2025 Entertainment Highlights: Unforgettable Concerts and Cultural Moments

The entertainment landscape in Hawaii experienced a remarkable transformation in 2025, marked by major productions, significant concerts, and tributes that captivated audiences. Among the standout events was the release of the historical drama “Chief of War,” co-created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett, which aired on Apple TV+. This miniseries, set during the late 18th century power struggles to unify the Hawaiian islands, gained attention for its commitment to cultural authenticity, including the use of the Hawaiian language, olelo Hawaii.

Despite logistical challenges that led to most of the filming occurring in New Zealand, the production sparked a movement advocating for increased support for Hawaii’s film and television industry. This campaign emerged partly due to the financial constraints faced by Momoa’s production company.

The year also witnessed a heartfelt tribute concert for the late George “Fiji” Veikoso, who passed away in July. On September 13, a free concert was held at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, drawing an impressive crowd of over 28,000 attendees. The event, co-produced by the Kino‘ole Foundation and supported by the City and County of Honolulu, marked a historic moment as the largest one-day concert in the venue’s history.

Celebrating Milestones and Cultural Contributions

In October, the musical group Kalapana celebrated its 50th anniversary at the same venue, featuring founding member Kirk Thompson alongside current band members. The concert included tributes to former members through re-engineered music videos that highlighted their contributions.

The final concert held at Aloha Stadium took place on October 25, showcasing renowned artists such as Henry Kapono and the Makaha Sons. This marked a significant chapter as the stadium prepared to transition to a new Hawaiian-themed recreational complex, replacing the iconic luau that had run for 47 years at Paradise Cove.

Christmas festivities were also prominent, with a free concert at the Blaisdell Concert Hall on November 28, featuring the Royal Hawaiian Band. This event welcomed celebrated local artists, adding to the festive spirit of the season.

The return of “The Nutcracker” by Ballet Hawaii to the concert hall was another highlight, making it the last performance for local favorites Megan Fairchild and Lucien Postlewaite before their retirement. Their contributions to the local ballet scene were celebrated during this highly anticipated return.

Local Theatre Shines with New Voices

2025 also saw a surge in local theatre productions that showcased diverse stories and new talents. Notably, Allison Bruce-Maldonado made her debut as a director and playwright with “Dolls! A Toy Story,” a narrative inspired by her mother’s experiences of interracial love in the 1940s.

Meanwhile, Sara Ward ventured into playwriting with “Smother,” exploring the complex relationship between a devoted mother and her independent daughter. The play’s relatability resonated with audiences, drawing parallels to the playwright’s real-life experiences.

In a creative twist, Ryan “Oki” Okinaka reimagined the classic sitcom “The Golden Girls” as “The Golden Gays,” a story centered on four older queer men navigating life together. This playful adaptation added a fresh perspective to familiar characters.

The Actors’ Group continued its commitment to African-American theatre by presenting multiple plays from August Wilson’s acclaimed Century Cycle, further enriching Hawaii’s theatrical landscape.

As 2025 came to a close, the entertainment community mourned the loss of several notable figures. Richard Chamberlain, renowned for his role in “Dr. Kildare” and a beloved member of the Hawaii arts scene, passed away on March 29, just two days shy of his 91st birthday. Additionally, the passing of celebrated musician Gary Aiko and kumu hula Kealoha Kalama marked significant losses to the cultural fabric of Hawaii.

As Hawaii reflects on a year filled with extraordinary cultural achievements and unforgettable performances, the momentum for the arts continues to grow, with an eye toward a vibrant future in 2026 and beyond.