Arts & Entertainment
Meet the artists and craftspeople keeping Hawaiâi traditions alive
Hawaiâi is filled with talented, passionate artists and performers. In recent months weâve featured an âukulele maker, sculptors, hula performers, Native Hawaiian language experts, anime cosplayers, symphony musicians, local filmmakers, Okinawan drummers, musical theatre performers, and more. Weâve covered film festivals, comedy acts, live theater and classical concerts and more. This is where youâll also find news about TV shows and movies filmed in the Islands or about Hawaiâi, and the actors attached to them. Venues matter, too, and weâll update readers on improvements such as the recent upgrades to the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall and the WaikÄ«kÄ« Shell.
News
Jason Momoa talks âChief of Warâ
âThis was my lifeâs goal to do this,â said the actor, who wrote the nine-part mini-series with Thomas PaÊ»a Sibbett for Apple TV+. Momoa talks about surprises and what it means to play the warrior KaÊ»iana in a story about the unification of the Islands in this exclusive interview with Aloha State Daily.
Katie HellandSeptember 19, 2025
Movie âChaperone,â filmed in Hilo, hits Consolidated Theatres
This independent film, written and directed by Hawaiâi Island-based ZoĂ« 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
TĆ«tĆ«âs Place by Highway Inn is a new cafe at Bishop Museum
The new cafe is inspired by traditions passed down from kĆ«puna, and emphasizes comfort, hospitality and family recipes. Youâll find some of Highway Innâs signature dishes â including that famous Hawaiian plate with kÄlua pig â along with cafe exclusives.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaSeptember 26, 2025
Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra offers free ocean-themed concert
Want to take your keiki to the symphony? 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.
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
âDa Mayahâ extends shows at MÄnoa 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, âDa Mayah,â 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 âstrangely braveâ 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 OÊ»ahu, HawaiÊ»i Island, Maui, KauaÊ»i, LÄnaÊ»i and MolokaÊ»i. 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 â and one tv series â 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
Watch âThe Paper Bag Planâ at Consolidated Theatres
This independent film opens in Consolidated Theatres at Ward this week. The movieâs executive producer, KeÊ»alohi Lee Lucero, graduated from Kamehameha Schools and the University of HawaiÊ»i at MÄnoa. Her parents make a cameo in the film and still live on LÄnaÊ»i.
Katie HellandSeptember 19, 2025
Screenwriter Thomas PaÊ»a Sibbett shares behind-the-scenes for âChief of Warâ
Thomas PaÊ»a Sibbett grew up in Washington and focused on Hawaiian Studies at Brigham Young University â HawaiÊ»i. 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
Itâs a foodie weekend! Enjoy a barbecue that supports student scholarships at Windward Community College and a sweet deal on acai on OÊ»ahu's east side. Or catch live music and stage performances. Aloha State Daily did the research so you donât 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 WaikÄ«kÄ« Shell and Kapiâolani 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 foundationâs inaugural In the Key of Aloha fundraiser gala, which features Kapono, Jerry Santos, Brother Noland, KimiĂ© Miner, Tavana, and artists from the On the Rise program at the Ê»Alohilani Resort WaikÄ«kÄ« Beach.
Katie HellandSeptember 12, 2025
Windward Community Collegeâs 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 collegeâs Great Lawn, and will feature live music from Ê»Alewa and HawaiÊ»i 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 âChief of Warâ
Brandon Finn, a graduate of Punahou School, explores complicated father and son relationships in his role as Prince KĆ«pule in the Apple TV+ mini-series, âChief of War.â He shares his favorite scene to shoot and how he learned Ê»Ćlelo HawaiÊ»i for the role.
Katie HellandSeptember 12, 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 â created by JCI Honolulu and HawaiÊ»i Todaiji â is coming Sept. 13 at Leeward Community College. Hereâs 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 âmusical missionariesâ 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 Dukeâs Ukes
Dukeâs WaikÄ«kÄ« is looking for young musicians to perform in its annual Ê»ukulele competition. Interested musicians can audition now through Sept. 10. First-place winners of the competition take home an Ê»ukulele made from koa.
Katie HellandSeptember 06, 2025
Kumu Kahua Theatre debuts âSmotherâ
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 theaterâs box office and wrote most of the story on site, while audiences enjoyed performances that were in session â 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 didnât plan to try out for Nahi, the little brother of KaÊ»iana, played by Jason Momoa, in âChief of War.â But the casting team for the Apple TV+ mini series asked actor Siua IkaleÊ»o to audition for the role after casting him as a villain didnât seem to be the right fit.
Katie HellandSeptember 04, 2025
Art, aloha and steel guitar: Friday, Sept. 5 â Sunday, Sept. 7
Enjoy live music, tour Ê»Iolani Palace and participate in a festival honoring the KĆlea, also known as the Pacific Golden Plover. Check out these events and more happening this weekend on OÊ»ahu.
Katie HellandSeptember 03, 2025
Naiwi Teruya is starting a music school in West Maui
The Ê»ukulele player used to borrow his siblingsâ instruments as a child. Now, he is preparing to start the Maui Music Youth Program, which will share Ê»ukulele 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
âSharing Alohaâ 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 PCCâs signature show, âHÄ: Breath of Life.â
Katie HellandAugust 29, 2025
Actor Beulah Koale shares âTinÄâ behind the scenes
Actor Beulah Koale has been in the television shows âHawaiÊ»i Five-0,â âNCIS: HawaiÊ»i,â and âMagnum P.I.â Recently, he played a pivotal role in the movie âTinÄ.â Now, he is asking Dwayne Johnson to see that movie, which celebrates Samoan culture, mothers and community.
Katie HellandAugust 28, 2025
âTinÄâ opens in HawaiÊ»i theaters today, Aug. 28
Miki Magasiva, the writer and director of âTinÄ,â shares a behind-the-scenes look at the movie, ahead of the filmâs arrival to theaters on OÊ»ahu 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 MÄkaha Sons; enjoy the Okinawan Festival; or find the latest fashion at the HawaiÊ»i 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 âChief of Warâ
With four episodes left of âChief of War,â the Apple TV+ mini-series written and executive produced by Jason Momoa and Thomas Paâa 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 â and one challenge of wearing a malo in New Zealand.
Katie HellandAugust 26, 2025
Kay Fukumoto reflects on Maui Taikoâs 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
Fiji Tribute: get free tickets
A one-night-only tribute to George Brooks Veikoso, known by the stage name Fiji, is coming to Honolulu next month. Catch headliners J Boog, Common Kings, Maoli and more. Free tickets become available on Friday, Aug. 22.
Katie HellandAugust 21, 2025
Ledward Kaapana: Catching up with a legend
The NÄ HĆkĆ« Hanohano Award-winning slack key guitarist was recently the opening act of the Maui Music & Food Experience, a benefit to help Lahaina rebuild and to support a new music program for youth in West Maui. This weekend, Kaapana is a featured performer for the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, WaikÄ«kÄ« Style, which supports the WaikÄ«kÄ« Aquarium. But this seasoned performer also plays at airports and hospitals, in between concerts.
Katie HellandAugust 21, 2025