Stories of Lāhainā
A short film preserving Lāhainā’s living history. Told through keiki led conversations with their kūpuna.
Kūpuna carry stories that do not live in archives. After the loss of our hometown, these memories matter more than ever. This project documents generational Lāhainā families, what they remember, what they miss, and what they hope for, so the next generations can carry it forward.
Photo Credit: Lahaina Restoration Foundation Collection
Why this film
Lāhainā is more than a place. It is a place rich with history, culture, relationships, and stories passed down through generations. It lives in the people who know it, remember it, and carry it forward. This film centers kūpuna voices while connecting past, present, and future through keiki-led questions. The goal is to preserve these stories with care, cultural respect, and community-first intention.
Preserve living history held by kūpuna
Connect generations through keiki talking story with their kūpuna
Create a record that can live in homes, schools, and community spaces
PROJECT TIMELINE
Filming
May 2026 - June 2026
Premiere target
August 2026
Right now
Accepting story leads, nominations, and support
What happens next
Here’s what to expect after you submit a name, memory, or interest.
1. You submit
Share a kūpuna or family name, a Lāhainā memory, or your interest in participating. A short note is enough.
2. I follow up respectfully
If it feels like the right fit for the short film, I will reach out directly and set up talk story in a way that is comfortable for the family.
3. Stories are handled with care
Nothing is used without permission. Families can choose what feels right to share and what stays private.
Because this is a short film, I am limited in how many families I can include right now. Please still submit. I want this to be the start of something bigger, and your story lead could be part of future episodes or a longer project.
About
Aloha, I’m Blake Ramelb, from Lāhainā. Growing up, my kūpuna were the ones who taught me what Lāhainā really is through stories, lessons, and simple talk story. Shortly after the fires my grandpa passed and I have carried the feeling that I wish I had recorded more with him while I still could.
Since the fires, sitting and talking story with kūpuna has become one of the most important parts of my life. It has shaped how I see our home, our people, and what matters.
Stories of Lāhainā is a short film built around that truth. Kūpuna are our history. My job is to listen, document, and share these stories in a way that feels right.