Creating, Collecting, and Sharing Stories by Hawai'i, for Hawai'i, to Hawai'i...
04/06/2025
We are honored to have our own, Marissa Rowell (Director of Marketing & Development) and Kaimana Broadhurst (Producer), be a part of this panel at this year’s Hawai‘i International Film Festival ‘ŌpioFest! This is great for all local aspiring filmmakers, educators and digital media creatives.
Join U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda in her town hall at the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Kaʻahaʻaina Café. Topics will range from concerns regarding the federal administrationʻs actions, policies affecting Hawai'i and more.
04/04/2025
Attention, YXC participants: Mahalo and congratulations for submitting your videos! We are excited to celebrate your achievements and hard work at the new Oscar-styled Awards Show & After Party. SAVE THE DATE.
We’re excited to offer 10% off interisland flights to help make your trip more affordable. Thanks to our sponsor Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines.
• Promo code: OLELO10
• 10% off round trip
• Valid travel dates: 5/12/25 - 5/18/25
• Airports: OGG / KOA / LIH / ITO-HNL
• Book by: 5/16/25 (limited to 70 round trips)
• We encourage travelers to enroll in Hawaiian Airlines’ free Huakaʻi by Hawaiian program for 1 free checked bag per member (must also have a free Hawaiian Miles account).
04.02.25 - ‘Ōlelo covered the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon and the End of the Vietnam War commemoration event at the Hawai‘i State Capitol.
What made this production special was that our staff mentored volunteers from the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC), who assisted as crew.
This event provided them with valuable workforce development opportunities as they took on various roles, from operating cameras, capturing BTS footage to switcher and graphics, and assisting with set-up and breakdown.
WCCC volunteers also got the chance to meet Governor Josh Green and local actor Kekoa Kekumano!
What a meaningful opportunity and event for our staff and WCCC in many ways.
04/03/2025
Join this press conference in which Governor Josh Green will announce the Helmsley Grant to expand access to cancer care.
04/02/2025
Continuing our “Ukulele History With Shawn” series regarding the KoAlohas!
Did you know this rare second largest sized ukulele is called a “radio tenor” because it was marketed a lot by the radio for its big sound?
Mahalo to Shawn Yacavone (ukulele historian, co-chair for Hawaiian Music Archives project) for all the interesting juicy information! More to come.
04/01/2025
03.29.25 - ‘Ōlelo is excited to continue the filming of the Hawaiian Music Archives oral history series, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi State Archives.
For this episode, we had guests Uncle Alvin “Pops”, Aunty Pat “Mama KoAloha”, and Paul Okami (President of KoAloha Ukulele), hosted by Shawn Yacavone (ukulele historian, co-chair for Hawaiian Music Archives project).
Mahalo to the Okami family for sharing your story of the KoAloha origins. Three generations of the Okami family continue to handcraft these KoAloha ukuleles.
As always, mahalo to Adam Jansen (archivist from Hawaii State Archives) and Shawn Yacavone for your participation, expertise and partnership.
04/01/2025
Here is a testimonial from former YXC crew, Anica, who graduated from HTA-Hawaii Technology Academy in 2024. With the knowledge and experience she gained from ‘Ōlelo productions, Anica is doing relevant and great work at Grand Canyon University!
YXC benefits youth in their media goals, whether they are participating as a video creator or helping with production behind the scenes.
Here is a testimonial from former YXC crew, Anica, who graduated from Hawai‘i Technology Academy in 2024. With the knowledge and experience she gained from ‘Ōlelo productions, she has gone on to do relevant and great work at Grand Canyon University!
YXC benefits youth in their media goals, whether they are participating as a video creator or helping with production behind the scenes.
‘Ōlelo filmed an episode of Hawaii State Federal Credit Union’s (HSFCU) new podcast called “Voices of Change” at their headquarters.
Guest speakers discussed topics such as condominium insurance, rising premiums, companies that have become unable to provide coverage, housing development and historical context as to why we are struggling with housing today. The host was Sandra (“Bunny”) Tanaka, the Community Impact Section Manager of HSFCU.
We’re always happy to amplify our community’s voices through media. Look forward to this podcast!
03/28/2025
Join Mayor Blangiardi in his town hall meeting to be held at Kalanianaʻole Beach Park in Nānākuli, where he will share work being done and hear concerns from residents.
03/27/2025
“…we have one pineapple (ukulele) from just about every decade from 1920 to current. What we found is that anything prior to World War II, we’re actually putting handmade gut strings on.”
‘Ōlelo was privileged to have a two-hour long tour of the Hawai‘i State Archives' vault of preserved historical and culturally significant Hawaiian artifacts.
This is the massive ukulele collection (and this isn’t even all of it!) Hear the backstory of these ukuleles’ evolution in sight and sound, spanning generations, courtesy of archivist Adam Jansen.
03/26/2025
03/26/2025
All ‘Ōlelo locations are closed in observance of Prince Kūhiō Day on Wednesday, March 26, 2026.
03/25/2025
03.25.25 - ‘Ōlelo covered the formal press conference portion of the Kūhiō Kākou Unity Rally, led by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. This event honors Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole, recognizes efforts aimed at decreasing DHHL’s waitlist (Native Hawaiian housing) and promote support for proposed legislation.
