Alex Aiono
Ioane
Overview
Two Brooklyn siblings' summer in a rural Oahu town takes an exciting turn when a journal pointing to long-lost treasure sets them on an adventure, leading them to reconnect with their Hawaiian heritage.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Goonies, But Make It Hawaiian (And a Little Less Magical)
I’ll admit it: when I first saw the title Finding ʻOhana, I groaned. Not because I have anything against family-friendly adventure movies, but because I’ve seen this trick before. Take a beloved ‘80s classic (The Goonies, in this case), sprinkle in some cultural flavor, swap out the kids, and—voilà—you’ve got yourself a Netflix original.
The question is always the same: does the formula still work when the magic of nostalgia is replaced by the algorithm of streaming?
Jude Weng’s film follows two Brooklyn siblings, Pili (Kea Peahu) and Ioane (Alex Aiono), who are shipped off to rural Oahu for the summer while their mom (Kelly Hu) deals with a family emergency. What starts as a reluctant trip—complete with eye rolls and Wi-Fi withdrawal—turns into a treasure hunt when Pili discovers an old journal hinting at a long-lost pirate hoard. Along the way, they team up with local kids, decode Hawaiian legends, and, of course, learn the true meaning of ʻohana (family).
It’s a familiar structure, but then again, so is a sonnet. The difference is in the execution.
The film’s greatest strength is its setting. Hawaii isn’t just a backdrop here; it’s a character. The lush greens, the jagged cliffs, the way the ocean feels both inviting and dangerous—it’s all shot with a warmth that makes you want to book a flight.
(Or at least order takeout from the nearest poke place.) The problem is that the story doesn’t always trust its own location. Too often, the adventure feels like it’s happening in spite of Hawaii, not because of it. The treasure hunt could’ve been set in any tropical locale, and that’s a missed opportunity.
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of Finding ʻOhana: A Modern Adventure with Heart
Finding ʻOhana (2021) is a family-friendly adventure that blends Hawaiian culture, treasure hunts, and sibling bonding. Directed by Jude Weng, the film follows two Brooklyn kids who rediscover their roots while searching for a legendary pirate’s treasure in Oahu. But what went into making this Disney+ original? Here’s what we know from the limited behind-the-scenes buzz.
Jude Weng’s Directorial Touch
Jude Weng, a Taiwanese-born American director, brought her experience in episodic television to Finding ʻOhana. Known for her work on shows like Fresh Off the Boat 
, Weng’s background in comedy and family-friendly storytelling likely shaped the film’s tone—a mix of action, adventure, and humor. While details about her specific creative choices for Finding ʻOhana are scarce, her TV roots suggest a focus on character-driven narratives, which aligns with the film’s sibling dynamic.
The movie’s 123-minute runtime hints at a deliberate pace, balancing treasure-hunting sequences with quieter moments of cultural discovery. Weng’s direction appears to prioritize authenticity, though how deeply she engaged with Hawaiian consultants or local talent remains unverified.
Casting the Young Leads
The film stars Kea Peahu and Alex Aiono as the sibling duo at the heart of the story. Peahu, a native Hawaiian, reportedly brought local insight to her role, though specifics about her contributions—like dialect coaching or cultural input—aren’t confirmed in the available evidence. Aiono, a singer-actor with a strong social media following, likely added a modern teen appeal to the film .
Supporting cast members like Kelly Hu (The Scorpion King) and Marc Evan Jackson (The Good Place) round out the ensemble, but their behind-the-scenes roles—whether mentoring younger actors or improvising scenes—aren’t detailed in the snippets. Rumors of on-set chemistry between the leads persist, but without direct quotes or interviews, these remain speculative.
Production and Reception
Filmed in Oahu, Finding ʻOhana leans into its Hawaiian setting, though the extent of local involvement in production (e.g., crew, extras, or cultural advisors) isn’t clear from the evidence. The movie’s 5.3/10 rating on SensCritique suggests mixed reviews, with some viewers praising its adventurous spirit while others found it formulaic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWs_Oh8903Y
A YouTube featurette offers a glimpse into Weng’s vision, but without access to the full video, details about challenges—like shooting action sequences or navigating pandemic restrictions—are missing. If the film faced delays or budget constraints, the snippets don’t mention them.
The Bottom Line
Finding ʻOhana is a lighthearted adventure that leans on its Hawaiian backdrop and sibling chemistry. While Jude Weng’s direction and the young cast’s performances are central to its appeal, behind-the-scenes details are frustratingly thin. Without deeper interviews or production notes, the story of its making remains a treasure hunt of its own—full of potential but lacking key clues.
For now, fans can enjoy the film’s blend of humor and heart, but those hoping for juicy behind-the-scenes drama will have to wait for more evidence to surface.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.