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
Broadway in Hawaiʻi presents “Chicago The Musical”
The Tony Award-winning musical is in Honolulu for eight performances in early December. Learn the cast, show times and production team.
Katie HellandOctober 11, 2025
Taimane Gardner releases new song, “Pīkake Princess”
As a kid, she got an ʻukulele and pretended to be a rock star. Today, she actually is one. The ʻukulele virtuoso who hails from ʻĀina Haina can play classics from the opera “Carmen” and rock music by Led Zeppelin. She also writes her own music inspired by the Islands she calls home. Her newest song, “Pīkake Princess” releases today.
Katie HellandOctober 10, 2025
Haunted experiences on Oʻahu
Ready to be scared? Aloha State Daily rounded up five options for haunted fun on Oʻahu at all different price points, from free to $38. Check out options in Kakaʻako, Waipahu and more.
Katie HellandOctober 09, 2025
Peacock launches new television series “Oʻahu Shores”
The show premieres Oct. 9 and focuses on the relationships between eight friends living on Oʻahu. Watch the trailer and learn more about the series.
Katie HellandOctober 09, 2025
Your guide to a faboolous Halloween on Oʻahu
What do a haunted mansion, a costume contest for surfers and pumpkin palooza have in common? The three events are happening on Oʻahu this month! Learn more about 20 fun activities related to pumpkins, Halloween and autumn planned for October.
Katie HellandOctober 08, 2025
Broadway producer and Hawaiian Council partner on new musical
The production shares the story of Hiʻiaka, who sets out on a journey to find the lover of her sister, Pele. The new production, which was created through a partnership between WitzEnd Productions and Hawaiian Council, will have its world premiere this week.
Katie HellandOctober 07, 2025
Filmmaker with Hawaiʻi roots shares story of Samoan writer Sia Figiel
Kimberlee Bassford, director of “Before the Moon Falls,” is showcasing her work at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival. Her work is one of several nominated for the festival’s Made in Hawaiʻi Award for a feature film.
Katie HellandOctober 06, 2025
Meet two HIFF filmmakers nominated for Made in Hawaiʻi awards
Ricky-Thomas Serikawa, the director of “Back to the Loko,” and Alex Bocchieri, the director of “Dasher,” are showcasing their work at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival. Their films are nominated for the festival’s Made in Hawaiʻi short film award.
Katie HellandOctober 04, 2025
Art contest for keiki open for submissions
Young artists have a chance to win cash prizes and showcase their artwork at Capitol Modern. Submissions opened Oct. 1. Winners of the regional competition get a chance to compete at the national level.
Katie HellandOctober 03, 2025
Ghost tour company ranks No. 1 in nation
Lopaka and Tanya Kapanui run this ghost tour company, which was just named the best in the nation by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The company has been named No. 1 on the list for three years in a row.
Katie HellandOctober 02, 2025
10 things to do this weekend: Friday, Oct. 3, to Sunday, Oct. 5
From the final shows of the musical “Come from Away” to the arrival of a second location of Paris Baguette, here are 10 things happening on Oʻahu this weekend.
Katie HellandOctober 01, 2025
Chinatown 808’s annual Mid-Autumn Festival is coming this Saturday
Chinatown 808 is celebrating harvest season on Oct. 4 with this all-day, family-friendly event, presented by Hawaiʻi National Bank Foundation. Attendees can look forward to a lantern parade, cultural performances, a variety of festival dishes and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 30, 2025
Your guide to Shangri La’s new ticket system
The museum, which is a center of the Doris Duke Foundation, has a new ticketing system. Previously, money raised from tour tickets, after expenses were met, benefited the Honolulu Museum of Art. Now, ticket sales will benefit HoMA and Bishop Museum.
Katie HellandSeptember 30, 2025
HIFF announces films nominated for Made in Hawaiʻi awards
Want to watch a made in Hawaiʻi film? The Hawaiʻi International Film Festival will have a number of them in theaters as part of its competition for Made in Hawaiʻi awards for best short and feature film. The festival is also a qualifying event for the animated and live action short film category of the Academy Awards.
Katie HellandSeptember 26, 2025
Tūtū’s Place by Highway Inn is a new cafe at Bishop Museum
The new cafe is inspired by traditions passed down from kūpuna, and emphasizes comfort, hospitality and family recipes. You’ll find some of Highway Inn’s signature dishes — including that famous Hawaiian plate with kālua pig — along with cafe exclusives.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 26, 2025
Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra offers free ocean-themed concert
Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra is teaming up with the University of Hawaiʻi on this free concert themed around the ocean that includes animations, storytelling and hula. As of Monday, the performance was sold out.
Katie HellandSeptember 26, 2025
Lopaka Kapanui brings ghost stories to Hawaiʻi Theatre
What do ghosts, storytellers and the symphony have in common? They will be gathering for a one-night-only show at Hawaiʻi Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 18. Storyteller Lopaka Kapanui shares a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming collaboration with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra.
