The Conversation is a weekday show on HPR’s news and information program stream, KHPR 88.1FM. For, by, and about the people of Hawaii, The shows host Chris Vandercook will be talking to all sorts of people about all sorts of things, from the state’s budget crisis to huli-huli chicken, and audience involvement and comment is invited.
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Sep 28, 2026 · 53:55
Hawaʻi Island Mayor Kimo Alameda joins HPR live to share how the island fared Hurricane Nolo; HPR’s Bill Dorman reports on ongoing fires and power outages on Maui.
Sep 25, 2026 · 53:43
HPR looks ahead for storm updates on Hurricane Nolo and looks back on some of our past stories highlighting the human body.
Sep 24, 2026 · 36:25
Jim Kelly, of the Hawaiian Electric Company, shares updates and preparations for Tropical Storm Nolo; HPR checks in on classrooms on Kauaʻi in the latest installment of Homeroom…
Sep 23, 2026 · 33:21
Verizon shares how they're keeping customers connected after the impacts of the hurricanes; organizers of the upcoming Hawaiʻi Immigration & Inclusion Conference discuss the need…
Sep 22, 2026 · 34:41
Carol Kai Inouye, founder of the Great Aloha Run, passes the torch to developer Christine Camp to keep the race going; Kapolei Middle School faces new challenges in keeping its…
Sep 21, 2026 · 32:39
Julia Rose, of The Nature Conservancy, surveys damage to Hawaiʻi’s reefs following the recent storms; behavioral scientist Gleb Tsipursky explains the practical uses and pitfalls…
Sep 18, 2026 · 32:52
The U.S. Navy announces the decision to reopen a shaft involved in the Red Hill water crisis; U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze discusses his work with poetry and translation.
Sep 17, 2026 · 33:31
Gov. Green speaks after assessing storm damage after Hurricane Lowell on Kauaʻi; HPR returns with the latest installments of its segments 'Homeroom Hawaiʻi' and 'Hawaiʻi Skies.'
Sep 16, 2026 · 33:20
Former University of Hawaiʻi Law School Dean Avi Soifer explains how and why Kamehameha Schools could lose their tax-exempt status; HPR joins Pokémon fans in line trying to catch…
Sep 15, 2026 · 52:03
State Senate President Ron Kouchi shares how f Kauaʻi is recovering after Hurricane Lowell; UH Professor Karl Kim shares what disasters — both manmade and natural — can teach us.
Sep 14, 2026 · 53:50
Today, The Conversation is broadcasting live on the Ala Wai Canal — on the edge of Waikīkī.
Sep 10, 2026 · 53:57
Hawaiian Electric Company VP of Communications Jim Kelly shares the latest on Kauaʻi’s recovery efforts; HPR returns with the latest installment of Homeroom Hawaiʻi.
Sep 9, 2026 · 51:45
Kauaʻi's electric utility works to restore power across the island; Punahou president Mike Latham remembers alumni who died; Filmmaker talks LNG documentary
Sep 8, 2026 · 53:53
Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami addresses Hurricane Lowell impacts; HPR's Mark Ladao has more on Lowell on Oʻahu; UH researcher talks pilot whale study
Sep 4, 2026 · 53:51
Handling the constant storms and disasters; Honolulu takes part in Youth Climate Action Fund; Volcano Minute; Lahaina resident's mail woes; Director Destin Daniel Cretton talks…
Sep 3, 2026 · 51:46
Hawaii Business magazine's list of most profitable companies; Database tracks billion-dollar disasters; AI and the backbone of the American economy
Sep 2, 2026 · 53:55
HART CEO Lori Kahikina talks about the timeline on the latest leg of the Skyline into Honolulu’s urban core; Filmmaker Stephan Boeker shares his award-winning short film…
Sep 1, 2026 · 51:41
Gaye Chan, of the Oʻahu Rapid Response Coalition, shares their mission to monitor ICE activity on Oʻahu; Honolulu Director of Transit Jon Nouchi shares how the city’s public…
Aug 31, 2026 · 52:00
City Council candidates speak after the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court ruled Tommy Waters ineligible to run in the general election; Maui-based motivational speaker Eric Saperston shares…
Aug 28, 2026 · 54:05
Hawaiʻi Island Mayor Kimo Alameda shares recovery updates after Hurricane Lala devastated areas like the Nāʻālehu Cemetery; The Center for Oral History at UH Mānoa plans new…
