Finding 'Ohana

Finding 'Ohana is a heartwarming and charming family adventure film directed by Jude Weng and released by Netflix in 2021. Set amidst the stunning natural beauty of Hawaii, the film offers a beautiful blend of adventure, familial love, and the reverence of ancient culture. The story centers on two sibling protagonists, Pili and Ioane, played by the breakout stars Kea Peahu and Alex Aiono.

Pili, a young Brooklynite and the lead character, is an avid geocache enthusiast who dreams of exploration and adventure. Played by Kea Peahu, known for her impressive dancing skills, Pili is an ebullient and determined young woman that viewers will easily identify with. Her older brother, Ioane (E), played by Alex Aiono, is a typical city teen fascinated by contemporary pleasures and vexed about leaving his city life. In contrast to Pili, E is less enthused about the adventure, which adds a humorous dynamic to their relationship.

Their summer takes an unexpected turn when their grandfather suffers a heart attack and they, along with their mother, Leilani played by Kelly Hu, are forced to leave their urban hustle and head to the rural heart of O’ahu in Hawaii. While initially disgruntled about the shift from their city life, the situation takes an exciting turn when Pili stumbles upon a journal suggesting a long-lost, hidden treasure. This discovery fills Pili with youthful excitement and injects the thrilling spirit of adventure into the heart of the film.

The real charm of the story lies in its ability to pull the siblings into an immersive adventure full of challenges, danger, and the quest for a hidden pirate's treasure. As they traverse through the picturesque landscapes of Hawaii, from dense forests, deep caves, and peak cliffs, they simultaneously delve into their Hawaiian heritage.

As the siblings inch closer to the treasure, they are joined by two other local teens, Hana, played by Lindsay Watson, and Casper, played by Owen Vaccaro. Their team-up adds to the exciting ensemble and expands the narrative’s engagement with Hawaiian culture. Pili's journey is not only a physical adventure but also a spiritual one. She learns about her Hawaiian roots, their rich mythology, respect for ancestral knowledge, and the sacredness of the land.

In its portrayal of Hawaii, Finding 'Ohana does not merely use the islands as a beautiful backdrop. Instead, the film carefully weaves Hawaiian history and culture into its narrative thread. It treats Hawaii and its native Ohana (Hawaiian for 'family') with respect, effectively highlighting the significance of heritage, identity, and the interconnectedness of nature.

Parallel to the kids' adventure is their mother Leilani's story. Kelly Hu excellently portrays a struggling single mother trying to balance her finances, worries for her family's future, and the sudden responsibility of caring for her ailing father. Leilani’s character gives the narrative a grounded perspective and raises themes of familial responsibility and caregiving.

Despite its focus on familial themes, Finding 'Ohana does not shy away from suspense and thrill. It embraces elements of classic adventure movies, buying more than a few pages from the 'Indiana Jones' or 'Goonies' playbook but infusing it with its unique touch. The movie excels in maintaining a balance between jokes, suspense, emotional moments, and the charmingly awkward essence of teenage friendships.

Finding 'Ohana is an emotionally engaging film for viewers of all ages. The movie is not only characterized by an exciting treasure hunt but also by its exploration of deep-seated values such as family, heritage, and respect for ancestral land. With its remarkable cast, compelling narrative, and a stunning backdrop of Hawaiian landscapes, Finding 'Ohana becomes an adventure that is charmingly delightful, visually captivating, and emotionally touching. An unforgettable highlight of 2021, this movie takes you on a thrilling journey and warmly returns you to the importance of family and heritage.