The Manaʻolana Project

The Production House Behind the Fest

Makaʻi Fest celebrates events from mauka to makai. The Manaʻolana Project is where the media gets made — commissioned stories from across the islands, produced end to end by a standing crew. The subjects come from everywhere; the craft comes from the team behind the scenes.

What We Produce

Landmark Stories

Moʻolelo of place across the moku of Oʻahu — the stories behind the stops on the Moku Map.

Event Promotions

Produced promotions for Makaʻi Fest events through the year, tuned to the mauka-to-makai concept.

Partner Commissions

Pieces commissioned by sponsors and community partners who want their story told with the same care.

The Milestone Event

Full coverage of the milestone festival at the Honolulu Civic Center & Kakaʻako — targeting 2031, where the years of productions converge.

Produced by the Manaʻolana production team

Behind every landmark story, promotion, and festival moment is a crew of veterans who trained for it, earned the credit, and own the work.

Meet the Manaʻolana Team

Where the Crew Comes From

Rooted in the Manaʻolana Initiative

The Project grew out of the Manaʻolana Media Training Initiative — veterans trained, funded, and backed to carry productions from first frame to final credit. Training built the crew; the Project puts it to work.