Arts & Culture
Meet the artists and craftspeople keeping Hawai‘i traditions alive
Hawai‘i is filled with talented, passionate artists and performers. In recent months we’ve featured an ‘ukulele maker, sculptors, hula performers, Native Hawaiian language experts, anime cosplayers, symphony musicians, local filmmakers, Okinawan drummers, musical theatre performers, and more.
News
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
“Lilo & Stitch” is a family affair for screenwriter Chris Kekaniokalani Bright
For this writer, the reveal of Disney’s live action version of “Lilo & Stitch” on Friday, May 23, feels a bit like handing off a present on Christmas morning where “you can’t wait for everybody to see it, and you’re just waiting for them to open it.”
Katie HellandMay 23, 2025
Kāneʻohe-based Scott Na‘auao will speak about revival at CreativeMornings
This free event brings creatives together to talk about a common theme in cities across the world. The next event in Honolulu will take place at Salt at Our Kakaʻako.
Katie HellandMay 22, 2025
Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu shares how the same oli was featured at Merrie Monarch and in Disney’s new “Lilo & Stitch” movie
Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu reflects on Merrie Monarch and how hula and music are not “the same thing, but they should both make your brain dance.” An oli he performed at Merrie Monarch this year had the audience singing. It appeared in the original animated version of ʻLilo & Stitch’ in 2002. It will also be part of the soundtrack for Disney’s live action version of the movie, which debuts Friday, May 23.
Katie HellandMay 22, 2025
Aquatic dinosaurs visit Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
These giant oceanic reptiles are making a special stop at this Oʻahu-based museum, starting Saturday, May 24. In fact, the animatronic dinosaurs have arrived to hang out with keiki of all ages as part of a visiting exhibit.
Katie HellandMay 21, 2025
Dinosaurs, coral and science to be showcased at this Oʻahu festival
Dinosaurs, deep sea coral and aquaponics are just some of the things keiki of all ages can explore at this festival held at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. As part of the special event, admission to the museum is discounted to $5 for kamaʻāina and military. ASD spoke with Kapalikūokalani Maile, the museum's education programs manager, to learn more.
Katie HellandMay 20, 2025
ASD interviews Kaipo Dudoit, an actor in Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch”
Oʻahu-based actor Kaipo Dudoit surfs, fire dances and has a crush on his neighbor in Disney’s live action version of “Lilo & Stitch.” The movie, which was filmed on Oʻahu, is set to debut in theaters on May 23.
Katie HellandMay 17, 2025
Mental health hui helps ʻohana in Wai‘anae and beyond
Originally from Hawaiʻi Island, Social Worker Noelani Sagapolutele has served Oʻahu's Leeward Coast for more than two decades. She just launched startup Kākoʻo Hawaiʻi Mental Health Collective, or Waʻa Collective, to match providers with patients in a culturally conscious way across the country.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 16, 2025
Bishop Museum to host first Summer Sizzle Music Festival
A new summer music festival debuts this weekend at Bishop Museum. Headliners include Sammy Johnson, Anuhea and Mana‘o Company.
Katie HellandMay 16, 2025
“Kim’s Convenience” to premiere at Mānoa Valley Theatre this week
The Netflix sitcom “Kim’s Convenience” started as a play. This week, director Reiko Ho will bring this story to a stage on O'ahu.
Katie HellandMay 15, 2025