
Rick Hamada
Aloha, it's a pleasure to meet you.
I'm Rick Hamada.
I was born in Chicago, Ill, raised in NW Indiana, lived and worked in California, traveled the world as entertainment cruise line staff which is what brought me to Hawai‘i over 35 years ago.
I am blessed to be associated with my first love dating back to childhood.
Radio and writing.
As a child growing up I found it remarkable that mom was in the newspaper business as section editor and a morning drive personality at our small town radio station. I was never at a loss for inspiration and I attribute so very much to my mom.
Fast forward.
Hawai‘i has blessed me to create a career and, most importantly, a family.
I recently celebrated 31 years at iHeart Radio Honolulu as a talk show host and serving as VP, Community Relations.
I was a MidWeek columnist for over 15 years, and I am so thankful to now share weekly thoughts with you at Aloha State Daily. As a a columnist for ASD, the views expressed are my own.
All pales in comparison with my two wonderfully adult children, Zachary and Zoe.
The ultimate entry on my life's resume is unequivocally being a dad. Thank you, Lord.
Oh, and I love golf, a good ribeye, a quaffable Cabernet and Lou Rawls (he could sing a phone book and sound great. And for those of you of a certain age, google "phone book" and you'll see what I mean).
I'm looking forward to spending some time together.
Mahalo and aloha.
Latest from Rick Hamada

Hamada: Why tip your servers?
Inspired by a viral TikTok, ASD Columnist Rick Hamada talks tipping, customers' standards and protocols, concern over servers' paychecks, and more.
Rick HamadaApril 15, 2026

Hamada: "Lucky You Live Hawai‘i," we say — as celebration, or as cope?
ASD columnist Rick Hamada discusses three phrases we tell ourselves to get by in the Islands.
Rick HamadaApril 09, 2026

Hamada: Answers to bullying, good and bad
When growing up on the Mainland, ASD columnist Rick Hamada confronted boyhood bullies the old fashioned way. Here and now in the Islands, a local organization is doing great work solving the problem positively. Here's how you can help.
Rick HamadaApril 01, 2026

Hamada: Beware the scammers who take advantage of bad times
In the wake of a calamity like the Kona Low floods, people generously step up to help — while others wickedly step up to steal. ASD columnist Rick Hamada has advice for how to avoid charitable giving scams.
Rick HamadaMarch 25, 2026

Hamada: Anyone up for "Singin' in the Rain?"
Our recent roundup of Hawai‘i films to watch when kept indoors had ASD columnist Rick Hamada reflecting on his own favorites.
Rick HamadaMarch 18, 2026

Hamada: The SAVE America Act is important, and sensible
ASD columnist Rick Hamada finds Rep. Ed Case to be the only voice of reason among Hawai‘i's congressional delegation in voting in favor of the SAVE America act requiring that voters show ID to prove their eligibility to vote.
Rick HamadaMarch 11, 2026