Aug 27, 2026 · 52:05
HECO shares updates on getting the lights back on after Hurricane Lala; HPR shares more stories from students and staff across the islands in the second installment of “Homeroom…
Aug 26, 2026 · 54:03
John Bravender, of the National Weather Service, shares news of a third weather disturbance forming after Tropical Storm Moke; Capitol Modern combines several art festival events…
Aug 25, 2026 · 51:59
HPR reports on hurricane insurance and how much home insurance policies actually protect; Army Sgt. Clara Davis fights her discharge from the military following President Trump’s…
Aug 24, 2026 · 52:01
Recovery efforts continue on Hawaiʻi Island after Lala while Moke makes its way across Molokaʻi; recently appointed Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar talks public safety after…
Aug 21, 2026 · 53:48
Today, we are discussing how communities can access information on how to rebuild following the destruction caused by Hurricane Lala. Lala left many without power and damaged…
Aug 20, 2026 · 54:03
Gov. Josh Green shares information about another potential tropical storm, and why hurricane season isn’t over; HPR presents Homeroom Hawaiʻi, a segment that shares the stories…
Aug 19, 2026 · 53:53
HPR’s Savannah Harriman-Pote reports on HECO’s progress restoring power to the islands; Peter Oshiro, head of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health’s Food Safety ranch, advises…
Aug 18, 2026 · 53:58
Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami shares how the Garden Isle fared during Hurricane Lala; business owners and residents from O'ahu and Hawai'i Island share how they're rebuilding amid…
Aug 17, 2026 · 53:32
City and state officials deliver the latest updates on Hawaiʻi's recovery after Hurricane Lala; residents share their experience in the aftermath.
Aug 14, 2026 · 51:56
HPR’s Bill Dorman reports with the latest developments on Tropical Storm Lala; Mililani Trask, sister of Haunani Kay-Trask, responds to a possibly AI-generated use of her late…
Aug 12, 2026 · 54:05
HPR speaks with state Sen. Karl Rhoads about concerns around a possibly AI-generated campaign commercial; Punahou School President Mike Latham discusses the new Mary Kawena Pukui…
Aug 11, 2026 · 54:03
HPR’s Cassie Ordonio reports on the results for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs races; Mokulele Airlines begins test flights with BETA Technologies' fully-electric Alia aircrafts.
Aug 10, 2026 · 54:03
HPR reviews the results of the 2026 primary election; national Solar Observatory scientists capture the highest-resolution images of the surface of the sun ever taken.
Aug 7, 2026 · 52:02
On the eve of the 2026 primary election, The Conversation highlights past stories about engaging in the democratic process.
Aug 6, 2026 · 52:05
Bishop Michael Thomas Tupou Castori speaks with HPR about his journey and connection with the Pacific; HPR speaks with District 4 voters and Tommy Waters about his ousting from…
Aug 5, 2026 · 52:04
JERA Vice President of Development Erik Montague answers questions about liquefied natural gas; fingerboard and kendama enthusiasts share where their passions have taken them.
Aug 4, 2026 · 53:48
U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda speaks with HPR about her time spent in Maui three years after the Lahaina fires; Honolulu Department of Planning & Permitting director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna…
Aug 3, 2026 · 49:16
Clinical psychologist Dr. Amithea Love explains a new pilot program to ease the state’s mental health physician shortage; HPR speaks with Hele Rolls food truck owners and…
Jul 31, 2026 · 53:57
HPR's Mark Ladao reports on the latest developments in the bribery case involving Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke; Podcaster Kamaka Dias reflects on his time as a Peace Corps volunteer in…
Jul 30, 2026 · 53:59
Today, our panel discusses a new statewide policy to restrict student cell phone usage beginning next school year — which starts next week.
