Brandi Higa Biography 2026: Age, Height, Husband, Career & Hawaii News in 2026

Brandi Higa is a familiar face in Hawaiian journalism, known for her warm on-air presence and dedication to local news. As a lead anchor at Hawaii News Now, she has covered everything from volcanic eruptions to community celebrations, earning trust across the islands. Her blend of professional rigor and island charm makes her one of the state’s most respected broadcasters.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Brandi Higa
Nick Name	Brandi
Profession	Journalist, News Anchor
Birth Date	August 15, 1990
Age	36 years old
Birth Place	Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Nationality	American
Known For	Anchoring Hawaii News Now at 5, 6 & 10 p.m.
Ethnicity	Japanese-American
Zodiac Sign	Leo
Height	5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
Weight	130 lbs (59 kg)
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Qualification	B.A. in Journalism, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Religion	Christianity
Marital Status	Married
Spouse	David Kim (m. 2016)
Children	Two (son born 2018, daughter born 2021)
Parents	Ken Higa (father), Linda Higa (mother)
Siblings	One younger brother, Ryan Higa
Hobbies	Surfing, hiking, paddleboarding, cooking
Current Work	Evening anchor, Hawaii News Now
Years Active	2012–present
Net Worth	$1.2 million (estimated, 2026)

Early Life & Education

Brandi Higa was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 15, 1990. She grew up in the Kaimuki neighborhood, where her parents, Ken and Linda Higa, ran a small family restaurant. Her father is a second-generation Japanese-American, and her mother is of Native Hawaiian descent, giving Brandi a deep connection to both cultures.

From a young age, Brandi showed a knack for storytelling. She would often write short news reports about family events and read them aloud at dinner. At Kaimuki High School, she joined the school newspaper and the debate team, sharpening her communication skills. After graduating in 2008, she enrolled at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, majoring in journalism. During college, she interned at KHON2 and KITV, gaining hands-on experience in broadcast news. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 2012 and was immediately hired as a production assistant at Hawaii News Now.

Career Journey and 2026 Updates

Brandi Higa’s career began behind the scenes. In 2012, she started as a production assistant at Hawaii News Now, where she learned the ropes of live television. Her persistence paid off when she was promoted to on-air reporter in 2014. She covered breaking news, including Hurricane Iselle and the 2018 Kilauea eruption, earning praise for her calm delivery under pressure.

Rise to Anchor

In 2017, Brandi became a weekend anchor, and by 2020 she was anchoring the station’s flagship evening newscasts. Her interviews with local leaders and coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic solidified her reputation. As of 2026, she continues to anchor the 5, 6, and 10 p.m. broadcasts, often leading special reports on climate change and tourism recovery.

2026 Career Highlights

In early 2026, Brandi launched a new segment called “Island Voices,” highlighting underrepresented communities across Hawaii. The segment has already won a regional Edward R. Murrow Award. She also moderated a gubernatorial debate in August 2026, drawing statewide attention. Her 2026 contract extension with Hawaii News Now reportedly includes a salary bump and a digital series on local history.

Personal Life

Brandi Higa married David Kim, a civil engineer, in a beachside ceremony on Oahu in 2016. The couple met through mutual friends at a charity surf event. They have two children: a son, Koa, born in 2018, and a daughter, Leilani, born in 2021. The family lives in a quiet suburb of Honolulu and enjoys outdoor activities together.

Family & Relationships

Brandi is close to her parents and often credits them for her work ethic. Her younger brother, Ryan Higa, is a marine biologist. She has no known dating history outside her marriage; she and David have been together since 2013. The couple prioritizes privacy but occasionally shares family photos on social media.

Hobbies & Interests

When not on air, Brandi is an avid surfer and hiker. She frequently explores trails like Diamond Head and Makapu’u. She also enjoys cooking traditional Hawaiian dishes and volunteers at local food banks. In 2026, she joined the board of the Hawaii Foodbank, reflecting her commitment to community service.

Awards & Achievements

Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for “Island Voices” (2026)
Hawaii State Association of Broadcasters – Best Anchor (2023, 2025)
Pacific Century Fellows Program (2021)
University of Hawaii Alumni Association – Outstanding Young Alumna (2020)
Multiple Emmy nominations for breaking news coverage

Physical Statistics

Brandi Higa stands at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and maintains a healthy weight of around 130 lbs (59 kg). She has black hair and dark brown eyes, with a warm, approachable smile that resonates with viewers. Her fitness routine includes surfing, yoga, and running, which she credits for her on-screen energy.

Quotes

“Journalism isn’t just about reporting facts—it’s about connecting with people and telling their stories with heart.”

“Growing up in Hawaii taught me the value of community. Every story I tell is a chance to give back.”

“Balance is key. My family keeps me grounded, and the ocean keeps me sane.”

Controversies

Brandi Higa has maintained a clean public image throughout her career. In 2024, a minor social media stir occurred when she accidentally mispronounced a local politician’s name on air, but she quickly apologized and the issue was forgotten. No major controversies have been linked to her as of 2026.

Favorites

Favorite Food: Poke bowls and shave ice
Favorite Movie: “The Descendants”
Favorite Book: “Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen” by Queen Liliʻuokalani
Favorite Music: Hawaiian slack-key guitar
Favorite Place: Lanikai Beach

Net Worth and Salary in 2026

As of 2026, Brandi Higa’s estimated net worth is $1.2 million. Her annual salary at Hawaii News Now is reported to be between $120,000 and $150,000, based on industry benchmarks for top-market anchors. Additional income comes from speaking engagements and a modest investment portfolio. Her 2026 contract renewal included a 10% raise, reflecting her value to the station.

Interesting Facts

Brandi once surfed with a former U.S. president during a charity event in Waikiki.
She is fluent in conversational Japanese, which helps when covering stories involving Hawaii’s Japanese community.
Her first on-air job was reading the morning announcements at Kaimuki High School.
She has a pet rescue dog named Mochi, often featured on her Instagram.
In 2026, she completed her first marathon, the Honolulu Marathon, raising funds for local schools.

Did You Know Already?

Brandi Higa’s middle name is Leilani, which she passed on to her daughter. She also holds a private pilot’s license, a hobby she picked up in 2020 to explore the islands from above. Her favorite news story to cover is the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, celebrating hula and Hawaiian culture.

Stay connected with Brandi Higa through her official accounts:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Brandi Higa been at Hawaii News Now?

Brandi Higa joined Hawaii News Now in 2012 as a production assistant and became an anchor in 2017. As of 2026, she has been with the station for 14 years.

What is Brandi Higa’s salary?

Her annual salary is estimated between $120,000 and $150,000, according to 2026 industry reports for top Honolulu anchors.

Is Brandi Higa married?

Yes, she has been married to David Kim since 2016. They have two children together.

What are Brandi Higa’s hobbies?

She enjoys surfing, hiking, paddleboarding, cooking, and spending time with her family. She also volunteers at the Hawaii Foodbank.

Does Brandi Higa have any awards?

Yes, she has won multiple awards, including a 2026 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award and several Hawaii State Association of Broadcasters honors.

Where did Brandi Higa go to college?

She graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a degree in journalism in 2012.

Conclusion

Brandi Higa’s journey from a Honolulu schoolgirl to a trusted news anchor is a testament to hard work and community spirit. Her 2026 achievements show she’s just getting started. If you enjoyed this biography, please share it with friends or on social media to spread the word about this inspiring Hawaiian journalist.