RELEASE NUMBER 41 | 25
Free Public Event on August 23 Celebrates Powerful Storytelling Rooted in Hawaiian Culture
The Queen’s Flowers Press Kit, HERE | Kūkini Press Kit, HERE
HONOLULU – The OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, in partnership with Hawaiian Aroma Caffé, Hawai‘i Film Alliance and Richmond Family Films, is excited to present the first-ever Waikīkī Film Awards, a special event celebrating Native Hawaiian storytelling through film.
Taking place Saturday, August 23 from 6-10 p.m. on the pool deck and Hawaiian Aroma Caffé spaces, the complimentary event is open to the public and promises an inspiring evening dedicated to the voices and visions of local filmmakers who share authentic narratives rooted in Hawaiian culture, language and place.
The Waikīkī Film Awards will honor two standout Native Hawaiian films, The Queen’s Flowers and Kūkini, for their remarkable achievement in bringing Hawaiian stories to life through the art of cinema. Each honored filmmaker will receive a custom paddle award, symbolizing OUTRIGGER’s legacy of voyaging and cultural connection.
Award Honorees
- Filmmaker Ciara Lacy for her animated short film “The Queen’s Flowers” – A magical take on a true story, this children’s adventure follows Emma, a Native Hawaiian girl in 1915 Honolulu, as she prepares a heartfelt gift for Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarch. The film offers a vibrant introduction to history, identity and aloha through imaginative storytelling.
- Filmmaker Paula Fuga for her dramatic short “Kūkini” – Set in 1790 Hawai‘i, this film follows an elite warrior torn between duty and family during Kamehameha’s unification battles. Captured by the enemy, he receives a miraculous message that alters his journey. Kūkini is a powerful narrative of sacrifice, survival and spiritual connection.
The Waikīkī Film Awards evening will kick off at 6:00 p.m. with a red-carpet welcome and live DJ in the lobby, followed by a Hawaiian dance performance. Guests will then be greeted by the evening’s MC, who will introduce the Hawai‘i Film Alliance and set the stage for the night’s featured screenings: The Queen’s Flowers by Ciara Lacy and Kūkini by Paula Fuga.
Following the films, both filmmakers will be honored on stage with the OUTRIGGER Paddle Award in recognition of their remarkable achievements in bringing Hawaiian stories to life through cinema. A Q&A session with filmmaker Fairai Richmond will offer further insight into the creative process. The celebration will conclude with a special musical performances by Paula Fuga and Ka’ikena Scanlan before the evening wraps at 10:00 p.m.
The Waikīkī Film Awards aim to uplift homegrown cinema that honors Hawaiian identity and inspires deeper understanding of Hawai‘i through film. Guests will enjoy a vibrant gathering space that blends art, culture and community – all within the heart of Waikīkī at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel.
# # #
Click, HERE, for a PDF of this release