Friday, June 26, at Dances with Films Festival in Hollywood, California.
Katie HellandJune 27, 2026
New mural unveiling on Kauaʻi this Saturday
The Garden Island has new art, which will be unveiled to the public this weekend. The project is a collaboration between Common Ground Kauaʻi, a 63-acre regenerative farm, and Capitol Modern. The project involves 11 artists, including many who call Kauaʻi home.
Katie HellandJune 26, 2026
Inside Hunter Hayes’ new album: ʻEvergreenʻ
The singer and songwriter spoke with Aloha State Daily about his new music and upcoming performances at the Blue Note Hawaiʻi in Waikīkī, ahead of the start of a tour to promote his new album. Catch him in Honolulu on Sunday, June 28, and Tuesday, June 30.
Katie HellandJune 26, 2026
And the Wailuku Film Festival winners are...
It’s a wrap for the inaugural Wailuku Film Festival. Brian Kohne, the festival's director and the Maui film commissioner, reflected on the event and how it impacted local businesses. Read more to learn the festival’s winners.
Katie HellandJune 25, 2026
Wehiwehi artists perform at Bishop Museum, Shangri La
Six Kānaka Maoli artists shared their work with the community at the Wehiwehi artist showcase on June 19 at Bishop Museum. This week, artists from the Wehiwehi residency program will also perform at Shangri La before an evening crowd of up to 200 people at the first event of its kind for the museum and cultural center, after an expanded conditional use permit went into effect this year.
Katie HellandJune 24, 2026
Festivals, a hui hou to Kam Bowl, and cinema: What to do on O’ahu this weekend
Ready to make plans for the weekend? Aloha State Daily can help. From saying a hui hou to Kam Bowl Restaurant, which closes Sunday, to checking out the Pacific Rim Festival or Hawai’i Beer Fest, there are lots of events happening on O’ahu this weekend. Looking to stay cool inside? Sign up for the Hawai’i State Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge.
Katie HellandJune 23, 2026
Hawaiʻi showcased at Smithsonian exhibit
In July, the U.S. will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its existence as a nation. In honor of the event, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has launched an exhibit that includes items from all 50 states, including its youngest one: Hawaiʻi.
Katie HellandJune 23, 2026
Oʻahu-based artist drops debut full-length album
8RO8 talks about his debut full-length album, “Hammajang,” which releases this month. The singer and songwriter, who grew up in Mākaha, shares behind-the-scenes moments from capturing a recent music video, which was filmed in a surprising spot: along the Ala Wai Canal.
Katie HellandJune 20, 2026
Governor designates state orchestra for Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra has a new title, which comes with statewide recognition. Amy Iwano, president and CEO of the nonprofit, shares what this means for the organization. Aloha State Daily takes a closer look at the symphony's finances over recent years.
Katie HellandJune 19, 2026
Coral and snails star in 'Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals'
Musicians, dancers and puppeteers will take the stage in September to share a world premier performance of “Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals,” which tells the story of endangered creatures around the globe. Featured in the performance are several species that call Hawaiʻi home, including sea turtles, snails and coral.
Katie HellandJune 18, 2026
Juneteenth, Father’s Day, and more: what to do on Oʻahu this weekend
Ready to make plans for Juneteenth and Father’s Day? From live music at a botanical garden to free entry at a local museum and a movie screening that stars an actor who calls Kakaʻako home, there are lots of events happening on Oʻahu this weekend. Make your plans now for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Katie HellandJune 17, 2026
UPDATE: Hawaiʻi contestant gets golden buzzer on ʻAmerica’s Got Talent’
This Army sergeant got his musical break when he recorded himself singing in a car. Now, Oʻahu resident Isaac Atkins is reflecting on the “America’s Got Talent” auditions that recently took him to California.
Katie HellandJune 16, 2026
Your guide to Father’s Day 2026: laugh, eat, fish
Ready to make Father’s Day plans? From fishing to eating, Aloha State Daily has your guide for how to celebrate on Oʻahu.
Katie HellandJune 13, 2026
High Watah, Three Plus headline first public late night event at Limelight Hawaiʻi
Keldin Calairo-Nakagawa, the lead singer of High Watah, reflects on a new performance venue on Oʻahu, which opens to the public on Saturday, June 13. The space will offer late night entertainment and is an approximately $15 million investment from Roberts Hawaiʻi.
Katie HellandJune 12, 2026
Dancer in diaspora brings art home to Oʻahu
Wehiwehi is an artist residency program that is bringing six Kanaka Maoli artists from Hawaiʻi and the Mainland together to collaborate on hula, mele, modern dance, theater and more. These artists will share their work in showcases at Shangri La and the Bishop Museum in June. Kealoha Ferreira is one of the artists living in the diaspora, who will return to Oʻahu this month to participate in the program.
Katie HellandJune 12, 2026
Pan-Pacific Festival returns to Waikīkī
Bishop Shuji Komagata reflects on Hawaiʻi Matsuri Taiko’s mores than 30 years of performances at the Pan-Pacific Festival, a three-day event happening on Oʻahu this weekend.
