A conversation with award-winning student filmmaker Tiffany Liu. Making a short film is not as simple as grabbing a camera and pressing “record.” At least, not for student filmmakers. Even less simple is creating an award-winning short film. But that’s exactly what Tiffany Liu accomplished. Liu’s short film, “Winner,” won the BMW Hawaiʻi Driven Student Filmmaker Award and Scholarship at the 45th annual Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF).

Kumu Hina, Dean Hamer, and Joe Wilson emphasize the necessity and urgency of their culturally-embedded work in Hawai‘i. About 15 years ago, a creative partnership formed between Native Hawaiian and māhū (gender-nonconforming) activist, Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, and queer activist filmmakers Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer. Since releasing their first documentary film together Kumu Hina (2014), they have since worked together on a multitude of films and local projects in support

Oʻahu’s underground music scene has a little something for everyone, from soft island vibes to alternative rock. For those new to the islands or interested in getting in touch with the local music community, here are some up-and-coming bands to check out. Over the past year, a wave of new energy has been building across the local music scene. With more venues such as Harbors Vintage and The Arts at Mark’s Garage supporting underground shows and a post-pandemic resurgence of i

On a humid Friday morning at Hamilton Library, Oct. 3, 2025 a small circle of chairs filled slowly as members of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) community gathered to talk about one idea: Human Revolution. The phrase, central to Nichiren Buddhism, describes the quiet act of transforming one’s life from within, a revolution that starts not in politics or power, but in the heart. SGI is a global Buddhist network rooted in the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, a 13th-century

Traditional Hawaiian and Indigenous agricultural and fishing practices endure and remain vital according to local nonprofits There is a major difference between Hawaiʻi achieving food security, primarily governed by capitalist economic factors, and Kānaka maoli (Native Hawaiians) achieving food sovereignty — defining and controlling their own sustainable agricultural systems and food distribution. Many local non-profit organizations and even local businesses are rooted in res

Kai Durkin, who plays Timothy, prepares to take a bow during the final, invited dress rehearsal for Dolls: A Toy Story. The production ran from Oct. 22-26 at the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre at UHM. Kale Kanaeholo / Ka Leo O Hawaiʻi Puppeteers Hannah Archer (left) and Teagan Rae Staskawicz (right) during Dolls. The duo play Josephine and Eliza, respectively.

After delays upon delays, O‘ahu is finally ready to say goodbye to the Aloha Stadium. The end of an era and beginning of demolition is celebrated with a public concert featuring Henry Kapono, Ekolu, Hoʻnonuʻa, Kanaka Fyah, and more on Friday, Oct. 25, 2025. Alec Johnson / Ka Leo O Hawaiʻi Aloha Stadium, once the center of O’ahu’s biggest games and concerts, now sits mostly quiet as the stat prepares for its redevelopment. The “Aloha to Aloha Stadium” event gives fans a final