The Haumana

I am a huge fan of Hawaiian culture, I have no connection to the place, and I have never been there, but I am fascinated by everything Hawaii, and smart enough to know that Hawaii is much more than what is presented to the world.

So, I was searching for films set in Hawaii and truly about Hawaiian culture, I realised that there are very few, but someone recommended this film.

I wasn't expecting anything, but I was pleasantly surprised. This film is so wholesome, heartfelt and pure.

Set in Waikiki, it is ALL about true Hawaiian traditions and the importance in preserving them, about honouring your roots, about family, etc.

There is nothing wrong with this film at all, other than it isn't as well known as it should be.

The main lead, Tui Asau, is such a good looking and super charming actor, he deserves to be better known, the girl playing the bartender girl, Kelly Hu is a hoot, so funny, and the rest of the cast, from the auntie to the boys, were all a delight.

Big kudos to everyone involved in this labour of love, definitely the kind of film I wanted to find.

Much love to Hawai'i, especially Maui.

You don't have to be Hawaiian or from Hawai'i to appreciate this well-told story about respect and responsibility, with beautiful music and excellent choreography by some of hula's best.

A down-and-out club show host is tasked to take on the responsibility for a young men's halau (hula school) as they prepare for competition. As he and his haumana (students) work and learn, they come to terms with the sometimes conflicting responsibilities of family, religion, sports, girlfriends and their hula brothers.

Men's hula is a powerful expression, and this first-ever feature film about traditional hula is a wonderful film.

I went for the movie without knowing what I would be expecting for but I left the theatre with my heart and mind totally inspired by the message expressed in the movie. The storyline seems to be simple yet you can surely relate to one part of the movie about Life and Sacrifice for something or someone you love dearly. before the movie, I almost knew nothing about what Hula meant in Hawaiian culture except it was a dance people always go to or talk about when it comes to Hawaii. After finishing the film, I was fascinated and touched. The acting is very good that you wont feel they were actually acting at all and of course the music is so soothing though I do not understand Hawaiian except Aloha and Mahalo!!

If it is playing in your neighborhood, do not miss it. You will fall in love with Hawaiian culture because of the film.

Those of us in the hula community can relate to this film whether one is a Kumu Hula or a student of hula (haumana). Jonny Kealoha's haumana deal with common problems that we, as hula dancers may encounter in real life. His students deal with internal conflicts that hula may interfere with their own religious beliefs, and fear that friends or family may not accept hula because of preconceived ideas. Thank you for helping to clear up some of the stereotypes so that others can understand the Hawaiian culture; a most beautiful culture that must be preserved and passed on to future generations.

I come from a four generation family of hula dancers. My mother, who is from Hawaii, myself, my daughter who is a Kumu Hula in training, and my granddaughter. We laughed and cried as we followed Jonny Kealoha through his trials and tribulations. It was fun to see his haumana and the "drama" that halau life can sometimes bring about! We hope to see more films like this! Thank you to the actors and those involved in production of the film who came to San Diego to have a Q & A with the audience. The actors were so kind to pose for pictures, too! Mahalo!

Loved it!! Love Keo!! Love Hawaii!! Love the story!!