Katie HellandJune 11, 2026
King Kamehameha Day, High Watah and hula: your guide to the weekend
Ready to plan the weekend? Don’t miss contests for mele, hula and mango recipes. There will be King Kamehameha Day celebrations, a Mele Conference & Hula Festival and the opening late-night event for Limelight Hawaiʻi, which will feature performances from High Watah and Three Plus.
Katie HellandJune 10, 2026
Gov. Green announces new DLNR leadership
Dawn Chang will retire as chairperson and director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources next month. Gov. Josh Green has announced her replacement.
Katie HellandJune 09, 2026
'America’s Got Talent' has Hawaiʻi contestants
These North Shore brothers will be featured in Season 21 of “America’s Got Talent.” Tune in Tuesday, June 9, to catch their performance.
Katie HellandJune 08, 2026
26 free activities for keiki in summer 2026
Wondering what to do on Oʻahu with the keiki this summer? Aloha State Daily pulled together this list of upcoming activities such as free movies at the beach, access to multiple museums and live music.
Katie HellandJune 06, 2026
Four movies to see with ʻSunset on the Beachʻ in Waikīkī
Looking for a free family movie night on the beach where you can have your toes in the sand? That is possible through the "Sunset on the Beach" movie series, which started in May, and brings five family-friendly movies to Queen’s Beach in Waikīkī. Learn which movies are showing this summer.
Katie HellandJune 05, 2026
OluKai collaborates with Jason and Travis Kelce
The Island-inspired footwear company is partnering with New Heights from Super Bowl Champions Jason and Travis Kelce on a new men’s sandal, which releases just before Father’s Day.
Katie HellandJune 05, 2026
Want to smell a corpse flower?
Today, you can at Foster Botanical Garden, where one is in bloom for the second time in 2026. For a limited time, this giant stinky flower will be emitting memorable odors. It is one of many plants on display at Foster Botanical Garden.
Katie HellandJune 04, 2026
Corpse flower, Festa Italiana and more: Your guide to the weekend on Oʻahu
Check the status of Foster Botanical Garden’s corpse flower, which is known for its powerful death-like smell that might bloom this week. Think that idea stinks? Then, eat food at a street festival or enjoy live Reggae music. There is also an outdoors expo happening this weekend.
Katie HellandJune 03, 2026
Documentary spotlights Maui wildfire
"Lahaina Rising" focuses on how the devastating Lahaina wildfire of August 2023 changed lives and ignited already existing concerns about water rights and land. Director Matty Schweitzer shares more about the award-winning documentary, which will screen at the inaugural Wailuku Film Festival in June.
Katie HellandJune 02, 2026
Bird calls, retro Waikīkī in spotlight at upcoming HSO concert
The modern exotica ensemble Waitiki 7 will perform at several venues, including with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra in a one-night performance at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall in June. The group will also give a special performance with the legendary Harold Chang — the original drummer and percussionist in the Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman groups that started the genre — in a cocktail lounge at Halekulani Hotel.
Katie HellandMay 29, 2026
'Memory Beads' premieres at Kumu Kahua Theatre
Memory, aging and identity are at the heart of this play from retired public school teacher Diane Aoki. A story that came out of a challenge at a festival for playwrights is now finding its way to the stage for the first time in its entirety at Kumu Kahua Theatre.
Katie HellandMay 29, 2026
Hawaiʻi Food and Wine Festival announces line-up
The festival features renowned chefs across three Islands this year. Learn about the 11 events the festival announced on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island and Maui.
Katie HellandMay 27, 2026
Laughs, science and more: What to do on Oʻahu this weekend
Already dreaming of the weekend after three days off? Aloha State Daily can help you make plans for Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31. From a women in rap party in Waikīkī to stand-up comedy in Kapolei, there are lots of events happening this weekend on Oʻahu.
Katie HellandMay 27, 2026
Windward Community College professor named Guggenheim Fellow
Kapulani Landgraf, a professor of art at Windward Community College was recently named a Guggenheim Fellow. She spoke with Aloha State Daily recently about her work.
Katie HellandMay 25, 2026
Flowers, volunteers needed ahead of Memorial Day
Girl Scouts Hawaiʻi is collecting flowers and ti leaves for lei to honor the more than 10,000 service members at the Hawaiʻi State Veteran’s Cemetery in Kāneʻohe. On Saturday, May 23, members of the public are invited to join them in creating lei.
Katie HellandMay 23, 2026
Backset drops new single “Up Late”
The ‘Āina Haina-based band Backset is releasing its first single from a six-song extended play this week. Aloha State Daily caught up with Gabriel Goes, who also performed on NBC’s “The Voice,” Hawaiian Council’s “Hawaiʻi to the World,” and more, about his inspiration for the new music and how to listen.
