Finding ‘Ohana (2021) is an adventurous family film that captures the essence of Hawaiian culture alongside an undertone of youthful exploration. The film blends a Hawaiian treasure hunt with the adventure story reminiscent of classic stories. The film was produced by Netflix with Jude Weng being the director and Christina Strain the script writer. The production recalls older adventure films like The Goonies, but Finding ‘Ohana distinguishes itself with a modern twist due to its integration of Hawaiian setting and rich multicultural cast.
🎬 Film Overview
- Title: Finding ‘Ohana
- Release date: January 29, 2021 (Netflix)
- Director: Jude Weng
- Writer: Christina Strain
- Genre: Family, adventure, comedy
- Language: English, Hawaiian
- Runtime: 123 minutes
- Distributor: Netflix
- Filming Locations: O‘ahu, Hawaii and Brooklyn, New York
🧭 Extended Synopsis
Finding ‘Ohana describes the journey of a 12 year old Pili, a Brooklynite who is both sharp and headstrong. When traveling to O‘ahu to take care of her sick grandfather, her entire family relocates from Brooklyn. Feeling out of place in a culture she doesn’t fully grasp, Pili struggles to fit in, but everything changes when she discovers an ancient treasure map in her grandfather’s home. The journal’s clues point to a treasure that a pirate is believed to have buried deep within a Hawaiian jungle.
With the aid of her hesitant older brother Ioane (Ione) and two new local friends, Hana and Caspar, Pili embarks on the journey of a lifetime which takes them through lava tubes, ancient temples, and sacred sites. However, the journey evolves into so much more than a treasure hunt: a quest to unearth family, discover one’s roots, and understand what ‘ohana means — family in Hawaiian.
🌺 Themes & Cultural Significance ʻOhana and Heritage
Finding ‘Ohana is fundamentally about reconnection — not only to relatives but to one’s roots, and extending places of ancestry. The film showcases how descendants of diasporas often feel cut off from their cultural roots because of a lack of adventure, both physically and emotionally, by drawing on Pili’s journey.
Hawaiian Culture Appreciation
Unlike other generic films that portray Hawaii as a beautiful playground, Finding ’Ohana utilizes Hawaiian folklore, history, and language. Characters interact with cultural areas, listening to the Nightmarchers, fari (or ghost) guardians of Hawaiian folklore, reinforcing the concept of culture and land: the land and native people’s story must be respected.
Current Issues of Selfhood versus Archaeological Roots
Pili and Ioane depicts a young adult straddling the American experience and traditional roots. Their story encapsulates the reality of so many other young adults struggling with multicultural identities, more so with immigrant or diasporic families.
👤 Character and Actors Note
Kea Peahu as Pili
First-time actor, Kea Peahu, gives a breakout performance that is charming, smart and very brave. As a young girl who is both clever yet vulnerable, she is the emotional heart of the film, one that gives it an adventure spirit.
Alex Aiono as Ioane
Ioane is Pili’s older brother – he starts off skeptical and a bit annoyed to be in Hawaii, but gets swept up in the treasure hunt. Aiono, a singer in his acting debut, portrays the intricate balance of burden and youthful wonder, quite masterfully.
Kelly Hu as Leilani (the kids’ mother)
Hu (The Scorpion King, X-Men 2) provides balance in her portrayal by enriching the character of a single mother who is trying to reconnect with her father and the home island while bringing a great deal of emotional depth.
Branscombe Richmond as Kimo (the grandfather)
Richmond, known from countless films and television series, brings significant depth and realism to the role. Kimo is a dignified and noble man. He is traditional and serves as a quiet mentor as the children begin their journey to rediscovery.
Chris Parnell as Brown
Brown is an inappropriate but hilarious historian who serves as comic relief. Parnell makes the role more entertaining while making fun of treasure hunting with his character’s overdramatic career.
🎥 Direction and Style
Weng’s directorial debut comes with a warm and vibrant tone as she is famous for her work in television (Fresh Off the Boat, Black-ish). The film balances high octane action and adventure with emotion and family bonding moments.
Finding ‘Ohana is visually stunning with Hawaiian landscapes, undiscovered caves, and ancient temples set alongside jungle trails. These backdrops aren’t mere decoration for the film, but rather a critical element to the story’s central theme surrounding a person’s connection to place.
Including Hawaiian legends and mythical imagery, like the terrifying Nightmarchers, gives the adventure a more credible purpose and depth beyond simple fantasy and allows it to delve into real cultural heritage.
🌍 Cultural and Critical Reception
Audience Reception
The film received family audience’s appreciation, and the diverse representation along with its heartwarming tone was praised.
A not-so-great reception by critics, earning a score of 62% on the Tomatometer, explained that although it was charming and sincere, the film was still a bit long. Audience members were less critical, granting the film an 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics say:
“An exuberant and respectful family romp with sentiment to spare.” – Variety
“A sharply cultural lyrical tribute to ancestry that is appropriate for kids.” – The Hollywood Reporter
“It teeters between formula and fresh, but in large part because of its setting and message, tilts toward the latter.” – IndieWire
🏆 Notable Recognition
Although Finding ‘Ohana didn’t dominate major awards, Collider, NPR, and Common Sense Media recognized the film for its standout moments, particularly noting its focus on Polynesian culture and its positive representation of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) identities in media as one of the most noteworthy family adventure films of 2021.
🎤 Final Thoughts
More than just a tale of treasure-hunting for kids, Finding ‘Ohana is an exploration of one’s identity through the lens of their roots. Accompanied by endearing child actors, the film is set in Hawaii and aims to honor the islands’ culture, making it a fun and educational experience for families and young audiences alike.
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