The Hawaiian Spirit

“Native Of Owhyhee”, a feature documentary film, is being broadcast on ‘Olelo Television NATV Channel 53. The film shows Hawaiian history over a period of many centuries, focusing on the blending of cultures as native chiefs and commoners welcomed American Christian missionaries. It has 56 expert speakers and 10 Hawaiian narrators (listed below); over 1000 historical images, historical film-clips, great original Hawaiian music, and spectacular cinematography.

Summary of film: In the mid 19th century, Hawaii turned from an ancient “pagan” society into one of the most literate Christian nations in the world, leaving behind eras of tribal cults and sacrifices, of legendary magical ways of living. The history of Hawaii began over 1000 years ago. It continued with Captain Cook’s arrival in 1778, the unification of Hawaii by Kamehameha The Great, and the destruction of the ancient religion by Kamehameha II in 1819. Meanwhile several young native sailors had gone to America and made their way to Yale divinity school. Henry Opukaha’ia became a fervent Christian and great orator. He persuaded American missionaries to come to Hawaii. He died before the voyage; but 3 natives, including the Crown Prince of Kaua’i, accompanied the first group of missionaries, who arrived in 1820. Part 1 focuses on events in Hawaii before 1820, while Parts 2 and 3 trace the role of the missionaries and the cooperative mingling of cultures during the following decades, as Hawaii became a constitutional monarchy with private property and the rule of law.
Writer, director, producer, editor, videographer: Jo Danieli. Ms. Danieli is currently with her family in Vienna, Austria, but can be reached by email at
jodanieli@hotmail.com