VACATION LIKE A LOCAL
Kanaka‘ole is a force of nature. She’s won multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, which are Hawai'i's highest musical honor, and has traveled the world performing. Her transcendent voice comes from one of Hawai'i's most esteemed lineages, so the primal power of Hula is in her blood. Her great-grandmother, Edith Kanaka‘ole, was a pioneering leader during the Hawaiian Renaissance of the ’60s and ’70s. Her grandmother, Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele is a Ph.D. and Kumu Hula (hula teacher). Her mother, Kekuhi Kanahele-Frias is also a Hōkū award-winning artist and educator. She calls herself a hula haka, or hula medium – the means in which hula moves through. It’s a way for her to connect to her legacy, and more importantly, to the land. She defines hula as the constant rhythm that occurs in nature. Hula is movement at its most primal. For native Hawaiians, hula is a bridge to authenticity and identity. Kaumakaiwa defines oli (chant) as vocal or harmonic alchemy, or the ability to manifest change in your environment. Hula facilitates the connection between her and the land and reaffirms her commitment as a native Hawaiian
Directed by: Bradley Tangonan
Kaumakaiwa
Aloha Aina
In this episode, we explore Kaina Makua's journey through Waimea on Kauai, where Native Hawaiians blend tradition and modernity, shaping the world with indigenous values.
A Film by: Sam Potter
Mālama Honua
Mālama Honua is the journey that asks us to define our path forward, challenges us to care for our communities so that they prosper and helps us share the (spirit) of Hawai‘i with others.
Everybody Loves Eddie
Eddie Aikau was a Hawaiian lifeguard, big wave surfer, and icon that passed away in 1978 when participating in a historic journey from Hawaii to Tahiti by traditional canoe.
Directed by: Phil Schlieder
Kapaemahu
Ancient healers from Tahiti brought power to Waikiki's boulders. The untold tale emerges, revealing their spiritual legacy.
A Film by: Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hammer, & Joe Wilson
Habitat Stewardship
Kiai Collier’s name means guardian, and he lives up to that name as a protector of Maui’s natural habitats.
Pili Ka Mo'o
The Fukumitsu ʻOhana, custodians of generational taro farming, fight for ancestral burials amidst urbanization. A clash of traditions and development unfolds.
Film by: Justyn Ah Chong with Malia Akutagawa (Kanaka Maoli)
Hawai'i ʻ78
"Song Across Hawaiʻi"! 100ʻs of youth + 40 artists recorded this timeless classic live @ 29 locations across 4 islands. Unforgettable message.
A Film by: Mana Maoli
Reforestation
Sam Ohu Gon III unites past and future, merging zoology and Hawaiian wisdom for conservation. He mālama native ecosystems through reforestation.
Aquaculture
Noelani Lee dives into seaweed, leading locals and visitors to mālama fishponds. Kupuna council guides invasive species removal. Join and roll up your sleeves!
Kaumakaiwa
Kanaka‘ole: Award-winning force of nature, carrying the legacy of Hawaiian Renaissance. Her voice transcends boundaries, rooted in hula lineage.
Directed by: Bradley Tangonan
Sustainable Farming
Rick Barboza fosters Hawaiian culture, linking visitors/volunteers to land through a lo'i. In He'eia, they care for the land, nurturing mauka to makai.
Pow! Wow!
Experience the past, present and future or the POW! WOW! family through founder Jasper Wong.
Directed by: Santiago Arbelaez
We Are Mauna Kea
Protests erupted on Mauna Kea against the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), highlighting indigenous rights and environmental concerns.
Directed by: Etienne Aurelius