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.

ʻThe Queen’s Willʻ premieres in Honolulu

The world premiere of a new play, “The Queen’s Will,” is headed for Kumu Kahua Theatre. Playwright Sean T.C. O’Malley shares how more than 500 articles helped inspire the show, which takes the stage for the first time this month.

Katie HellandAugust 08, 2026

Waikīkī resort opens entertainment center

Family bowling is possible in Waikīkī at this entertainment center, which opened in June. The 6,000-square-foot space also includes more than 60 arcade games.

Katie HellandAugust 07, 2026

Three Oʻahu contestants advance to ‘America’s Got Talent’ live shows

Several acts featuring Oʻahu residents earned spots in the live shows of “America’s Got Talent.” The grand prize of the talent competition is $1 million, plus a potentially career-changing platform with an audience that spans more than 20 countries.

Katie HellandAugust 06, 2026

Eat spam and vote: Oʻahu weekend guide

Looking for fun things to do this Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9? From celebrating National Spam Musubi Day to casting your vote in statewide elections, Aloha State Daily has your guide for how to spend the weekend.

Katie HellandAugust 05, 2026

Raina Huang returns for four Hawaiʻi eating contests

This celebrity competitive eater will be in Honolulu this week, with stops at the Korean Festival Hawaiʻi, Nori Bar Waikīkī and Oh My Grill.

Katie HellandAugust 04, 2026

‘Past, present and future’: Hawaiian Council’s Native Hawaiian Convention and keiki hula competition focused on next generation of ʻŌiwi leaders

Aloha State Daily recently attended the Native Hawaiian Convention hosted by Hawaiian Council on Oʻahu. The organization’s CEO Kūhio Lewis shares highlights from the events, which this year included new technology and opportunities for keiki to gain confidence by showcasing dance and selling their locally made products.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 03, 2026

Exclusive video: North Shore brothers talk about ʻAmerica’s Got Talent’

Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, the North Shore brothers who are also the nephews of Bruno Mars are back on “America’s Got Talent.” Catch them singing for Simon Cowell at his house in an episode that airs Tuesday, Aug. 4. They also unpack their latest single “Heartbeat,” which was inspired by their grandmother, and the cheehoo that calmed their nerves during auditions.

Katie HellandAugust 01, 2026

Q&A with Bishop Museum CEO Kris Helgen

This mammal-discovering scientist is now the president and CEO of Bishop Museum. Helgen shares some of the biggest challenges and accomplishments of the past year, which is his first 12 months in the role.

Katie HellandJuly 31, 2026

The 22nd annual Korean Festival is coming Aug. 8

The event is free to attend, and will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Kapiʻolani Park. Attendees can look forward to Korean food, cultural experiences, family-friendly activities and live performances.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 31, 2026

Inside Ballet Hawaiʻi’s ʻForces of Natureʻ

From a volcanic eruption to the four seasons, Ballet Hawaiʻi will put music to movement as part of the capstone performance of its summer intensive, which features students as well as soloists from across the country.

Katie HellandJuly 30, 2026

Mu‘u and mimosas afternoon tea is now every Saturday

Kaimana Beach Hotel’s afternoon tea is available weekly starting at 2 p.m. The experience costs $55 per person and guests can enjoy a variety of sweet and savory baked goods, along with live entertainment.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 29, 2026

Bon dance, 'Les Misérables,' and laughs: what to do on Oʻahu this weekend

Ready to plan your weekend? Aloha State Daily can help! From a Bon dance in Waipahu to a Comedy U and Consolidated Theatres collaboration in Kapolei, there are lots of events happening across Oʻahu this Friday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 2.

Katie HellandJuly 29, 2026

Oʻahu hālau wins top awards at Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition

An Oʻahu-based hālau took top honors at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, while one from Maui captured the Hawaiian Language Award. Check out the full list of winners.

Katie HellandJuly 28, 2026

Frank De Lima is still making everyone laugh

The legendary Island comedian, who recently celebrated his 77th birthday, now resides in Las Vegas and still writes new material.

Christian ShimabukuJuly 24, 2026

New book features Hawaiʻi film spots

A new book, set to release in August, highlights the movies and television series that have been filmed on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokai, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. Written by Ed Rampell and Luis Reyes, the book explores the cinematic histories of spots across the state, including shoutouts for recent film productions, such as "Chief of War" and Disney's live-action "Moana."

Katie HellandJuly 22, 2026

Hula, surf films, and more: Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 26

Ready to plan for the weekend? Aloha State Daily can help! Whether you are looking to catch the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition and Festival or watch a free movie at Queen’s Beach in Waikīkī, there are lots of options for weekend fun on Oʻahu.

Katie HellandJuly 21, 2026

Hawaiʻi Island hālau returns for Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition

Keiki from 15 hālau across the state, including Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island, will compete in the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition this week. Kumu Kenneth “Aloha” Dean Alohapumehanaokalā Victor shares how he helps the students of Hālau Kala’akeakauikawēkiu embrace fun and dream big.

Katie HellandJuly 20, 2026

Native Hawaiian Convention returns to Honolulu

Following a convention in Washington last year, the Native Hawaiian Convention hosted by Hawaiian Council has returned to Oʻahu. Learn about the speakers, hands-on cultural workshops and panel discussions planned for this year’s event. There will also be special dedicated events to remember the 50th anniversary of the first landing on Kahoʻolawe.

Katie HellandJuly 17, 2026

Hawai‘i's Bretman Rock makes 2026 Time100 Creators list

The list recognizes 100 of the "most influential digital voices" of 2026.

Stephanie SalmonsJuly 16, 2026

Hula, ʻAuana soundtrack, and $1 ice cream: weekend guide for Oʻahu

Looking for ways to celebrate the weekend? Catch the Prince Lot Hula Festival, listen to the ʻAuana soundtrack, eat $1 ice cream and attend Bon Dances. Aloha State Daily shares a list of a dozen ways you can get into weekend mode this Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July, 19.

Katie HellandJuly 15, 2026

Your guide to upcoming theater on Oʻahu

Ready to see a production on stage? From Hawaiʻi premieres to Shakespearean classics, there are lots of shows to catch in Honolulu, Waikīkī, and more this summer and fall.

Katie HellandJuly 14, 2026

And the Nā Hōkū Hanohano winners are ...

The winners of Female Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year, as well as many other Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards have been announced. These artists took home the top awards on Saturday, July 11.

Katie HellandJuly 12, 2026

Kamaka ʻUkulele celebrates 110 years

The ʻukulele company which makes instruments played by ʻukulele virtuosos and movie stars is celebrating more than a century of business. The instruments will be featured at the International ʻUkulele Festival of Hawaiʻi, a free event that returns to the Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand, this Sunday, July 12.