Looking for an indoor activity? Make it a movie marathon day! Since museums, golf courses and public schools remain closed, we put together a list of recently released films with ties to Hawaiʻi for a blustery afternoon inside.
These productions star local actors, were partially filmed here on the Islands, or have significant ties to the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival:
“Chaperone” (2024): drama. The age-gap story set in Hilo focuses on Misha, a 29-year-old, and the teenager, Jake, who mistakes her for a high school student. The movie features an entirely American Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pasifika cast and music by Taimane. This independent film, written and directed by Hawai’i Island-based Zoë Eisenberg, was named the best breakout feature of the Slamdance Film Festival in 2024. How do I see it? Apple TV, Prime Video, and PLEX.
"Chief of War" (2025): historical epic, war epic, period drama. This nine-part mini-series from Apple TV+ stars Jason Momoa and follows the epic story of the unification of the Hawaiian Islands from the perspective of the warrior Kaʻiana. It was partially filmed in Hawaiʻi, as well as in New Zealand. Aloha State Daily spoke with Momoa, Thomas Paʻa Sibbett. Moses Goods, Brandon Finn, and more about the series. How do I see it? Apple TV+. Free trials are available for seven days.
“Kūkini” (2024): action, drama. This 24-minutes story follows an elite warrior who leaves his family to deliver an important message about the war waged by Kamehameha against Maui. The short film comes from singer and songwriter Paula Fuga, who is its executive producer, and Mitchell Merrick, who is its screenwriter and director. Other producers include Gerard Elmore and Christopher Kahunahana and Co-Producer Brian Keaulana. How do I see it? YouTube. Free.
“Lilo and Stitch” (2025): buddy comedy, epic, action. Disney’s live action “Lilo and Stitch” follows the adventures of Lilo and her crazy pet, “Stitch,” who is actually a runaway alien. The soundtrack features the voices of Kumu Hula Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu, Kamehameha Schools Children’s Choir, Iam Tongi, and Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, among others. Disney has already announced plans for a second live action film. ASD spoke with screenwriter Chris Kekaniokalani Bright about how the movie is a family affair, as his mother leads the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus, in this movie and the original animated one. How do I see it? Disney+ and Prime Video.
“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” (2023+; new episodes in 2026): dinosaur adventure, action, Sci-Fi. Catch Oʻahu-based actor Takehiro Hira as one of the main characters in this action, adventure and Sci-Fi drama which features a variety of monsters, including Kong and the sea monster, Titan X, plus layers of family drama. Season two launched on Apple TV on Friday, Feb. 27, according to the streaming service. How do I see it? Apple TV and Prime Video.
“Oʻahu Shores” (2025): reality television. This reality television series explores the lives and relationships of a group of friends living on Oʻahu. The show, called “Oʻahu Shores,” dropped its entire first season, which consisted of six episodes, in October of 2025. Kamalani Pico, who grew up on Molokai and is also a model and clothing designer, spoke with ASD about the series at its red-carpet premiere. How do I see it? Prime Video or Peacock.
“Rental Family” (2025): psychological drama, comedy, drama. The movie follows a struggling American actor in Tokyo, who takes a job at a Japanese “rental family” agency where he plays a variety of roles, including husband, father and friend. The 109-minute film features the Oʻahu-based actor Takehiro Hira as the owner of the agency. The movie had its Hawaiʻi premiere last year as the opening night film of the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival. How do I see it? Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Disney+, Fandango at Home, and Google Play Movie.
“The Wrecking Crew” (2026): buddy comedy, action, comedy. Set in Hawaiʻi and filmed partially in state and in New Zealand, this movie features estranged brothers Jonny (Jason Momoa) and James (Dave Bautista) Hale, who are brought together by the death of their father. The new movie, which launched in January, also stars Temuera Morrison. “The Wrecking Crew” is currently No. 2 on the platform’s action movies. How do I see it? Prime Video. Free trials are available for the first 30 days.
“Tinā” (2024): drama. The film had its world premiere at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival in 2024 and opened in theaters in Guam, America Samoa and Hawaiʻi in August of 2025. “Tinā” is a Samoan word that translates to “mother.”The 124-minute drama explores the impacts of the deadly Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand for Mareta Percival. After experiencing personal tragedy, she becomes a substitute teacher at a private school, where she starts a choir. How do I see it? Angel.
As of Friday, March 13, a number of arts and culture institutions, including Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace and the Honolulu Museum of Art had announced closures, due to weather. So did public schools and libraries, the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, all Honolulu botanical and community gardens, and municipal golf courses.
The Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima (PAI) Foundation also announced the rescheduling of its ʻIlau Ka Hula, which had been scheduled to take place outside at the Bishop Museum on Saturday, March 14.
The Honolulu Festival is set to continue as planned, according to a statement on its website on Friday, March 13. Check the festival website for updates.
Residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts from their county's and the state's emergency management agencies
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
