This award-winning PBS documentary sweeps viewers into a seafaring adventure with a community of Polynesians, as they build traditional sailing canoes, learn how to follow the stars across the open ocean, and embark upon a 2,000-mile voyage in the wake of their ancestors.
Wayfinders focuses on the revival of wayfinding -- the art of guiding a canoe across long distances using only natural signs: the sun, the moon, the stars and the ocean swells. Nainoa Thompson is the first Hawaiian in hundreds of years to master celestial navigation. By passing on these ancient skills to a new generation of wayfinders, Nainoa begins the process of recovering connections with the past and preparing for the challenges of the future.

The Hawaiian people have a rich historical and cultural tradition. Their values, art, music, gods and legends reach back thousands of years to ancient Polynesia, where they lived before sailing to the islands we know as Hawai''i.
Recently, there have been efforts to revitalize these traditions and teach them to young Hawaiians. Hawai'i: Continuing Traditions looks at ways in which the ""spirit of the land" lives today, as we explore special places, where old ways are thriving in the modern world.

Spirit of the Land: In The Wake of Our Ancestors follows a group of dedicated Hawaiians, who embark on a journey to rediscover their past by building a voyaging canoe out of traditional natural materials. An extensive search fails to produce koa trees large enough for the hulls. The once plentiful forests on the island of Hawai'i have been depleted, and the unique koa ecosystem virtually destroyed.
In order to continue with the project, another source of timber had to be located. Native Alaskans offer them two enormous Sitka spruce trees. After a dramatic tree felling ceremony in the forests of Southeast Alaska, the logs arrive in Hawai'i, and builders begin shaping the canoe's hulls. The generous gift from the Tlingit and Haida Indians of Southeast Alaska brings new hope for the canoe project and leads to discovery of strong cultural connections.
The new awareness about the endangered forests shifts the project's mission -- and the film's focus -- from the search for koa trees to the commitment to replant them. This story of an indigenous people's frustrated search for trees that are endemic to their islands represents a microcosm of the threats facing diminishing native cultures and natural environments in the modern world.

"Cinematamua" presents film "If Tahiti Were Told To Me" in its entirely restored 1953 French original version. (English subtitles). Film was shot entirely in Tahiti with folkloric tunes. Alphonse and Charles Holland arrive by cruise ship "Tahitian". Documentary of life in Tahiti in the 50's. Complete circle tour of the island with many never before photographed lagoons and villages not easily accessible. Outrigger canoe building and racing. Tahitian dancing, restaurants, hotels, government offices, church, lei vendors and King Pomares Tomb are just a few of the sights. July 14th festival with Govenor includes canoe races, otea and aparima Tahitian dance competition and beautiful parade canoes covered in flowers with dancers. Other items of interest include, tree climbing, fishing, preparation and cooking of the food (poi, sushi, pig, etc.), hut building, vintage fashion, American cars, tikis, bathing and lots of beautiful Vahines and Tanes. (96 min)

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This compelling story of the native Hawaiian people, a race displaced and now on the verge of extinction, is brilliantly told in this award-winning film written by a former Miss hawaii and desendent of Hawaiian chiefs. Here is the history of the islands as foreigners brought disease, gained control and tried to destroy the Hawaiian culture, while profiting from its exploitation at the same time. Filled with well researched vintage photos and rare films including hula dancers, Queen Liliukalani in her final years, Hollywood movies, important historical events, and more. Excellent!
DVD features: Director's commentary, Language can be set to English or Hawaiian, all region DVD. (26 minutes)

Before Hawaii was a hot spot for honeymooners and surfers, prior to its petition by American sugar growers for annexation to the United States, the Kingdom of Hawaii was an independent monarchy. Queen Lili'uokalani was its last queen. Succeeding to the throne in 1891, Lili'uokalani's focus was to frame a new constitution that would restore power to native Hawaiians that had been diminished by the success of white American business owners. Shortly into her reign, the U.S. government effectively revoked Hawaii's favored position on the American sugar market and Lili'uokalani's kingdom faced economic collapse. Convinced the only way to survive was annexation to the United Sates, the sugar growers stirred a clash of interests among plantation owners, native Hawaiians, the U.S. government, and the Queen's cabinet. Eventually, In 1893 Lili'uokalani would lose her throne at gun point and yield her power to the U.S. government.
DVD Features: Printable materials for educators; Scene Selection; Closed Captions

In the early years of the 20th century, at a time when the U.S. Navy dominated Hawai'i, Americans thought of the islands as their paradise in the Pacific. But in September 1931, an explosive incident shook the semblance of tranquility and exposed the racial tensions roiling beneath the surface. Thalia Fortescue Massie, the troubled young wife of a Navy lieutenant, claimed that a group of Hawaiians had raped her on the Ala Moana, a lonely beach road leading from Waikiki to Honolulu. Five young men were arrested -- two Hawaiians, two Japanese, and one Chinese. Despite evidence that the defendants couldn't have committed the crime, a mixed race jury deadlocked and the suspects were released on bail. Hawaiians were outraged, believing the rape charges a sham. White sailors beat one of the rape defendants so badly he almost died. Into this explosive atmosphere, Massie's strong-willed mother, Grace Hubbard Fortescue, made a dramatic entrance. When one of the rape defendants was found dead in the back seat of Fortescue's car, news of the "honor slaying" unleashed a torrent of racist invective from the mainland in support of Fortescue. Though she was eventually tried and convicted of manslaughter, her sentence was commuted to a single hour. The Massie affair inflicted a wound on the psyche of the Hawaiian people that has yet to heal.

