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
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
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.
Katie HellandJanuary 07, 2026
And the Greenlight Award goes to...
Nonprofit ʻOhina gave one writer participating in its filmmaker workshop the green light for funding and production support to transform her script into a short film.
Katie HellandJanuary 05, 2026
Hawai‘i restaurants, Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana recognized on 10Best lists
USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best New Restaurants and Best New Attractions were announced Jan. 2.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 05, 2026
City seeks applications for Lei Court
Want to be king or queen? The City and County of Honolulu is seeking its Lei Court for 2026. Applications are available now and must be postmarked by Friday, Jan. 23.
Katie HellandJanuary 03, 2026
Downtown Art Center signs five-year deal
A nonprofit that offers exhibit space, classrooms for arts education and a gift shop with local artwork just signed a deal with the City and County of Honolulu to continue its work in the Chinatown/Downtown area for the next few years.
Katie HellandJanuary 03, 2026
Your guide to the weekend: Friday, Jan. 2 – Sunday, Jan. 4
Highlights of activities on Oʻahu this weekend include opportunities for bargain shopping through Fukubukuro mystery bags, in addition to dance and yoga classes, plus a workshop that teaches how to crochet lei.
Katie HellandDecember 30, 2025
Honolulu City Lights: last day extended
Missed the Honolulu City Lights? You can still catch them. The displays will be open to the public a few extra days this year due to “recent inclement weather,” according to representatives of the City and County of Honolulu.
Katie HellandDecember 29, 2025
Arts & Entertainment's top 12 stories of 2025
Aloha State Daily rounded up some of the most-read stories in Arts & Entertainment for 2025. This year, musicians who grew up on the Islands won a Grammy, competed in “American Idol” and sang the soundtrack for Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch.” Here are the headlines that resonated most with readers.
Katie HellandDecember 26, 2025
Get tickets to first Wayfind Music Festival
This event at the Capitol Modern brings together kānaka voices. Featured artists include Lōʻihi Records' Pulitzer Prize-finalist Leilehua Lanzilotti and headliner T.J. Keanu Tario, as well as Grammy Award-winners Kalia Vandever and Andrew Yee.
Katie HellandDecember 24, 2025
What to do this weekend on O‘ahu
Looking for something to fill the between-holiday lull? Aloha State Daily has rounded up a few things to do this weekend, Friday, Dec. 26; Saturday, Dec. 27; and Sunday, Dec. 28.
Stephanie SalmonsDecember 24, 2025
26 places to party for 2026: New Year’s Eve on O’ahu
Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year! Looking to ring in 2026 on Oʻahu? Here are 26 events, listed by neighborhood, happening between ʻEwa Beach and Hawaiʻi Kai.
Katie HellandDecember 23, 2025
5 Island takes on Christmas songs
It is December! That means it is time to turn up the holiday music, from classics like “Mele Kalikimaka” featuring Bing Crosby and Iam Tongi to “O Holy Night” from Thunderstorm Artis. Here are some takes on holiday music from artists rooted in the Islands.
Katie HellandDecember 22, 2025
Inaugural song contest names winner with North Shore roots
The finalists for the first Nā Pua Mele o Hawai‘i Song Contest took the stage at the Blue Note Hawai’i this week, where they sang for a live audience. Meet the contest’s winner, who takes home a cash prize plus a recording session and a scholarship for voice lessons at a business or nonprofit of their choice.
Katie HellandDecember 19, 2025
The doctor is in! (a holiday ensemble)
These Kaiser doctors have a few notes for their patients. Musical notes, that is. To spread holiday cheer, they are giving free concerts to patients and staff at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center this month.
Katie HellandDecember 18, 2025
Holiday shows benefit Kumu Kahua Theatre
Funds raised this month from the nonprofit theatre’s Dark Night Programs — "Improv Superette” and “The Work”— will go toward its operating budget, according to managing director Donna Blanchard. Tickets are available for three more shows Dec. 19 to 21.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 18, 2025
What to do this weekend on Oʻahu
Aloha State Daily rounded up things to do this weekend, including ice skating, watching parades and ordering your favorite holiday treats. Check out this guide to the holidays on Friday, Dec. 19, Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21.
Katie HellandDecember 17, 2025
Catch two Christmas concerts for free
Honolulu-based community choir Voices of Aloha, led by music director Jim Cismowski, has two final shows this season. He shares more about the group, what audiences can expect and what he loves most about music.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosDecember 17, 2025
Kapono’s at The Lounge debuts with New Year’s Eve events
Three performance spaces will come alive in Hawaiʻi Kai on Dec. 31 as part of a collaboration between Henry Kapono Ka'aihue, Henry Kapono Foundation, and The Lounge at Island Sound Studios.
Katie HellandDecember 16, 2025
“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