Hong Kong‑born singer David Wong, 61, died suddenly in Honolulu. His family issued a lawyer's statement and named an agency to handle his music estate amid a manager dispute.

The 43rd Pan‑Pacific Festival returns to Waikīkī this weekend with free hula, taiko, food vendors and a sunset parade.

New Yorkased Vilcek Foundation paid $15M for 614 Kapahulu Ave, the former Locations Hawaii headquarters, and plans to open a Hawaii-focused gallery in the building. The deal brings a national arts funder to the Kapahulu corridor near Waikiki.

Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest, home to Honolulu’s largest bon dance, returns July 4 to the old Varsity parking lot with food, taiko and family activities. Organizers expect a big crowd and will offer shuttles and vendor food.

EA (SOVEREIGN) follows the Kapu family’s decadeslong fight over Kauaʻula Valley and will have its international premiere at imagineNATIVE in Toronto.

Honolulu's 98th Lei Day returns to Kapiʻolani Park this Friday with the Lei Court investiture, Royal Hawaiian Band, lei contests and workshops.

HNL quietly added AI-generated island songs to its terminal soundtrack. Travelers, musicians and lawmakers are split over whether the tracks reflect Hawaiian culture or undercut local artists.

Earth, Wind & Fire will play a one-night benefit at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena on June 13 to support Kona low flood recovery. Presales for residents start April 3.

A $200,000 Harold K. L. Castle Foundation grant is funding CREATE Hawaiʻi, a pilot that will give Kealakehe High School students paid apprenticeships in creative media. The inaugural cohort will include eight students and offers college credit, certifications and stipends.

A Senate plan to fund planning for a new Hawaiʻi State Archives stalled this session, leaving fragile documents, recordings and vintage instruments vulnerable. Archivists warn immediate fixes and digitization are now urgent.

Hawaiian artists say a Japan promoter failed to pay them after multiple shows, prompting cancellations and legal action.

OHA has tapped AEA Consulting to run a six‑month feasibility study for a proposed Native Hawaiian cultural center on its Kakaʻako Makai land. The review will map program needs, costs and community outreach.

Nine‑year‑old Jeaven Maeva — the 'Ipu Baby' — sang with vocal coach Cheryl Porter in Waikiki after an Instagram push brought the pair together.