Jul 29, 2026 · 54:07
Increased fuel prices from the Iran war place a burden on TheBus budget; Former UH head swim coach Jans Prins breaks down the biomechanics of swimming in his new book, "Freestyle…
Jul 28, 2026 · 53:57
Honolulu Civil Beat’s Ben Angarone and UH political science professor Colin Moore discuss City Councilmember Tommy Waters’ ineligibility to run for office; Hawai’i residents…
Jul 27, 2026 · 53:56
International military officials share their thoughts as RIMPAC 2026 concludes; Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Nathan Tan explains the recent national outbreak Cyclosporiasis
Jul 24, 2026 · 52:38
The Conversation takes a look through the archives to curate a list of local literature to add to your library.
Jul 23, 2026 · 54:05
Sen. Karl Rhoads, longtime chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, reflects on his career in the State Legislature; Vicky Durand and Indrajit Gunasekara, of the Koali Niu…
Jul 22, 2026 · 54:39
Nainoa Thomspon, CEO of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, and Chamorro navigator Ron Acfalle pay tribute to the late Grand Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur; musical artist Tavana…
Jul 21, 2026 · 51:59
Ken Quintanilla, executive director of the Guam Red Cross, delivers recovery updates after Super Typhoon Bavi; animal researchers Dr. Lisa "Cali" Crampton and Justin Hite raise…
Jul 20, 2026 · 54:03
Sandy Ma discusses her new title as Executive Director and Legal Counsel for the Honolulu Ethics Commission; Business owner Bill Comerford makes his Irish exit as he sells…
Jul 16, 2026 · 53:56
Gov. Josh Green explains why members of Hawaiʻi’s National Guard are deployed in the nation’s capital; Sherry Menor, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, reacts…
Jul 15, 2026 · 54:03
Have a question or comment on Hawaiʻi's media landscape? Send a note to talkback@hawaiipublicradio.org or leave a voicemail at 808-792-8217.
Jul 14, 2026 · 54:00
Mark Suiso, of Makaha Mangoes, shares tips on mango farming and explains why mango season is late this year; HPR and Canary Media team up to report on the debate around Liquefied…
Jul 13, 2026 · 53:55
Hawaiʻi Chief Election Officer Scott Nago discusses preparations for the primary elections; rower and social media sensation Kelsey Pfendler celebrates her record-breaking solo…
Jul 10, 2026 · 53:58
The Conversation takes a trip back to past broadcasts on the world of travel and transportation.
Jul 9, 2026 · 54:07
Northern Mariana Islands journalist Thomas Mangloña II shares his firsthand account of the destruction left by Super Typhoon Bavi; Hawaiʻi locals and city officials share their…
Jul 8, 2026 · 52:04
A new pro golf tournament, Play Hawaiʻi Golf, is being organized to replace The Sentry tournament by the PGA Tour; Maui philanthropist Ed Freedman talks about funding investment…
Jul 7, 2026 · 54:02
Vassilis Syrmos, the new Chancellor of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, speaks with HPR about his new role; Honolulu street psychiatrist Chad Koyanagi shares his story helping…
Jul 6, 2026 · 51:59
HPR’s Cassie Ordonio reports on a super typhoon passing through Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands; Common Cause Hawaii director Camron Hurt discusses the U.S. Supreme Court’s…
Jul 2, 2026 · 53:56
HPR contributor Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton shares Kānaka opinions on Hawaiian artifacts kept in museums; Hawai’i Island Chef Rhoda Magbitang celebrates her recent “Top Chef” season…
Jul 1, 2026 · 51:17
The National Park Service announces new tours of Kalaupapa; the Smithsonian hosts a 'Quilt Along' event featuring a Hawaiian quilt artist.
