The mission
Hawaii has a long tradition of storytelling, and 'Ōlelo Community Media exists to keep local voices on the air. The O'ahu nonprofit gives residents the tools, training and broadcast time to produce and share their own stories, from neighborhood board meetings to cultural showcases.
For decades 'Ōlelo has served people in person at community media centers across the island. We took on the app development for a fully custom iOS and Android app that takes that mission to phones, giving viewers a direct, on demand way to watch local programming, follow government proceedings and reach 'Ōlelo's public resources wherever they are.
Key Results
4 channels
Live streams for public access channels 49, 53, 54 and 55
4.9 / 5
App Store rating (stated in The results)
Since 2020
First launched on the App Store in March 2020
iOS + Android
Custom app with VOD, schedule and producer portal
Technology used
Custom iOS + Android
Native custom app for iOS and Android
Live TV and VOD
Four public access channels live, plus searchable video on demand
Traffic for O'ahu
Honolulu traffic camera livestreams with airport weather
Producer portal
Media Center Manager (MCM) portal for studios, equipment and submissions
Bringing public access to mobile
As mobile app development projects go, this one had to bridge traditional community broadcasting and what people now expect from a phone. Whether someone wants to watch a City Council hearing live or catch up on a community celebration they missed, local content is easier to find, search and watch.
The home screen puts all four of 'Ōlelo's public access channels, 49, 53, 54 and 55, one tap away. Each channel carries a different kind of programming, and every one streams live in the app. The same channels also air in HD on Hawaiian Telcom.
Key features
- Live streams of channels 49, 53, 54 and 55
- Video on demand, organized by category and searchable
- A daily program schedule for every channel
- Push notifications for live programming, breaking news and schedule changes
- Livestreams from City and County of Honolulu traffic cameras, with current weather at the airport
- News from 'Ōlelo and the community
- A secure client portal powered by Media Center Manager (MCM)
Video on demand and the schedule
Missed something? The VOD section lets people browse past broadcasts by category, from Arts and Entertainment to Community, Education and Election coverage. Every episode shows its air date and running time, so finding a specific hearing or show takes seconds.
The Schedule screen lists every program on every channel for the day, so residents can plan ahead for legislative hearings, community events and special interest shows. Push notifications let viewers know when something they care about goes live or a schedule changes.
Live Traffic for O'ahu commuters
One of the most civic minded features is the built in traffic camera viewer. It streams the City and County of Honolulu's traffic cameras alongside current weather conditions at the airport, so commuters and visitors can check the roads before they head out.
A portal for producers
The app is not only for viewers. Registered 'Ōlelo clients sign in to a secure portal powered by Media Center Manager, where they can reserve studio space and equipment, submit programs and enroll in media training without having to be on site. Anyone can also make online submissions straight from the app, which lowers the bar for getting started in community media.
The app on iOS and Android
These are the current screenshots from the App Store and Google Play listings. Use the toggle to switch between the iPhone and Android versions, and swipe or use the arrows to move through each set.
Screens from the 'Ōlelo app as listed on the App Store and Google Play. Switch between the iOS and Android versions.
The results
The 'Ōlelo app first launched on the App Store in March 2020 and is still actively maintained, with its latest update in April 2026. It holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating on the App Store, and reviewers keep coming back to the speed and polish of the live streams.
Super impressed with thought put into this app and the execution. Surpasses apps of cable providers such as Spectrum. Well done!
App Store review
It has a clean look and the interface smartly has the most used functions easily accessible. Best part, the speed and sharpness of the live stream!
App Store review
How we approached the build
Like many of our mobile app development projects, the work started with the content people already rely on: channels, schedules, a video archive and news. We connected those sources to native screens so viewers get a fast, familiar experience on both iOS and Android, while 'Ōlelo's team keeps managing content in the systems they already use, including Media Center Manager for producers. If your organization runs on WordPress, the same approach can turn an existing site into an app.
Related reading
- WordPress websites and mobile apps for nonprofits
- Your WordPress site already has an app inside it
- Senior Medicare Patrol: a national resource center and a fraud prevention game
- More WordPress and mobile app projects
Ready to build yours?
Planning mobile app development for a media organization, a nonprofit or a community you serve, or an app built on your WordPress site? Tell us a little about the project and we will get back to you with clear next steps.
No sales pitch. A short note is enough to start the conversation.
Prefer the full contact form? Go to Contact.
Project leadership by Brian Messenlehner.
