Katie Helland
I’m excited to help bring a brand new source of news to the state. In my coverage, I look forward to sharing stories that will help you plan fun things to do for date nights and spend family time in Hawaii. I also hope to share stories about the people behind events and organizations, as well as their interests in music, hula, film, comedy and more.
I started working at the city newspaper when I was still in high school through summer internships. Since then, I have worked for the community newspaper in my college town, as well as The Santiago Times when I lived abroad in Chile. Most recently, I worked for Pacific Business News in Honolulu.
At ASD, I can’t wait to talk story, which is how reporters hear some of the best news tips! Hawaii has such an incredibly rich culture. And for me, it is home.
Latest from Katie Helland
Behind-the-scenes of Merrie Monarch prep with Hālau Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima
Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine talks about how Hālau Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima will share a mele about Queen Emma and her visit to Mauna Kea at Merrie Monarch this week. For the longtime judge of the competition, Merrie Monarch is not about comparing hālau but rather supporting performances.
Katie HellandApril 24, 2025
Comedian Heston Kaʻaihue to headline at Blue Note Hawaiʻi this weekend
This Hawaiʻi Island comedian with Oʻahu roots believes “laughter heals.” He will take the stage on Sunday, April 27, at Blue Note Hawaiʻi in Waikīkī. Special guests include comedians James Mane and Kinohi Betts.
Katie HellandApril 24, 2025
Kumu Hula Kamaka Kūkona encourages dancers to “leave it all on the stage” at Merrie Monarch
This Maui-based hālau is sending eight kāne to compete in Merrie Monarch at the Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo this week. Aloha State Daily spoke with Kumu Hula Kamaka Kūkona about the performances, his advice for dancers, and more.
Katie HellandApril 23, 2025
Watch “Pride & Prejudice” on the big screen
This cinematic take on Jane Austen’s classic novel was released in 2005 and will be playing on the big screen this week at Consolidated Theatres in Kāhala, Pearlridge, Mililani and Kapolei.
Katie HellandApril 21, 2025
Pigs, Spam and art – oh my!
This fundraiser combines painted pigs and cans of Spam with a chance to raise money for the Hawaiʻi Foodbank. Called the Piggyback Spam Project, it showcases made in Hawaiʻi artwork in a silent auction that closes April 26.
Katie HellandApril 19, 2025
Country music festival heads for Bishop Museum
This concert, called Boots ‘n Beers, features singers and songwriters based in Texas, Tennessee and Hawaiʻi.
Katie HellandApril 17, 2025
The Mango Theater opens on Molokai
Molokai still has no stop lights, but starting this month one thing residents will have is a movie theater. Previously, fans of the big screen had to board planes and fly to neighbor islands to catch highly anticipated releases of new films.
Katie HellandApril 17, 2025
ʻAmerican Idol’ winner Iam Tongi announces new single ʻSunshine’
The singer and songwriter talked about his father in his audition for ʻAmerican Idol.’ He grew up in Kahuku and also spoke about being priced out of paradise.
Katie HellandApril 15, 2025
Kumu Kahua Theatre seeks first-time writers for free workshop
This theater is bringing Hawaiʻi-based playwright Daniel A. Kelin II and longtime director Harry Wong III together to teach Oʻahu residents how to write plays. The one-day workshop opens first to Windward and North Shore residents.
Katie HellandApril 15, 2025
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
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
Meet the composer behind Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra’s performance with Taimane
Composer-in-residence Michael-Thomas Foumai is teaming up with the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning Taimane Gardner for a concert with the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra. Aloha State Daily takes you behind-the-scenes to their meeting before the concert in April.
Katie HellandMarch 29, 2025
Want live music for less than $20?
Check out this event, featuring Ooklah The Moc and others, at the Bishop Museum next week. AlohaLauLea, a two-day music festival hosted by the Hawaiian contemporary hit radio station KCCN-FM 100, starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5.
Katie HellandMarch 27, 2025
Five films about Lahaina featured in this festival
Richard O’Connor is a New York City animator working with students to tell multigenerational stories about Lahaina. The short film he animated explores the devastating impact of the wildfires of August 2023. Watch a screening of this and other short films on Thursday, March 27.
Katie HellandMarch 27, 2025
Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell is back!
This iconic venue is back, with upcoming concerts including Kehlani, on Wednesday, March 26, and Boyz II Men next month. Read about the venue improvements, which cost more than half a million.
Katie HellandMarch 26, 2025
Free saxophone concert to showcase students from University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
This James B. Castle High School graduate is now studying music at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and will be performing in a free concert that also features high school students across Oʻahu.
Katie HellandMarch 25, 2025
Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra to perform music for Star Wars movie
Fans can see “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” in concert this month at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. Aloha State Daily caught up with the orchestra’s principal trumpet player to learn how he started his music career.
Katie HellandMarch 21, 2025
Celebrate Spring Equinox at the Capitol Modern
These art museums are teaming up to host an event that celebrates the Spring Equinox and draws inspiration from Nowruz, the Persian new year, as well as Hawaiian cultural traditions. The first event in a series called Night // Shift on Saturday, March 22, will include poetry and book readings, as well as food, lei making and lauhala weaving.
Katie HellandMarch 20, 2025
Want the purrfect sound bath?
Mika Mimura at Cat Café Moff has you covered at this shopping center in ʻAiea. The cafe’s new series gives its attendees a chance to meditate, immerse themselves in healing sounds and enjoy time with furry friends.
Katie HellandMarch 20, 2025
South Korean k-pop artist Taemin to perform in Honolulu
The one-night show is headed for Oʻahu.
Katie HellandMarch 19, 2025
Singer and guitarist Art Kalahiki performs at this cafe in Waikīkī
The leader of this band performs with friends — whoever can join — at the Barefoot Beach Cafe Waikīkī.
Katie HellandMarch 18, 2025