December 2025

We're Talking Stories

Aloha mai kākou,

Is it just me, or have you also noticed that Black Friday is starting earlier every year? It’s kind of funny … but also not.

I recently walked into a notable hardware store and saw reindeer families, blow-up Santas and Frosty the Snowmen on display, and already marked down. And this was the week before Halloween! I laughed at first, but then I got sad.

Somewhere along the way, it feels like we’ve lost our way.

For me, the holiday season is a time to slow down and appreciate the people and moments that keep us grounded.

At PBS Hawai‘i, YOU drive everything we do. Your trust keeps us moving forward, especially now as we navigate our first year being 100% community-funded. It’s a big change, but it’s also a chance to reset and remember who we are and why our work matters.

We are storytellers at PBS Hawai‘i. We do our work without the pressures of commercial interests or outside agendas. We answer to you, and we are committed to sharing programs that are authentic and respectful to all of our audiences.

We hope you’ll join us on Monday, December 8 at 7:30 pm for a special Nā Mele holiday pledge show featuring Kalapana, as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of their debut album. It will be a night of song and reminiscing. 

We understand you have a choice. We’re grateful for your support, and we promise not to lose our way.

E Kūpaʻa Kākou — Let’s stand firm together.

With gratitude and aloha,

Ron Mizutani
President and CEO

 

Local Program Highlights

PBS Drama

NĀ MELE

Kalapana

The legendary Kalapana will grace PBS Hawaiʻi's Nā Mele stage for the very first time in its 50- year career. Viewers will experience rare, never-before-aired archival performances of original band members woven together with powerful new renditions from musicians who grew up with Kalapana's music as a soundtrack to their lives. This Nā Mele special is a tribute to community, memory and the bonds that make Hawaiʻi's music timeless. Don't miss it Monday, December 8th at 7:30 pm on PBS Hawaiʻi and on pbshawaii.org. 

Digital Highlights

Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troigros

ALANUI MELE

Street Art Photographer THNK

A curator of Hawaiʻi's street art and graffiti culture since the 1980s, THNK sits down with Kavet the Katalyst to share how his passion for photography led him on his journey documenting a vibrant island subculture. Plus, how his independent magazine Hawaiian Knights showcases graffiti from Hawaiʻi and around the world to an international audience. 

 

You can find all the ALANUI MELE podcasts on pbshawaii.org and on our YouTube playlist.

DANTE: INFERNO TO PARADISE

ʻONO! Hawaiʻi's Food Culture

Mmmmeat Jun!

 

This is the story of meat jun told by the family who served it across generations of hard work and dedication. A uniquely Hawaiian take on a Korean dish, meat jun represents more than just food. It's a reflection of the Korean experience in Hawaiʻi. It's a dish filled with nostalgia just as you remember it and just as delicious as ever. And, everyone has their favorite!

 

Watch this episode and find all the past seasons of 'ONO! on our YouTube playlist and at pbshawaii.org.

National Program Highlights

Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troigros

PBS HAWAIʻI

Holiday Season Line-up

Ring the bells! PBS Hawaiʻi has got a sleigh full of musical and performance programs to help ring in your holiday season, including Hope of the Season featuring Ruthie Ann Miles. Plus, an all-new Call the Midwife Holiday Special. Check out our full guide to this holiday season's line-up!

DANTE: INFERNO TO PARADISE

CRAFT IN AMERICA

West

CRAFT IN AMERICA features Hawaiʻi artisans whose creations and endeavors are inspired by environment, history and culture. On West, you’ll see the work of feather artist Kawika Lum-Nelmida (pictured), fiber artist Marques Hanalei Marzan, the Poakalani Quilters and the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

PBS Drama

Stream your favorite PBS shows and create your perfect watchlist by downloading the free PBS App. Looking for early access or to catch up on a previous season? Become a PBS Hawaiʻi member with a gift of $5 a month and get more with your PBS Hawaiʻi Passport.

 

And if you are already eligible and haven’t yet, activate your PBS Hawaiʻi Passport today!

Are you looking for more great programming or our Program Guide?

Click for our latest TV schedule

Rooted in Community, Growing Together

Our strength has always come from the people of Hawaiʻi — the stories you share, the values you uphold and the trust you place in us. Your generous contributions help ground us and allow us to continue to share island stories, spark transformative discussions and cultivate a love of learning for people of all ages. To keep doing what we do, we kindly ask for your support.

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