Category: Blog
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The Show You Missed (But Still Have Time to Find)
Moku Moku is a groundbreaking show from Hawai’i that offers a fresh perspective on local culture, emphasizing heart, humor, and authenticity. Unlike typical portrayals of Hawai’i in Hollywood, it showcases everyday life, deep traditions, and relatable experiences, aiming to represent the true essence of the islands. The show resonates particularly with the Hawaiian diaspora, providing…
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Through the Eye of a Needle: What It Really Takes to Bring TV to Life
Kawika Hoke, the showrunner of Moku Moku, reveals the hidden complexities behind creating a TV show, debunking the myth that it’s easy. The production process took 4.5 years and cost $140,000 per episode, relying heavily on community support rather than studio funding. The show aims to authentically represent Hawaii’s stories rather than catering to tourism.…
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The Last Hawaiian Picture Show
What the End of Rescue HI-Surf Means, and Why the Survival of Moku Moku Is More Than Just a TV Story By Kawika Hoke Showrunner, Moku Moku When news broke that Rescue HI-Surf — a network TV drama filmed in Hawaiʻi — had been canceled after averaging 2.8 million viewers, many people were shocked. I…
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Olina: Matriarch, Mechanism, and the Moral Compass of a Chaotic Comedy
Olina, a pivotal character in the show Moku Moku, serves as the emotional anchor amidst chaos, embodying the essence of strong women in Hawaiian culture. Portrayed by Kathy Collins, she communicates with clarity and authority, guiding her children while expressing love through expectations and presence. Olina reflects real-life maternal figures, rooted in the experiences of…
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Interview | Chino LaForge
Chino LaForge, Maui’s renowned comedian, details his journey as an artist, comedian, and actor. His acting career sparked in the 2nd grade and persisted through high school and into community theater. His roles have ranged from the Cowardly Lion in “Wizard of Oz” to an all-pidgin “Romeo and Juliet.” LaForge also explores his preparation method…
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Interview | Bronson Varde
Bronson Varde talks story about how he started and what it’s like with his Film ‘Ohana on the set of Moku Moku. Can you tell us about your journey into acting and what inspired you to pursue this career? Growing up, I never thought of pursuing acting. I didn’t know this could be a career…
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Interview | Patty Lee
In this interview, Patty Lee discusses her acting career journey, including challenges she has faced such as stereotype roles and pursuing acting as a career. Sharing her unique approach to developing characters and preparing for roles, she highlights the importance of understanding the script, character background and personal relation to the character. She also speaks…