Arts & Entertainment

“Hawaiʻi to the World” has a winner

The winner of “Hawaiʻi to the World” is an Oʻahu-based artist, who is also a cultural practioner and a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and The Juilliard School. Learn more about the winner of this new talent competition.

Katie HellandDecember 15, 2025

ʻĀina Haina Public Library adds robot to staff

Pepper the Robot is the newest addition to a library in East Oʻahu. Staff shared a robot demonstration where Pepper answered questions on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Katie HellandDecember 11, 2025

5 places to carb load for the Honolulu Marathon on a budget

Looking to load up on carbs a few days before running the marathon? Aloha State Daily put together a list of places you can find noodles leading up to the race.

Katie HellandDecember 11, 2025

What to do this weekend: Friday, Dec. 12 – Sunday, Dec. 14

Ready to plan the weekend? Aloha State Daily can help. Here are five events happening this Friday, Saturday or Sunday, including performances of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” by Ballet Hawaiʻi, as well as Christmas on the Avenue in Nānākuli.

Katie HellandDecember 10, 2025

PHOTOS: The Eddie, opening ceremony

Were you stuck in the office during the opening ceremony for the Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational? Check out photos of the event, which occurred Friday, Dec. 5. The holding period for the invitational started Sunday, Dec. 7, and runs through March 6.

Katie HellandDecember 09, 2025

Oʻahu winner advances to “Hawaiʻi to the World” finale

“Hawaiʻi to the World” judges selected one artist, who received classical training at The Juilliard School, to represent Oʻahu in the finale of a new talent competition. The winner will take home a $10,000 prize. Voting is still underway to select the fan favorite, who also receives a cash prize.

Katie HellandDecember 08, 2025

Opening ceremony for The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational

The paddle out and opening ceremony for The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational happened at Waimea Bay on Friday, Dec. 5. Now, the holding period for the competition starts on Sunday, Dec. 7, and runs through early March.

Katie HellandDecember 06, 2025

Filmmaker Connor Trimble releases new film about Haleʻiwa

This film about the North Shore celebrates the surf community that calls Haleʻiwa home. The collaboration between “The Inertia” and Hawaiʻi-based filmmaker Connor Trimble is now on YouTube.

Katie HellandDecember 05, 2025

‘Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice opens in Honolulu

This immersive winter wonderland runs until Jan. 4 at Hawaiʻi Convention Center. The limited-time exhibit is known for its dazzling lights and festive holiday décor. New this year: an expansive indoor ice-skating rink.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 04, 2025

“Chicago” supervising music director calls Honolulu home

Robert Billig, the supervising music director for the nationally touring production of “Chicago,” has many credits to his name. This week, he adds bringing the Tony Award-winning show to Oʻahu.

Katie HellandDecember 04, 2025

Catch these Neighbor Island holiday parades and more

There's plenty of festive things to do for the holidays on Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Island.

Stephanie SalmonsDecember 03, 2025

“Chicago,” holiday parades, and more: Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 7

Looking for a Hawai’i-made gift? Look no further than a local craft fair. Or enjoy the spectacle of live music and marchers in one of eight holiday parades happening on O’ahu this weekend. Aloha State Daily found 15 events happening on Oʻahu this week, many of which are free.

Katie HellandDecember 03, 2025

Hawaiʻi Island artist advances to finale for “Hawaiʻi to the World”

This singer and songwriter will represent Hawaiʻi Island in the finale of a new talent competition, “Hawaiʻi to the World,” which was launched by Hawaiian Council. So far, finalists have also been named to represent Kauaʻi and Maui.

Katie HellandDecember 02, 2025

Free concert features Celtic pipes and drums

Want to catch some Celtic holiday music as part of a free concert? Stop by Honolulu Hale and catch this performance.

Katie HellandDecember 02, 2025

20-plus Christmas parades on Oʻahu

Neighborhood parades start this weekend across Oʻahu. Here is a list of more than 20 events happening between Nānākuli and Hawaiʻi Kai in the next few weeks.

Katie HellandNovember 27, 2025

Free holiday concert at Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall

This concert shares holiday favorites and features the Royal Hawaiian Band — and Henry Kapono, among other guest artists — on Friday, Nov. 28.

Katie HellandNovember 27, 2025

Maui band advances to “Hawaiʻi to the World” finale

This Island reggae band caught the judges' attention and will advance to the finale for "Hawaiʻi to the World," a televised talent competition launched by Hawaiian Council. The finale will include contestants from four islands: Kauaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu.

Katie HellandNovember 26, 2025

Your guide to the long Thanksgiving weekend

Wondering where to celebrate Thanksgiving Day? Check out this guide from Aloha State Daily. When you are not spending time with family, paint a mural with Solomon Enos, shop for holiday gifts as part of Keep it Kaimukī Saturday and visit Waimea Valley to celebrate Lā Kūʻokoʻa.

Katie HellandNovember 26, 2025

Ballet Hawaiʻi’s “The Nutcracker” puts Islands center stage

Usually, “The Nutcracker” brings up visions of a Sugar Plum Fairy or the "Waltz of the Snowflakes," but those attending performances of this holiday classic from Ballet Hawaiʻi should prepare for geckos, sea turtles, iʻiwi, and a Sugar Plumeria Fairy.

Katie HellandNovember 25, 2025

Paradise Cove Lū‘au to close

After 47 years in Ko Olina, the West O‘ahu attraction will close next month, allowing a planned redevelopment of the 10.9-acre oceanfront property to proceed next year. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Liu Taufa, an entertainer who has worked at the lū‘au for 35 years about its closure and what working there has meant to her.

Stephanie SalmonsNovember 25, 2025

Paint with Solomon Enos

Ever wanted to be part of painting a community mural? Next Saturday, Nov. 29, could be your chance. This government office is teaming up with artist Solomon Enos to beautify a basement parking garage.

Katie HellandNovember 22, 2025

Wailuku Film Festival launches in 2026

Submissions are open for a new festival, which brings films to Wailuku, where theaters are within walking distance of restaurants and businesses. A focus of this festival is providing opportunities for young filmmakers.

Katie HellandNovember 21, 2025

Haiku from keiki featured in this contest

Do you know keiki who might like to feature their poetry about the Islands in a local competition? The 74th annual Cherry Blossom Festival’s Haiku Art Contest is looking for young poets this week.

Katie HellandNovember 20, 2025

Watch the finale of HI93’s Battle of the Bands and Comedians

Two dozen contestants and four rounds of competition are culminating in one night of music and laughter in Kakaʻako this week. Catch the finale of HI93’s Local Break: Battle of the Bands and Comedians where five comedians and five bands will leave it all on the stage as they compete for the contest’s grand prizes.