Entertainment
Hawai‘i Entertainment: Music, Shows, and Island Performances
So many reasons to get out of the house and enjoy the best entertainment in the Islands — local music, hula halau performances, film festivals, comedy acts, live theater, 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
Kalani Peʻa to headline back-to-back Lei Day performances
The Maui-based singer and songwriter has won four Grammy Awards and five Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. He is teaming up with award-winning singers and dancers to bring several memorable Lei Day performances to Oʻahu.
Katie HellandApril 12, 2025
Inside Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre’s production of “Carmen”
Opera singer Robert Feng shares the Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre performance that made him want to be a singer. The Punahou School graduate is now performing in the same group’s upcoming production of “Carmen.”
Katie HellandApril 11, 2025
What you're dying to know about Dave & Buster’s Honolulu at Ala Moana Center
The nearly 45,000-square-foot space, featuring a “Human Crane” game and a variety of immersive experiences, is slated to open on Monday, April 14.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 10, 2025
Tony Pisculli shares behind-the-scenes moments from his play, “The Magic of Polly Amnesia”
Hawaiʻi-based Tony Pisculli is the playwright of “The Magic of Polly Amnesia,” which is on stage at Kumu Kahua Theatre through April 27. He is also a former software developer, a founder of the Hawaiʻi Shakespeare Festival and — sometimes a magician.
Katie HellandApril 10, 2025
Easter activities on Oʻahu
Aloha State Daily rounded up some ways to entertain keiki leading up to Easter, including appearances by the Easter Bunny across the island.
Katie HellandApril 09, 2025
Hawai‘i Island abuzz about bees
Leandra Rouse is capturing the history of beekeeping on Hawaiʻi Island in honor of her father, who came to Hawaiʻi on his honeymoon and stayed to work bees.
Katie HellandApril 08, 2025
New legislation would bring tax cuts for movies with mostly local hires
Actors, stuntmen and others in the movie industry spoke in support of Senate Bill 732, which would incentivize the film industry to bring productions to Hawaiʻi through tax cuts if there are at least 80% kamaʻāina hires.
Katie HellandApril 05, 2025
Tickets on sale for pop-up with “Jackass” star Chris Pontius and North Shore comedian Mike Garcia
A self-proclaimed “goofball,” North Shore comedian Mike Garcia shared he was a prison guard and a drummer in a reggae band before he became a full-time comedian. This week, he opens for Chris Pontius of “Jackass” at shows on Thursday, April 3, and Friday, April 4. ASD sat down with Garcia for an exclusive interview.
Katie HellandApril 04, 2025
Bishop Museum names new CEO
The new executive for this local nonprofit was born and raised in Minnesota and currently works at the Australian Museum. He previously was a research zoologist and curator for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History.
Katie HellandApril 03, 2025
Hawaiʻi resident and “Dr. Kildare” star Richard Chamberlain dies at 90 in Waimānalo
This actor, known for his roles in “Shōgun” (1980), “The Thorn Birds” (1983), as well as “Dr. Kildare” (1961) grew up in California and later moved to Oʻahu.
Katie HellandApril 02, 2025
Behind-the-scenes of the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall’s recent renovations
The Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall is home to Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre and touring Broadway productions. The next phase of renovations is currently out to bid and would include updates to the exterior of the more than 60-year-old performing arts space.
Katie HellandApril 02, 2025
Crime saga featuring “The Rock” finds home with 20th Century and Disney
This movie, featuring director Martin Scorsese and top-tier Hollywood actors and actresses such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt, tells the story of a mob boss in Hawaiʻi.
Katie HellandMarch 31, 2025