98.5 signed on the air on Independence Day, 1988, as KHHH, "The Wave", boasting a new age (or "smooth jazz") format.

When that didn't work, KHHH began simulcasting its all-news AM sibling KHVH, in August 1992.

Soon after, the station flipped again, as KKLV with a classic hits format (which was launched in 1994), but on October 22, 1999, at noon, they would flip to the "Island Rhythm" format, which targeted young adults with a mix of contemporary Hawaiian hits, reggae and local fare.

[3] Launched as Island Rhythm 98–5, Mornings were anchored by Lanai & Augie, and popular disc jockeys Rodney Villanuewa, Wendy From Waianae, Eddie L, Jake, Pomai, John James, Makani, Big Steve and K Kamani made KDNN, Honolulu's most listened to station.

As of 2012, it offers traditional Hawaiian Music branded as "Hawai’i No Ka’Oi" (translated as "Indeed the Best").