Arts & Entertainment

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. We’ve covered film festivals, comedy acts, live theater and classical concerts and more. This is where you’ll also find news about TV shows and movies filmed in the Islands or about Hawai‘i, and the actors attached to them. Venues matter, too, and we’ll update readers on improvements such as the recent upgrades to the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall and the Waikīkī Shell.

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

Watch animals 'born to surf' in Waikīkī

Volunteer organizer Kelli Hergert shares the history behind and what to expect this year at The Raising Cane’s Going to the Dogs SurFur ComPETition at Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest this Thursday, Aug. 21, at Kūhiō Beach. Spectators can enjoy all-day surf action by dogs, a cat and their humans.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 19, 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

Visit this museum for free on Labor Day

Hawaiʻi residents and active military can now pre-register for free tickets to tour the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, including the USS Bowfin, on Aug. 30 through Sept. 1.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 15, 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

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.