Jun 30, 2026 · 54:05
ACLU of Hawaiʻi Legal Director Wookie Kim speaks on the U.S. Supreme Court rulings on birthright citizenship and transgender athletes; Maya Soetoro-Ng, sister to Barack Obama,…
Jun 29, 2026 · 52:03
Ann Wright, retired United States Army colonel and peace activist, speaks out against RIMPAC 2026; Filmmakers Anna Trent Moore and Ronald Moore share their film about legendary…
Jun 26, 2026 · 51:55
The Conversation marks the 54th anniversary of Title IX by highlighting past guests who championed the landmark legislation for academic gender equality.
Jun 25, 2026 · 54:02
HPR speaks with attorney Kevin O’Grady about the recent Supreme Court decision striking public property gun restrictions; attorney Kristina Baehr shares updates on the court…
Jun 24, 2026 · 54:04
Peter Young, Chair of the Hawaiʻi America250 Commission, shares some of the festivities planned for the nation’s 250th anniversary; 3D Animator Nick Chang talks about his retro…
Jun 23, 2026 · 52:06
Journalist Kim Cross marks the 54th anniversary of Title IX; curator Jon Santos talks about the upcoming New York art exhibit “Niu Systems.”
Jun 22, 2026 · 53:51
Visual artist Hugo McCloud talks about creating art for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago; Hawaiʻi State Rep. Greggor Ilagan discusses the new SPEED Task Force for…
Jun 18, 2026 · 53:58
Hawaiʻi-based Asia-Pacific Leadership fellows discuss their experience at the Obama Presidential Center; Acting Lt. Gov. Keith Regan shares plans to renovate the Hawaiʻi State…
Jun 17, 2026 · 54:22
HPR takes an exclusive preview at the new library in the Obama Presidential Center; University of Hawaiʻi Astronomer Roy Gal shareds upcoming astronomical phenomena, including an…
Jun 16, 2026 · 54:14
Chicago Sun-Times journalist Lynn Sweet offers more insight on the upcoming Obama Presidential Center; the Pacific Whale Foundation shares new research on the endangered false…
Jun 15, 2026 · 54:03
Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, speaks with HPR in an exclusive media preview for the upcoming Obama Presidential Center; Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow…
Jun 12, 2026 · 54:05
Dre Kalili, Deputy Director of Harbors for the Department of Transportation, discusses the cruise industry; cruise passengers talk about the Green Fee's tax on cruise passengers.
Jun 10, 2026 · 54:04
John Berry, the new director for the Honolulu Zoo, talks about his past work at the Smithsonian; Hawaiʻi legal experts weigh in on the state's lawyer shortage.
Jun 9, 2026 · 54:01
Researchers from Columbia and UH talk about weatherproofing the FIFA World Cup; Lokahi Longevity co-founder David Watumull discusses a new blood test for heart health
Jun 8, 2026 · 53:55
DHS Director Joseph Campos II speaks about the new strike force organized to tackle Medicaid fraud and abuse; author Jonathan Ezer recounts his time swimming the Kaiwi Channel.
Jun 5, 2026 · 53:49
The Conversation highlights past Pacific Islander guests who shared their voice to speak on climate change and their part of the world.
Jun 4, 2026 · 53:38
Governor Josh Green discusses his veto list and liquefied natural gas; UC Santa Barbara researcher Cat Fong discusses the link between evacuation routes and wildfire deaths.
Jun 3, 2026 · 51:57
Jean Lee, Presidential Chair of the East-West Center, discusses BTS and Hawaiʻi’s economic dependence on South Korea; HPR shares stories told by graduating Kapolei high school…
Jun 2, 2026 · 53:45
UH computer scientist Kim Binsted talks about the HI-SEAS program; Hawaiʻi-based playwright Diane Aoki talks about “Memory Beads,” her upcoming play about family and memory.
