Arts & Entertainment’s top 12 stories of 2025

This year included the release of “Chief of War,” and Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch,” as well as “Oʻahu Shores.” It was filled with musical awards, including a fourth Grammy Award for Kalani Peʻa and the celebrated Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards in June.

For Island music, George Brooks Veikoso, also known as Fiji, died in July. An estimated 30,000 people showed up to a tribute concert that featured headliners, such as Maoli, Common Kings, The Green, Kapena, Ekolu, Josh Tatofi, Mana’o Company, and more at Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell and the surrounding Kapiʻolani Regional Park. Musicians with ties to Oʻahu also took to television. Thunderstorm Artis was one of the top three contestants for “American Idol.” Iam Tongi, who became the first Pacific Islander to win “American Idol” in 2023, released new music and gave his debute performance at the Grand Ole Opry. 

Molokai got a movie theater. The year was also marked by the Aloha to Aloha Stadium concert, which featured Henry Kapono, Anuhea, Kanaka Fyah, and more. Actors and stuntmen also advocated for legislation, which did not pass, to support a struggling film industry. Aloha State Daily’s Arts & Entertainment desk went through the archives to find the top 12 most-read stories, determined by page views, in 2025.

1. 20-plus Christmas parades on Oʻahu. The most popular story of the year was about Christmas parades, including which streets were closed and how many people and vehicles were expected to attend the celebrations. ASD learned there were more than 20 events on the schedule this holiday season, with routes between Nānākuli and Hawaiʻi Kai.
2. Fiji Tribute: get free tickets. A one-night-only tribute to George Brooks Veikoso, known as Fiji, was held Saturday, Sept. 13, at Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell. The headliners included J Boog, Common Kings, Maoli and more. Tickets to the free event disappeared almost immediately.
3. ʻAmerican Idol’ contestant Thunderstorm Artis is eliminated. Singer and songwriter Thunderstorm Artis grew up in Haleʻiwa and represented the Islands on “American Idol,” where he was one of the top contestants.
4. ʻLilo & Stitch’ is a family affair for screenwriter Chris Kekaniokalani Bright. When screenwriter Chris Kekaeniokalani Bright was a child, his mother Lynell Bright, led Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus in singing “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” and “He Mele No Lilo,” for the original animated movie’s soundtrack. Now as an adult, the Kamehameha Schools graduate is one of the screenwriters for Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch,” which premiered in May. His mother? She led the choir that sang part of the soundtrack for the new movie.
5. ASD interviews Kaipo Dudoit, an actor in Disney’s live action ‘Lilo & Stitch.’ Oʻahu-based actor Kaipo Dudoit plays one of his childhood role models as he brings to life David Kawena in Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch.” Previously, Dudoit appeared in “Rescue: HI-Surf” (2025), “My Partner” (2023) and “Magnum P.I.” (2020), among other films.
6. Peacock launches new television series ʻOʻahu Shores.’ This new reality television series, launched by Peacock, explores the relationships between eight friends living on Oʻahu. “Oʻahu Shores” dropped its entire first season, which consists of six episodes, in October. Kamalani Pico, who grew up on Molokai, is featured in the series and spoke with ASD at the red-carpet premiere.
7. ʻAmerican Idol’ winner Iam Tongi reflects on ‘Sunshine’ and ‘Lilo & Stitch.’ Iam Tongi grew up in Kahuku and shattered barriers when he became the first Pacific Islander to win “American Idol” in 2023. This year, he released several songs, including “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” in Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch.” In an exclusive Q+A with ASD, Tongi reflected on positivity, recent milestones and advice from his auntie.
8. Disney announces music in ‘Lilo & Stitch’ live action movie. The line-up of voices for this Disney classic included the return of Kumu Hula Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu and Kamehameha Schools Children’s Choir, as well as new additions, such as Iam Tongi, and the North-Shore-based brothers Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm singing an Elvis Presley song reproduced by their uncle, Bruno Mars.
9. Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu shares how the same oli was featured at Merrie Monarch and as part of Disney’s new ‘Lilo & Stitch’ movie. Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu reflects on how hula and music should “make your brain dance.” An oli he incorporated into the soundtrack of the original animated version of ʻLilo & Stitch’ in 2002 was featured in a Merrie Monarch performance by his halau this year.
10. And the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award goes to … The nonprofit Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts announced the winners of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards in June. HARA’s 48th annual award ceremony was held at the Sheraton Waikīkī Beach Resort.
11. Jason Momoa talks ‘Chief of War.’ Actor Jason Momoa has played the superhero in “Aquaman” and the warlord Khal Drogo in “Game of Thrones.” But his role as Kaʻiana, a warrior in “Chief of War,” hits different. And not just because he might be related to the character he plays in the series.
12. Punahou School graduate is in ‘Chief of War.’ Punahou School graduate Brandon Finn understands the power of a stare. It is something the actor does as Prince Kūpule in episode 2 of “Chief of War,” when his father, King Kahekili of Maui, orders him to find Kaʻiana, and bring him back — dead or alive.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.

Katie Helland can be reached at [email protected].