Katie HellandMay 22, 2026
Taimane, Los Lobos to headline Maui Music and Food Experience
Music and food are on the menu for the third annual Maui Music and Food Experience, which will host several days of performances in Kāʻanapali in August. The event’s headliners were announced this week. Proceeds of the two-day event will benefit Hua Momona Foundation, which is working to feed the community, help Lahaina rebuild and foster a youth music scene on Maui.
Katie HellandMay 20, 2026
What to do on Oʻahu for Memorial Day weekend
From sewing lei for service members to the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi, there are lots of events happening on Oʻahu this weekend. Aloha State Daily rounded up some of the ceremonies and activities, so you can make plans.
Katie HellandMay 19, 2026
Exhibit on Robert Cazimero extends through next week
A special exhibit honoring the work of legendary musician and Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero has been extended due to popular demand. Catch it at Gallery ‘Iolani at Windward Community College.
Katie HellandMay 19, 2026
'Groundbreaking' film combines Chile, Hawaiʻi and hula
The short film “Pilina” combines cultural influences from Chile and Hawaiʻi with a common language: dance. Chilean American Filmmaker Carolina Espiro and Mānoa-based Producer Jana Park spoke with Aloha State Daily about the production, which will debut in early 2027.
Katie HellandMay 16, 2026
And the Nā Hōkū Hanohano finalists are…
The Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts has released the list of finalists for its prestigious Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. Nominees were selected for each of almost 30 categories. Awards include Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and more.
Katie HellandMay 15, 2026
Mākaha waterman receives lifetime achievement award
Brian Keaulana got his start in the movie industry as a stuntman. Recently, the waterman was a producer for Apple TV’s “Chief of War,” which stars his cousin, Jason Momoa, and Fox’s “Rescue: HI-Surf.” Keaulana reflects on the ocean, plus opportunities for youth to grow into careers in the film industry, where he has worked for more than three decades.
Katie HellandMay 15, 2026
'Top Gun' and 'Top Gun: Maverick' return to theaters
These Tom Cruise movies are back on the big screen after the original film premiered 40 years ago and “Top Gun: Maverick” hit theaters in 2022. Watch the action movies at Consolidated Theatres in four locations through next week.
Katie HellandMay 14, 2026
Jack Johnson, farmers markets and more: Your guide to the weekend
Ready to make plans for Friday, Saturday and Sunday on Oʻahu? Whether you are looking for some live music or a farmers market, Aloha State Daily put together this list of ideas, which includes how to round up ingredients for banana pancakes … or listen to Jack Johnson sing about them.
Katie HellandMay 13, 2026
New legislation increases tax credits for Hawaiʻi productions
The film industry may see increased tax credits through new legislation now before Gov. Josh Green for approval. The bill would increase tax credits by 5% on Oʻahu and Neighbor Islands for productions with at least 80% local hires.
Katie HellandMay 09, 2026
7 things to do for Memorial Day 2026
Looking for ways to celebrate Memorial Day? The City and County of Honolulu is looking for help creating 38,000 lei for service members laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. There are also opportunities to visit Pearl Harbor and attend a Memorial Day lantern floating ceremony.
Katie HellandMay 08, 2026
Why these volunteers return to Memorial Day lantern floating ceremony
Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi is a Memorial Day ceremony that brings thousands to the water’s edge at Ala Moana Beach. Jacob Kam and his mother, Betty Lou Kam, have been volunteers for several years and share what keeps them coming back.
Katie HellandMay 07, 2026
Mother’s Day, flowers, Ko Olina Children’s Festival and more
Celebrate Mother’s Day and explore a flower show that only occurs every three years at the Honolulu Museum of Art. This weekend, you can also learn the list of nominees for Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards.
Katie HellandMay 06, 2026
Master featherworker shares kuleana as consultant for 'Chief of War'
Feather cloaks, capes, helmets and lei are featured throughout the Apple TV miniseries “Chief of War.” Aloha State Daily speaks with Kumu Hulu Nui Rick Makanaaloha Kia'imeaokekanaka San Nicolas, a master featherworker who helped the show's costume department develop pieces that could be worn by actors and actresses in a variety of scenes, including battles.
Katie HellandMay 05, 2026
'Paper Bag Plan' streams internationally
This independent film from Keʻalohi Lee Lucero, an executive producer who grew up in Kaʻaʻawa, written and directed by her husband, Anthony Lucero, is now streaming on four major platforms. Find out where you can watch the film and what viewers are saying.
Katie HellandMay 02, 2026
Baritone Quinn Kelsey returns to stage where he started his career
The opera singer who performed as Sharpless in Giacomo Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” at The Metropolitan Opera in March, has roots in the Islands. This week, baritone Quinn Kelsey is back on stage where he started his career: Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre. Catch him in one of the lead roles of “Kamalehua: The Sheltering Tree,” which is performed in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and English and will have its world premiere this week.
Katie HellandApril 30, 2026
Punahou School grad is guest conductor for new opera
Lance Inouye is the principal guest conductor for the world premiere of a new opera “Kamalehua: The Sheltering Tree.” The opera, which is being presented by Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre, opens Friday, May 1, in Honolulu.
Katie HellandApril 30, 2026