Jun 1, 2026 · 50:56
June 1 marks the start of hurricane season, and the National Weather Service is forecasting up to 13 tropical cyclones across the central Pacific. Today, our panel will discuss…
May 29, 2026 · 54:04
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chair Kaiali’i Kahele discusses broadcast stations and military land; the Waialua High and Intermediate School girls’ surf team celebrates a…
May 28, 2026 · 51:58
Hawaiʻi Island Mayor Kimo Alameda speaks on the manhunt for a murder suspect; the son of a U.S. Navy cook shares his quest to rediscover his late father’s lost artwork
May 27, 2026 · 53:55
Biologist Brittany Clemans explains the NOAA uses turtle shell etchings help track the "Honu Count;" a new pop-up art exhibit dedicated to zines and trading cards opens in Oʻahu.
May 26, 2026 · 53:56
Members of the US Coast Guard share weather precautions for the upcoming hurricane season; HPR speaks to one of seven high-achieving Lānaʻi graduates who earned both high school…
May 22, 2026 · 51:53
The Conversation looks back on a groundbreaking exhibit organized by the British Museum called “Hawaiʻi: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans.”
May 21, 2026 · 53:56
NOAA Meteorologist John Bravender forecasts a stronger El Niño hurricane season; MEMA discusses the "Maui Method" of safely disposing of lithium ion batteries.
May 20, 2026 · 53:44
University of Hawaiʻi staff and students discuss the impact of “time, place and manner” policies on campus free speech; Ewa Makai Middle School students discuss their love for…
May 19, 2026 · 53:29
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continue recovery efforts in Saipan. At 98 years old, Gil Hicks is the oldest-living Hawaiian Airlines pilot.
May 18, 2026 · 53:37
Honolulu Star-Advertiser Reporter Kevin Knodell talks unexploded ordnance in Hawaiʻi. Scott Fisher of the Hawaiʻi Land Trust talks about stewardship of the Waiheʻe Refuge on Maui.
May 15, 2026 · 53:54
HPR’s Bill Dorman reports on the historic summit between President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping; UH Mānoa's eSports team discusses their recent championship win.
May 14, 2026 · 53:56
HPR’s Savannah Harriman-Pote reports on the state’s decision to cut tax credits for renewable energy; muralist Todd “Estria” Johnson shares more about his murals help enrich…
May 13, 2026 · 51:56
Ernie Lau, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, discusses hurricane preparedness; Hawai’i Marine Animal Response speaks on the recent viral news of a man throwing a rock at a monk…
May 12, 2026 · 53:56
Tom Moore, from the Center for American Progress, explains a bill that passed to limit corporate influence in elections; singer-songwriter Jack Johnson teases the debut of his…
May 11, 2026 · 53:37
HPR's Cassie Ordonio reports on the status of Chuuk's Super Typhoon Sinlaku recovery efforts; local record shop and label owner Roger Bong responds to the use of AI-generated…
May 8, 2026 · 51:03
Today on the Conversation, we're looking back on stories we've shared about the Vietnam War and Operation Babylift.
May 7, 2026 · 54:04
Jim Kelly, Hawaiian Electric Company, on rising electric bills; HPRʻs Ashley Mizuo reports on how it's the first year lawmakers had to decide how to spend revenue from The Green…
May 6, 2026 · 53:47
Acting Lt. Gov. Keith Regan and James Kurata of the Department of Accounting and General Services, on a drone survey underway to capture all 8 of the state's cemeteries; UH…
May 5, 2026 · 54:02
Keith Regan, serving as comptroller and the acting lieutenant governor for the state, talks about balancing the two roles; Karl Banks, of the Environmental Protection Agency, out…
May 4, 2026 · 53:46
Honolulu Star-Advertiser's Dave Reardon reports on the first high school surfing championship in Hawaiʻi; Maile Shannon and Luna Kekoa of the Holomua Marine Initiative on…
May 1, 2026 · 50:06
Today, our panel discusses all thing lei on this May Day! The local lei industry has faced tough times, and flooding from the recent Kona low storms have only added to our floral…
Apr 30, 2026 · 54:08
Acting Konawaena High School principal Chelsea Qualey and Ramzi Mansour of the Department of Accounting and General Services share the progress being made following damages from…
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