Capturing Moʻolelo Through the Lens

Storytelling in Hawaiian Culture

Storytelling is the heartbeat of Hawaiian culture. It carries the wisdom of our ancestors, the spirit of the land, and the lessons that shape future generations. Hawai‘i Nei Photography brings this tradition into the present by capturing moʻolelo through our lens — the stories, myths, and living history of Hawai‘i. Each photograph becomes a visual chant, a hula, or a mele that connects viewers to the deep roots of Hawaiian heritage.

Photography and videography in Hawai‘i are more than just creating content — they’re a way to preserve and share mo‘olelo, honoring the past while inspiring the present. At Hawai‘i Nei Photography, we embrace the art of storytelling, weaving cultural knowledge into every frame. How do we do that? Let’s wala‘au about it.

Hand-carved wooden storyboard showing Hawaiian legends and history

Moʻolelo and Its Many Forms

Mo‘olelo is the foundation of Hawaiian storytelling — encompassing history, genealogy, myth, and lessons passed through generations. These stories take many forms, each vital to preserving ‘ike kupuna (ancestral knowledge):

• Mo‘o: Historical accounts passed down through generations.

• Ka‘ao: Legends and myths that teach moral and cultural lessons.

• Oli (Chant): Oral traditions that preserve wisdom through rhythm and repetition.

• Hula: Visual storytelling through movement and gesture — Hawaiian sign language at its most graceful.

• Mele (Song): Music that celebrates life, honors ancestors, and uplifts the spirit.

• Wala‘au (Talking Story): The face-to-face exchange of stories that builds connection.

• Storyboards: Hand-carved visual records of myths and history used for teaching and preserving heritage.

Each form of mo‘olelo holds a sacred place in Hawaiian culture. Hawai‘i Nei Photography seeks to capture these stories visually, creating images that speak as powerfully as chants or hula.

Capturing Moʻolelo: How Hawai'i Nei Photos Does It

Hawai‘i Nei Photography does more than document scenes — we tell stories that honor culture and connection. Our approach includes:

• Highlighting cultural landmarks: Wahi kapu (sacred sites), ancient fishponds, and heiau photographed with reverence.

• Capturing natural landscapes: The ‘āina itself holds stories — mountains, valleys, and oceans framed to reveal their cultural significance.

• Portraying traditional practices: Hula dancers, oli chanters, and artisans whose work keeps culture alive.

• Using storytelling techniques: Thoughtful composition, light, and tone that convey emotion and depth.

• Incorporating kaona (hidden meaning): Layers of symbolism inviting viewers to look deeper and discover the story within.

By focusing on these elements, Hawai‘i Nei Photography creates imagery that connects hearts to heritage and invites reflection.

The Cultural Significance of Storytelling Through Photography

Storytelling in Hawai‘i is essential for preserving identity and spirit. Hawai‘i Nei Photography supports these cultural values by sharing mo‘olelo visually:

• Preservation of knowledge: Photographs become historical records — like those at the Pacific Tsunami Museum or Honoka‘a Heritage Center — keeping cultural memory alive.

• Connection to heritage: Images link people to their ancestors and the ‘āina, nurturing pride and belonging.

• Moral and spiritual guidance: Stories teach values that strengthen community.

• Images with mana: Like chants or mele, photographs hold power and hidden meaning, encouraging thoughtful reflection.

This visual form of storytelling keeps Hawaiian culture alive in ways that are meaningful across generations.

Traditional Hawaiian hula dancer performing with natural landscape background

Practical Ways to Preserve Moʻolelo Through Photography

For kama‘āina who wish to kōkua by preserving culture through mo‘olelo and photography, here are a few ways to start:

1. Learn the stories first. Understanding mo‘olelo adds depth and authenticity to your images.

2. Respect cultural protocols. Always ask before photographing sacred sites or practitioners.

3. Tell stories, not just take photos. Every image should speak a lesson or emotion.

4. Use natural light and authentic settings. Let truth and simplicity guide your shots.

5. Share with context. Include stories when posting photos to educate and inspire others.

6. Collaborate with cultural experts. Work with kumu hula, chanters, and historians for accuracy and respect.

7. Create visual storyboards. Arrange sequences of photos to tell a complete mo‘olelo.

Through these practices, photographers become stewards of cultural preservation — mālama storytellers who honor the legacy of Hawai‘i.

The Lasting Impact of Hawaii Nei Photography

When written language was introduced during the reign of King Kamehameha I, it provided a new way to preserve ‘ike (knowledge) and na‘auao (wisdom). Writing helped establish a constitution and a recognized Hawaiian Kingdom.

When photography arrived, it brought another gift — a way to preserve what words could not express: Hawai‘i’s pu‘uwai(heart).

At Hawai‘i Nei Photography, we see it as part of our kuleana — our responsibility and gratitude — to preserve and share Hawaiian mo‘olelo through our work. Each image bridges past and present, allowing stories to live on as oli, mele, and hula — visual chants that speak across generations.

For kama‘āina, this art form is both shield and gift — a way to protect cultural knowledge while sharing Hawai‘i’s spirit with the world. It invites us to slow down, look deeply, and honor the stories carried by the land and its people.

References:

• All Good Takes

• Electric Literature

• Mauna Kea Resort