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.

Nālani Kanakaʻole, revered kumu hula and cultural matriarch, has died

She was the youngest daughter of Edith Kanakaʻole, the founder of Hālau o Kekuhi and for whom the stadium used for Merrie Monarch is named. She also co-founded Sig Zane Designs in 1985 with her husband, Sig Zane.

Katie HellandJanuary 06, 2026

Walk to support library services in Waikoloa

Hosted by Friends of the Library Waikoloa Region and Kohala Coffee Company, the annual 5K Walk/Run for Literacy is set for Saturday, Feb. 7, at Waikoloa Plaza. Proceeds from the fundraiser – which this year includes two auctions, both online and in-person, will go toward programming.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 16, 2026

Chief inspector seeks murderer in Mānoa show

“Dial M for Murder” is coming to Mānoa Valley Theatre this month. Aloha State Daily spoke with Dwight Martin, who plays the chief inspector, about his career and how it feels to be back on stage. He previously served as the theater's producing director for 38 years.

Katie HellandJanuary 16, 2026

Steve Aoki reimagines tracks from recent album

This DJ with ties to the Islands has taken music from an album released last year and shared fresh takes on it. The songs are now streaming on Apple Music and Spotify.

Katie HellandJanuary 14, 2026

What to do on Oʻahu for the three-day weekend

Ready to make plans for the long weekend? We have your guide to fun on Oʻahu for Saturday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 19. From new food spots to a free parade in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., there are many events happening in the next few days.

Katie HellandJanuary 14, 2026

Tax credits top concern for Hawaiʻi Film Alliance

John Salanoa, chair of the bills committee for HFA, shares the group’s vision for legislative priorities to support the film industry in 2026.

Katie HellandJanuary 13, 2026

Bruno Mars announces new music

It will be his first album in almost 10 years. The graduate of Roosevelt High School also announced plans to tour.

Katie HellandJanuary 10, 2026

Hawaiʻi Film Alliance hosts legislative briefing

Ahead of the opening of the 2026 legislative session, the Hawai'i Film Alliance is hosting a group of speakers to share classroom-style briefings designed to help industry professionals understand key issues.

Katie HellandJanuary 09, 2026

What to know about 'The Wrecking Crew' starring Jason Momoa

The new movie launches this month, featuring Momoa and Dave Bautista, who play estranged brothers brought together by the death of their father. The story is set in the Islands.

Katie HellandJanuary 08, 2026

Portrait exhibit visits Oʻahu from Maui

The Schaefer Portrait Challenge takes place every three years at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. The exhibit recently traveled to Capitol Modern, the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, where it will be on special display for the next seven months.

Katie HellandJanuary 07, 2026

Your guide to the weekend: Friday, Jan. 9, to Sunday, Jan. 11

Dreaming of weekend plans? Aloha State Daily can help. We did the research and compiled a list events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, which range from live music featuring The Green, Johnny Valentine and 3 Little Birds, to a new exhibit at Capitol Modern, the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum.