Hawaii’s lively arts and entertainment scene got a boost from hosting three network TV shows and a blockbuster movie franchise, and exporting song and dance talent that shone on reality TV competitions. The up-and-comers included the debut of a midsize venue for musical acts and the emergence of a new "It" neighborhood.

1. KAKAAKO REBIRTH

Although the elements for developing the neglected Kakaako district have been in place for some time, the area became a nexus for innovative living, shopping, dining, entertainment and art experiences in 2012.

As the state moved ahead with plans to develop a mixed-used rental apartment project at 690 Pohukaina St. that would be the tallest building in the state, Kamehameha Schools opened its renovated 54-unit Six Eighty rental apartments on Ala Moana Boulevard — complete with a Starbucks.

In November, PA‘I Arts and Culture Center and the Artspace Ola Ka ‘Ilima announced plans to create affordable housing and creative art spaces for artists at on Waimanu Street.

With popular Eat the Street and Night Market events drawing throngs and Pow Wow Hawaii’s festival of street art putting the neighborhood on the public’s radar, artists’ groups and small businesses are embracing Kakaako as a home base and a brand.

Keep an eye out for what happens next.
—Elizabeth Kieszkowski

2. TELEVISION AND MOVIES

ABC’s "The River," which starred Bruce Greenwood as a TV adventurer missing in the Amazon (aka Kahana Valley), premiered in February, but its creepy horror style never caught on with viewers. After eight episodes it was canceled.

The network then contracted with Sony Pictures Television to shoot "Last Resort," a submarine drama starring Andre Braugher, on Oahu. The series launched in September, and while critics gave it high praise, it too failed to secure an audience. "Last Resort" wrapped up its 13th and final episode earlier this month and will soon move out of the state film studio at Diamond Head.

Meanwhile, CBS series "Hawaii Five-0" suffered ratings doldrums in the first half of its third season before bouncing back late last month.

Cancellation of "Last Resort" means the state film studio will be taken over by "Five-0," which has been using the former Hono­lulu Advertiser building as production headquarters and a soundstage since 2010. The building was sold in August.

On the big screen, the Hawaii-set "Battleship" bombed when it opened in May, but the North Shore provided the backdrop for filming of "Catching Fire," part of the smash "Hunger Games" trilogy, in November and December. The film is set for release in late 2013.
—Mike Gordon

3. SYMPHONY DEBUTS

The debut of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra marked the return of a professional orchestra to Hawaii more than two years after bankruptcy closed the Hono­lulu Symphony.

In eight Masterworks programs and six Pops concerts, the orchestra showed that the talent and dedication of classically trained musicians remained in abundance. Traditional favorites from Beethoven’s Fifth to Men­dels­sohn’s "Italian" symphonies were as pleasing as ever, while unusual works like Chinese composer Tan Dun’s "Internet Symphony" kept performances fresh. Guest conductors and artists were first rate.

Orchestra representatives said the symphony finished the season in the black.
—Steven Mark

4. THE REPUBLIK

Ever since Pipeline Cafe, one of Oahu’s last free-standing nightclubs, closed in February 2011, there was nowhere for local promoters to book midsize shows.

Enter BAMP Project and former Pipeline co-owner Chip Jewitt. Nearly a year of construction and design delays pushed the soft opening of their new venue, The Republik, to the end of August. They hit another snag following a sold-out concert Aug. 22 by rockers Death Cab for Cutie, when the city, citing permit and safety issues, restricted capacity at the Kapiolani Boulevard spot to just less than 300 people.

By the middle of September, however, everything had been settled, clearing the way for appearances by bands such as Odd Future, Yellowcard, The Crystal Method, Chevelle and Bloc Party. The fun continues into 2013 with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis on New Year’s Eve, Ala­­bama Shakes on Jan. 11 and Matt Kearney on Jan. 17.
—Jason Genegabus

5. IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Young Hawaii-trained dancers out of the 24-VII Danceforce studio stepped into the national spotlight on two popular TV competitions.

Camren Bicondova, Summer Waikiki and twins Tamara and Tiara Rapp joined forces with four dancers from Los Angeles to form 8 Flavahz, whose members ranged in age from 10 to 17. The talented troupe finished second on MTV’s urban slamdown "America’s Best Dance Crew."

On Fox’s "So You Think You Can Dance," Cole Horibe’s martial arts/fusion talents made him a fan favorite and pushed him well into the competition.

Hawaii-born singer Cheesa Laureta was a notable contestant on NBC’s "The Voice." Since moving to Los Angeles, she has developed her powerhouse voice and has since released a single with Filipina pop star Charice, both of them appearing onstage at the Blaisdell Arena in November.
—Gary Chun