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Videos
U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda Town Hall Meeting
Join U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda in her town hall at the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Kaʻahaʻaina Café. Topics will range from concerns regarding the federal administrationʻs actions, policies affecting Hawai'i and more.
GOVERNOR GREEN TO ANNOUNCE HELMSLEY GRANT TO EXPAND ACCESS TO CANCER CARE
Join this press conference in which Governor Josh Green will announce the Helmsley Grant to expand access to cancer care.
Continuing our “Ukulele History With Shawn” series regarding the KoAlohas!
Did you know this rare second largest sized ukulele is called a “radio tenor” because it was marketed a lot by the radio for its big sound?
Mahalo to Shawn Yacavone (ukulele historian, co-chair for Hawaiian Music Archives project) for all the interesting juicy information! More to come.
Here is a testimonial from a YXC alumnus and crew, Anica, who is a graduate of HTA-Hawaii Technology Academy!
Hear how her experience with ‘Ōlelo productions has helped in her current work and skills.
YXC benefits youth in their media goals, whether they are participating as a video creator or helping with production behind the scenes.
For more info on this year’s YXC: https://olelo.org/yxc2025/
“…we have one pineapple (ukulele) from just about every decade from 1920 to current. What we found is that anything prior to World War II, we’re actually putting handmade gut strings on.”
‘Ōlelo was privileged to have a two-hour long tour of the Hawai‘i State Archives' vault of preserved historical and culturally significant Hawaiian artifacts.
This is the massive ukulele collection (and this isn’t even all of it!) Hear the backstory of these ukuleles’ evolution in sight and sound, spanning generations, courtesy of archivist Adam Jansen.
Mayor Rick Blangiardiʻs Town Hall Meeting
Join Mayor Blangiardi in his town hall meeting to be held at Kalanianaʻole Beach Park in Nānākuli, where he will share work being done and hear concerns from residents.
03.25.25 - ‘Ōlelo covered the formal press conference portion of the Kūhiō Kākou Unity Rally, led by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. This event honors Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole, recognizes efforts aimed at decreasing DHHL’s waitlist (Native Hawaiian housing) and promote support for proposed legislation.
Watch the full press conference on our Facebook live: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DaCa3tzm8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Here is a testimonial from a YXC competition winner, Rianne, from Hilo High School! Her animation won in the 2024 “Prepare NOW” category.
YXC benefits youth in their media goals, whether they are participating as a video creator or helping with production behind the scenes.
For more info on this year’s YXC: https://olelo.org/yxc2025/
More of this “Ukulele History With Shawn” series!
During the filming of our last Oral History of Hawaiian Music series, we noticed the unique KoAloha ukulele collection on set.
😲 Did you know that the tradition of small ukuleles came over from Europe? (Check out the sopranissimo!)
Mahalo to Shawn Yacavone (ukulele historian, co-chair for Hawaiian Music Archives project) for all the interesting juicy information! More to come.
State of the City Address 2025
Join Mayor Rick Blangiardi deliver his fifth State of the City address at Mission Memorial Auditorium, where topics such as housing, Skyline, EMS, Ocean Safety, current accomplishments and more will be covered.
What a packed weekend of cosplaying, gaming, anime, manga, music, merchandise and all things Japanese & Asian pop culture! ‘Ōlelo had the joy of covering Kawaii Kon again, particularly the events in the main ballroom. We can’t miss the annually popular cosplay contest.
Couldn’t make it? Find out who won when we announce the broadcast schedule!
In 1989, ‘Ōlelo Community Media became Oʻahu’s non-profit community Public, Education, and Government (PEG) access provider created to empower the voice of the community. Since then, ‘Ōlelo has evolved and expanded to better serve the diversity of our unique island community. Today, when you view any one of ‘Ōlelo’s four cable channels, VOD channels, or online channels, you will find unique and local stories from hundreds of dedicated community producers about our island, our people, the many cultures we share, and the issues we face.
From a small one-room office in the late 80s, we now have six media centers around the island, each designed to enable you to tell the stories that matter to you. Whether your goal is to educate, entertain, or inform, ‘Ōlelo is here to empower you to share your stories using the powerful medium of video.
‘Ōlelo provides access to media training, production facilities, and air time on our cable and online outlets to deliver non-commercial programming – without the costs and constraints of traditional television. Guided by our core values of teamwork, integrity, and aloha, we facilitate meaningful dialogue and increased participation in civic life. Our neighborhood-based Media Service Centers (MSCs) provide convenient access to our services across Oʻahu. Each MSC is committed to providing all members of the community an accessible and welcoming environment to create and distribute media. Whether you live on the Waiʻanae Coast, North Shore, Windward side or East Honolulu there is a media center near you.
‘Ōlelo also provides innovative technology, including state-of-the-art video equipment, studios, and facilities. We broadcast community programming on high quality distribution equipment not only on cable providers here on Oʻahu, but also 24/7 on the Internet worldwide. We encourage you to share your stories, your message, and engage with the diverse group of individuals who call Oʻahu our home. It is through sharing of our local stories that we connect ourselves with those around the island and around the world. When our voice thrives, so does our community.