Key Takeaways
- 2025 was a remarkable year for entertainment in Hawaii, with notable events such as the release of the Apple TV+ miniseries "Chief of War" and a record-breaking concert at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell.
- The year saw a spotlight on island playwrights, with several new plays and musicals being showcased, including "Dolls! A Toy Story," "Smother," and "The Magic of Polly Amnesia."
- The Blaisdell Concert Hall reopened after a $10 million improvement project, hosting several notable performances, including Ballet Hawaii’s production of "The Nutcracker" and a Christmas concert featuring the Royal Hawaiian Band.
- The year also saw the passing of several notable figures in the entertainment industry, including Richard Chamberlain, Kealoha Kalama, and Gary Aiko.
Introduction to 2025’s Entertainment Highlights
2025 was a groundbreaking year for entertainment in Hawaii, with a wide range of notable events and performances taking place throughout the year. One of the most significant events was the release of the Apple TV+ miniseries "Chief of War," which told the story of the epic power struggle to unify the Hawaiian islands. The miniseries was co-created, co-written, and co-executive produced by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, with Momoa also starring in the title role. The production was notable for its commitment to cultural accuracy, with the primary language spoken being olelo Hawaii.
Record-Breaking Concerts and Performances
2025 also saw several record-breaking concerts and performances take place in Hawaii. In July, a free concert was held at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell to mourn the death of George "Fiji" Veikoso, with over 28,000 attendees making it the biggest one-day concert event in the history of the venue. The concert was co-produced by the Kino’ole Foundation, Tautua Reed, Mike Galmiche, and the City and County of Honolulu, and featured a range of performances, including a tribute to Fiji’s music. Another notable concert took place in October, when Kalapana celebrated its 50th anniversary with a performance at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, featuring founding member Kirk Thompson and current members of the group.
The Blaisdell Concert Hall Reopens
After a $10 million improvement project, the Blaisdell Concert Hall reopened in 2025, hosting several notable performances throughout the year. One of the most significant events was Ballet Hawaii’s production of "The Nutcracker," which returned to the concert hall after two years of being performed in the Blaisdell Arena. The production featured local favorites Megan Fairchild and Lucien Postlewaite, as well as New York City Ballet principal Chun Wai Chan, and was notable for being the last time Hawaii would see Fairchild and Postlewaite perform as dancers. The concert hall also hosted a Christmas concert featuring the Royal Hawaiian Band, with guest performers including Henry Kapono, Raiatea Helm, and the ‘Ohana Jazz Trio.
Local Theater Highlights
2025 was also a significant year for local theater in Hawaii, with several new plays and musicals being showcased. One notable production was "Dolls! A Toy Story," a musical written and directed by Allison Bruce-Maldonado, which told the story of interracial love in the United States in the 1940s. Another notable production was "Smother," a play written by Sara Ward, which explored the complex relationship between a mother and daughter. The year also saw the premiere of "The Magic of Polly Amnesia," a play written by Tony Pisculli, which told the story of a mixed-race queer woman who tries to distinguish hope from delusion and dreams from reality.
Passing of Notable Figures
2025 also saw the passing of several notable figures in the entertainment industry. Richard Chamberlain, a television and film actor who was best known for his role in the popular TV series "Dr. Kildare," died in March at the age of 90. Kealoha Kalama, a singer, recording artist, and kumu hula, died in June at the age of 93, while Gary Aiko, a musician and recording artist, died in July at the age of 90. These individuals made significant contributions to the entertainment industry in Hawaii, and their passing was mourned by fans and colleagues alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2025 was a remarkable year for entertainment in Hawaii, with a wide range of notable events and performances taking place throughout the year. From the release of the Apple TV+ miniseries "Chief of War" to the record-breaking concerts and performances at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, the year was filled with exciting and memorable moments. The reopening of the Blaisdell Concert Hall and the spotlight on local playwrights and theater productions also made 2025 a significant year for the entertainment industry in Hawaii. Despite the passing of several notable figures, the year was ultimately a celebration of the power of entertainment to bring people together and inspire new generations of artists and performers.