Some of the leading voices of the Hawaiian cultural renaissance, which began in the early 1960s, were musicians and singers. Their songs carried feelings that were yearning to be expressed throughout the island chain. Among the most influential groups of that era was The Sons of Hawai`i. The group was led by Eddie Kamae, already famous for his `ukulele styling, and by the great vocalist and slack key guitar virtuoso, Gabby Pahinui. They were joined by bassist Joe Marshall and the brilliant young steel guitarist, David "Feet" Rogers. This 80 minute documentary tells the story of a charismatic band. Spanning forty years of Hawaii's rich musical tradition, the film offers an intimate look at a unique group of performers and composers, their songs, their humor, their devotion to a sound that continues to convey something essential about the Hawaiian spirit.

Zak traveled to Hawaii with his parents when he was eight years old and that first experience led to frequent trips to the Islands, where Zak sought healing and refuge from the demands of his career. He created Hawaiian Healing for a second-year "thesis" project. This is a documentary on Hawaiian healing and the practice of lomilomi. Zak soon realized that lomilomi is both personal and universal, not tied to any one religious path but, like all profound wisdom, it transcends all boundaries in its approach to contemplation, prayer, forgiveness, and ultimately, healing of Spirit, mind, and body."

This brilliant, well researched, award-winning documentary focuses on the history and events leading up to and surrounding the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893. Told by native Hawaiian historians with actual quotes from historic figures; the history is visualized by archival photographs, brilliant videography, artwork, and dramatic reenactments. Extremely poignant, informative, and accurate. Highly recommended!  (58 minutes)

Go beyond the usual tourist sites for a very different view of Hawaii, one where spirits of violent native warriors do not rest quietly, where mystery & magic emerge in the dead of night and unsuspecting visitors and natives are forcibly acquainted with the ethereal residents of the past. Here are first hand accounts of paranormal encounters, talks with spiritualists and mediums, and a study of the rich history of the islands' myths and legends for clues about who the spirits might be. Pele, the night marchers, and more. Plain jacket. (50 minutes)

Ancient Hawaiian beliefs claim that Pele, Goddess of volcanoes, is responsible for the dazzling eruptions that constantly reshape the islands. Travel back to the origins of Hawaii to learn the history of the Goddess, how she was worshiped, and how she has shown her power through the times of ancient chiefs, King Kamehameha, Captain Cook and Christianity, to present day. Outstanding photography, sacred hula and chants, interviews with Hawaiian scholars and kumu hula, and the stunning paintings of artist/historian Herb Kane.  Plain jacket.  (50 minutes)

Examine the roots of the burgeoning Hawaiian independence movement. Features interviews with leading politicians, historians and activists. The complete chronicle of Hawaii's history, from Kamehameha to Captain Cook and beyond.
They were forged in a crucible of fire in the midst of a vast ocean, and shaped by winds and waves. One of the most remote places on earth, the Hawaiian Islands were thrust into the spotlight of history by Pearl Harbor, and the Pacific archipelago became America's 50th state in 1959. From the voyages of the ancient Polynesians to the current independence movement, this feature-length special examines America's tropical treasures. Meet some of the many larger-than-life figures who have called Hawaii home and examine the influence of people like Captain Cook and the legendary king Kamehameha, who used courage, luck, determination, deceit and strategic brilliance to bind the islands into one nation. Head to the Pacific for a tour of the real Hawaii, and see what the islands were like before the hotels came to Honolulu. A History Channel video, plain jacket (100 min)

From pre-historic times, ancient Egypt, Europe, and early Christianity, to the Yakuza bodysuit of Japan, the South Pacific, the circus sideshows, and modern times; here's the history of tattooing in many cultures of the world. The large section about Polynesia includes methods, designs, meanings, and mythology of tattooing in the various islands, including the Maori moko and the market for severed heads in 19th century Europe. Lots of vintage and contemporary examples of tattooed Polynesians and the tattooing process, plus commentary by Hawaiian tattoo expert Tricia Allen.  (50 min.)

Here's a remarkable look at the history of this remote, fascinating island and its great stone monoliths called moai; from bizarre theories embracing lost continents and extraterrestrials to the suppositions of anthropologists like Thor Heyerdahl. Examine the latest discoveries with scientists and archeologists who are working on the island and find out what is known for certain and what remains a mystery. Stunning photography from throughout Easter Island and interviews with some of the world's foremost experts on the subject. Plain jacket. (50 minutes)