Katie HellandSeptember 25, 2025
“Da Mayah” extends shows at Mānoa Valley Theatre
Playwright Lee Cataluna started writing after a trip to New York City, where she watched a show on Broadway. Now, her first play, “Da Mayah,” is back on stage in Honolulu and several of the original cast members from the 1998 production are in it. Learn about the moment when she was “strangely brave” and decided to write.
Katie HellandSeptember 24, 2025
Uni, Aloha Festivals, and live music: Friday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 28
Looking for fun plans this weekend? From food recommendations to live music, Aloha State Daily has you covered. Here are a few ways you can spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Katie HellandSeptember 24, 2025
Tickets on sale for Hawaiʻi International Film Festival
The festival includes events on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi. This is the only Academy Awards-qualifying film festival in the state. Events start Oct. 15. Tickets are now on sale for individual movies or passes to all movie screenings.
Katie HellandSeptember 23, 2025
Three movies — and one tv series — to watch
Looking for something to watch? These movies feature scenes shot in Hawaiʻi or ties to the Islands and run in Consolidated Theatres through Sept. 25.
Katie HellandSeptember 19, 2025
Jason Momoa talks “Chief of War”
“This was my life’s goal to do this,” said the actor, who wrote the nine-part mini-series with Thomas Paʻa Sibbett for Apple TV+. Momoa talks about surprises and what it means to play the warrior Kaʻiana in a story about the unification of the Islands in this exclusive interview with Aloha State Daily.
Katie HellandSeptember 19, 2025
Watch “The Paper Bag Plan” at Consolidated Theatres
This independent film opens in Consolidated Theatres at Ward this week. The movie’s executive producer, Keʻalohi Lee Lucero, graduated from Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Her parents make a cameo in the film and still live on Lānaʻi.
Katie HellandSeptember 19, 2025
Screenwriter Thomas Paʻa Sibbett shares behind-the-scenes for “Chief of War”
Thomas Paʻa Sibbett grew up in Washington and focused on Hawaiian Studies at Brigham Young University – Hawaiʻi. Now, he is teaming up with Jason Momoa for an Apple TV+ mini-series about the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.
Katie HellandSeptember 18, 2025
Slack key guitar, barbecue and acai: What to do Friday, Sept. 19 to Sunday, Sept. 21
It’s a foodie weekend! Enjoy a barbecue that supports student scholarships at Windward Community College and a sweet deal on acai on Oʻahu's east side. Or catch live music and stage performances. Aloha State Daily did the research so you don’t have to. Read this list of 12 things to do this weekend and start planning fun.
Katie HellandSeptember 17, 2025
'No arrests' in Fiji Tribute concert, HPD says
Aloha State Daily reached out to several city departments, including the Honolulu Police Department and those overseeing the Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell and Kapi’olani Regional Park, which each hosted events for ticket holders.
Katie HellandSeptember 16, 2025
Catch Henry Kapono and other legends in September concerts
Henry Kapono will join well known and up-and-coming singers and musicians for the Home in the Islands Music Festival, hosted by the Henry Kapono Foundation. Among the events is the foundation’s inaugural In the Key of Aloha fundraiser gala, which features Kapono, Jerry Santos, Brother Noland, Kimié Miner, Tavana, and artists from the On the Rise program at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach.
Katie HellandSeptember 12, 2025
Windward Community College’s Paniolo BBQ fundraiser celebrates culture and community
Supported by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, the fundraising event is slated from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the college’s Great Lawn, and will feature live music from ʻAlewa and Hawaiʻi Loa, a mechanical bull, petting zoo, Texas Hold 'Em, roping competitions and more. It is free to attend though pre-orders for BBQ meals are encouraged to help raise money for student scholarships at the college.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 12, 2025
Punahou School graduate is in “Chief of War”
Brandon Finn, a graduate of Punahou School, explores complicated father and son relationships in his role as Prince Kūpule in the Apple TV+ mini-series, “Chief of War.” He shares his favorite scene to shoot and how he learned ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi for the role.
Katie HellandSeptember 12, 2025
Movie “Chaperone,” filmed in Hilo, hits Consolidated Theatres
This independent film, written and directed by Hawai’i Island-based Zoë Eisenberg, is an age-gap story. Set in Hilo, it explores the motives of a 29-year-old woman who decides she has nothing to lose in pursuing a relationship with a teenager.
Katie HellandSeptember 11, 2025
Three theater productions to see this week
Ready to watch live performances? These Oʻahu-based theater organizations are performing the first shows of their seasons. Get ready to be transported to Canada and Hilo, all while exploring universal themes from a seat by the stage.
Katie HellandSeptember 10, 2025
Warriors game, Fiji tribute, car show and more: Friday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 14
Already thinking about what to do this Saturday and Sunday? With a homecoming game for the Warriors and a free one-night-only tribute to Fiji, there are plenty of events to choose from this weekend. Aloha State Daily has pulled together a quick list of ways to keep your entire ʻohana entertained.
Katie HellandSeptember 10, 2025
Megabon is back this weekend
The 3rd annual Megabon — created by JCI Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Todaiji — is coming Sept. 13 at Leeward Community College. Here’s what to expect.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 09, 2025
Frank Orrall reflects on Poi Dog Pondering and his new cookbook
The Henry J. Kaiser High School graduate is the founder of Poi Dog Pondering. Now, he is also the author of his first cookbook.
