aloha ‘āina

Although the mountain volcano Mauna Kea last erupted around 4000 years ago, it is still hot today, the center of a burning controversy over whether its summit should be used for astronomical observatories or preserved as a cultural landscape sacred to the Hawaiian people.

Produced in 1977 by the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana, this program features scenes from the last years of the life of George Jarrett Helm, Jr. as he worked tirelessly to stop the U.S. military bombing of Kaho‘olawe and inspire others to take up the cause of Aloha ‘Āina (love and protection of the land).

Compilation of archival footage from the late 1970’s and early 1980’s documenting the movement to protect the island of Kaho‘olawe. With its success in seeing U.S. military bombing stopped in 1990, the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana has been widely recognized as a catalyst for other struggles to protect important places in Hawai‘i and as the spark that lit a resurgence of Aloha ‘Āina (love for the land) activism that continues today.

Beginning with an overview of how to document taro varieties, Jerry Konanui documents plant descriptors for nine varieties of taro, harvested at the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Kona, Hawai‘i island. Along with the documentation, Jerry shares a wealth of cultural knowledge of these varieties passed down to him through family. His goal is to scientifically document as many of the Hawaiian taro varieties as possible for reference by future generations of taro growers.

Panelists Mufi Hanneman, Davianna Pōmaikai McGregor, Anna Coriaga, and Ku Kahakalau discuss a proposed spaceport for Kaʻū at a forum held at the Campus Center, University of Hawaiʻi – Mānoa on November 18, 1987.

Ka Ho‘okolokolonui Kānaka Maoli — Peoples’ International Tribunal Hawai‘i, 1993

In August 1993, Nā Maka o ka ‘Āina spent twelve days capturing on video the proceedings Ka Ho‘okolokolonui Kānaka Maoli — Peoples’ International Tribunal Hawai‘i, 1993, in which the United States and the state of Hawai‘i were put on trial for crimes against the original people of Hawai‘i, the Kānaka Maoli.

Kahoʻolawe Aloha ʻĀina focuses on the cultural, political and military significance of the “target island” of Kaho‘olawe in the Hawaiian archipelago. The Hawaiian term aloha ‘āina refers to love of the land, the basis of Hawaiian cultural belief that animates the current movement to bring the island back to life.

Kaho‘olawe Aloha ‘Åina focuses on the cultural, political and military significance of the “target island” of Kaho‘olawe in the Hawaiian archipelago. The program traces the history of the island, from ancient times through the years of ranching, U.S. military bombardment and the modern-day struggle to stop the bombing and reclaim the island.

Produced in 1977 by the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana, this program features scenes from the last years of the life of George Jarrett Helm, Jr. as he worked tirelessly to stop the U.S. military bombing of Kaho‘olawe and inspire others to take up the cause of Aloha ‘Āina (love and protection of the land).

In the swirling volcanic steam and misty rain forest of KĪlauea volcano’s east rift zone on the island of Hawai‘i, two forces meet head on. Geothermal development interests, seeking to clear the rain forest for drilling operations, are opposed by native Hawaiians seeking to stop the desecration of the fire goddess, Pele.

This video documents the battle over the water in Waiāhole Ditch on the island of O‘ahu, where taro farmers and long-time residents seek to reclaim the natural stream waters that were taken in the early 1900’s by sugar plantations.

From the history of the Mahele and the 1893 act of war against the Hawaiian Kingdom to the modern-day struggles for land rights, this video takes a look at one of the first native initiatives for self-governance, Ka Lāhui Hawai‘i.

Various interviews and other video footage of the beloved Maui kupuna (elder) of the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana, Harry Kunihi Mitchell. Documentation covers the period from 1982 through 1989.

The story of a Hawaiian family who made a home at Ka Lae (South Point), a remote and rugged area at the southernmost tip of the island of Hawai‘i. For eleven years, under threat of eviction by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the Viernes family remained committed to caring for and preserving the sacred and historic sites of Ka Kae.

Kapu Kaʻū is a unique portrait of one of Hawai‘i’s most remote and rugged districts, Ka‘ū, located on the southern flanks of Mauna Loa on the island of Hawai‘i. The people of Ka‘ū, known historically for their independence and resilience, relate stories of a lifestyle closely tied to the land and the sea.

The Hawaiian word waiwai denotes something valued or treasured, true wealth. This program explores the concepts of aloha ‘āina (love for the land), kōkua (helpfulness), ‘ohana (family), and “thinking island.”

Located on the western tip of the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu, Mākua has long been a place of refuge for Kānaka Maoli, native Hawaiians.

The Hawaiian word wai denotes something valued or treasured, true wealth. This program explores the concepts of aloha ‘āina (love for the land), kōkua (helpfulness), ‘ohana (family), and “thinking island.”

Music, poetry and speeches, recorded at the 1988 Aloha ‘Āina concert at Andrews Amphitheater, Honolulu.

A portrait of a unique coastal area in Kona on the island of Hawai‘i, known for its archaeological sites, native birds and plants, and well-known surf site. The people of Kona speak passionately of their love for Kohanaiki and their determination to save it from resort development.

Music, poetry and speeches, recorded at the 1988 Aloha ‘Āina concert at Andrews Amphitheater, Honolulu.

Residents of the Wai‘anae coast community on O‘ahu react to the proposed Ko ‘Olina resort development and predict its potential impact on their land, water resources, ocean fisheries and rural lifestyle.

Aunty Dorothy Tao of Kaua‘i visits the island of Kaho‘olawe during the 1989 Makahiki season, exploring the island with Uncle Harry Mitchell and the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana, caring for the native plantings, and sharing her thoughts about the future of the island.