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.
News
Hawaiian martial arts master inaugurates “Warrior Women” exhibit at L.A. Museum
Michelle Manu presides over new exhibition paying tribute to female protectors, defenders and combatants at world’s only museum honoring international self-defense disciplines, including ancient Hawai‘i’s lua. She resides in California but returns to the Islands next month to lead a women's retreat on Hawai‘i Island.
Ed RampellAugust 25, 2026
Vote to keep Oʻahu contestants on ‘America’s Got Talent’
Three singers with ties to the Islands are quarterfinalists on “America’s Got Talent.” You can help them advance. Learn more about their music and when they will take the stage.
Katie HellandAugust 24, 2026
Best of Hawai‘i Mākeke offers more ways to shop local
The three-day mākeke, presented by Hawai‘i's Finest, returns to the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall this weekend with more than 300 local businesses.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 21, 2026
For Kaua’i pet biz: Anything is paw-sible
This Garden Isle entrepreneur will have five suitcases of alohawear for pets at the Made in Hawai’i Festival this weekend. Learn about the dog that inspired the designs, which are love at fur-st sight for some shoppers.
Katie HellandAugust 21, 2026
Waiākea High School student wants to bring symphony to Hilo
Keira Ida Ayu, who is a high school senior, is raising funds to bring the state orchestra, Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, to her hometown of Hilo. A musician herself, she wants keiki who call Hawaiʻi Island home to have a chance to experience symphonic music without getting on a plane. Here's how you can help.
Katie HellandAugust 21, 2026
Moses Goods brings one-man show 'Duke' to Waikīkī
This one-night-only show at Blue Note Hawaiʻi will then move to Neighbor Islands, including a premiere on Kauaʻi and in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island. The actor, movie star and cultural practitioner shares his inspiration for the story and how he gets into character.
Katie HellandAugust 20, 2026
Duke’s Ocean Fest, Perry & the Posse Show, Made in Hawaiʻi and more: What to do on Oʻahu this weekend
Watch surfboard water polo, listen to live music or shop more than 800 local vendors at the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival this weekend. Ready to make plans? Here are 10 things you can do on Oʻahu this Friday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 23.
Katie HellandAugust 19, 2026
The latest made-in-Hawai‘i movie world premieres at L.A. Film Festival, Native Hawaiian actress wins award
Written by and starring Colby Haines, crime story "Kāhala Sunset" was filmed entirely in the Islands with a cast and crew featuring "NCIS: Hawai‘i," "Five-O" and "Magnum P.I." alums.
Ed RampellAugust 18, 2026
Taimane drops new music
The Maui Music & Food Experience returns for its third year this weekend with Oʻahu-based ʻukulele virtuoso Taimane as one of its headliners. The singer and songwriter will release her new album, "Li’ulā," the day she performs.
Katie HellandAugust 18, 2026
Kani Ka Pila Grille announces finalists for talent search
Looking to catch some Hawaiian music at the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival? Stop by the Main Stage on Saturday, Aug. 22, to see the finalists for the 19th annual Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search. The winner of the contest gets a paid performance contract at Kani Ka Pila Grille, which is part of Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort.
Katie HellandAugust 15, 2026
“Kuleana” shares story of aloha ʻāina
Sara Kehaulani Goo, a journalist and news executive, writes about her family’s journey to protect ancestral lands and her experience living in the diaspora as part of her debut memoir “Kuleana.” She also shares the details of her first visit to the Pi'ilanihale Heiau, when she was 8 years old.
Katie HellandAugust 14, 2026
Bishop Museum opens auction for E Ulu A Paʻa
This annual fundraiser for the museum includes a gala with keynote speakers Sig and Kūhaʻo Zane, as well as an online auction with more than 80 items, including behind-the-scenes tours of Bishop Museum.
Katie HellandAugust 13, 2026