Katie HellandSeptember 09, 2025
Catch this Gospel reggae band in Hawaiʻi for free this month
Christafari, a band of ‘musical missionaries’ who have performed across more than 85 nations since 1989, are set to play across three islands in September as part of its Hawaiian Island Tour: Sounds of Salvation. Learn more about the group, its members and mission, as well as where to watch them for free.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 08, 2025
Audition for Duke’s Ukes
Duke’s Waikīkī is looking for young musicians to perform in its annual ʻukulele competition. Interested musicians can audition now through Sept. 10. First-place winners of the competition take home an ʻukulele made from koa.
Katie HellandSeptember 06, 2025
Kumu Kahua Theatre debuts “Smother”
A drama that explores the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter has taken the stage at Kumu Kahua Theatre. The story was written by playwright Sara Ward, who works in the theater’s box office and wrote most of the story on site, while audiences enjoyed performances that were in session — and she had a few precious hours of free time.
Katie HellandSeptember 05, 2025
The Jabbawockeez donate and dance benefiting youth at Liliʻuokalani Center
The iconic white gloved and masked dance group made a pitstop in Hawaiʻi this week to perform at the new 97,000-square-foot building on Ward Avenue owned by Liliʻuokalani Trust. Aloha State Daily also took a tour of the eight-story facility, which includes a rooftop garden, fitness center and gym, commercial kitchen, collaborative and creative spaces and studios for dance, film production, broadcast media, and more, that serve Native Hawaiian youth ages 12 to 24.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosSeptember 05, 2025
"Chief of War" actor Siua Ikaleʻo shares journey to playing Nahi
He didn’t plan to try out for Nahi, the little brother of Kaʻiana, played by Jason Momoa, in “Chief of War.” But the casting team for the Apple TV+ mini series asked actor Siua Ikaleʻo to audition for the role after casting him as a villain didn’t seem to be the right fit.
Katie HellandSeptember 04, 2025
Art, aloha and steel guitar: Friday, Sept. 5 – Sunday, Sept. 7
Enjoy live music, tour ʻIolani Palace and participate in a festival honoring the Kōlea, also known as the Pacific Golden Plover. Check out these events and more happening this weekend on Oʻahu.
Katie HellandSeptember 03, 2025
Naiwi Teruya is starting a music school in West Maui
The ʻukulele player used to borrow his siblings’ instruments as a child. Now, he is preparing to start the Maui Music Youth Program, which will share ʻukulele lessons with the next generation in West Maui.
Katie HellandAugust 30, 2025
Keʻalohi International Piano Competition announces winner
In the audience for a competition highlighting pianists from around the world were several special guests from Osaka, Japan. Learn more about the winner of the Keʻalohi International Piano Competition, and the exchange students from Japan who got to see the finalists perform.
Katie HellandAugust 29, 2025
“Sharing Aloha” in theaters Aug. 29
The documentary features a behind-the-scenes look at life for students who work at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Several of the featured students are part of PCC’s signature show, “Hā: Breath of Life.”
Katie HellandAugust 29, 2025
Actor Beulah Koale shares “Tinā” behind the scenes
Actor Beulah Koale has been in the television shows “Hawaiʻi Five-0,” “NCIS: Hawaiʻi,” and “Magnum P.I.” Recently, he played a pivotal role in the movie “Tinā.” Now, he is asking Dwayne Johnson to see that movie, which celebrates Samoan culture, mothers and community.
Katie HellandAugust 28, 2025
“Tinā” opens in Hawaiʻi theaters today, Aug. 28
Miki Magasiva, the writer and director of “Tinā,” shares a behind-the-scenes look at the movie, ahead of the film’s arrival to theaters on Oʻahu and Maui.
Katie HellandAugust 28, 2025
Your guide to Labor Day weekend
Wondering how to spend the long weekend? Aloha State Daily has you covered. Check out activities for the 80th Commemoration of WWII, including an air show plus a free concert by the Mākaha Sons; enjoy the Okinawan Festival; or find the latest fashion at the Hawaiʻi Swim Show. Learn more about these events and others happening Friday, Aug. 29, through Sunday, Aug. 31.
Katie HellandAugust 27, 2025
Actor Moses Goods shares how he gets into character for “Chief of War”
With four episodes left of “Chief of War,” the Apple TV+ mini-series written and executive produced by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett, Aloha State Daily talks story with actor Moses Goods, who plays Moku, advisor to the future King Kamehameha I. He shares how he gets into character — and one challenge of wearing a malo in New Zealand.
Katie HellandAugust 26, 2025
Kay Fukumoto reflects on Maui Taiko’s Lahaina performances
Maui Taiko recently performed in the Lahaina O-Bon Festival, held at the site of the Lahaina Jodo Mission, which was destroyed in the Maui wildfires of 2023. On Friday, Aug. 15, the group also performed in a benefit concert to help Lahaina rebuild and to cultivate a music program for youth in West Maui.
Katie HellandAugust 22, 2025