Finding 'Ohana (2021) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is primarily set on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, which serves as the main backdrop for the treasure hunt adventure. The story also references Brooklyn, New York, where the main characters originally live, and briefly mentions the Catskills, creating a contrast between urban city life and the natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands.

• setting
• location
• Oahu
• Hawaii
• Brooklyn

Finding 'Ohana takes place in contemporary times, set in the present day. This modern setting allows the film to address current familial challenges and explore how cultural heritage remains relevant to identity today.

• time period
• contemporary
• modern
• era

The film emphasizes that family bonds are the most valuable treasure one can have. Through Pili and her brother Ioane's journey, the movie shows that staying connected, supporting each other through challenges, and embracing shared experiences are what truly matter. The ending reinforces this by having the family choose to stay together in Hawaii.

• family
• bonds
• togetherness
• message theme

Heritage drives much of the story as Pili and her brother explore their family's history through an old diary discovered during their treasure hunt. This exploration of their ancestors helps them understand their identity and values, connecting them to their Hawaiian roots and revealing emotional revelations about their family's legacy.

• heritage
• ancestry
• legacy
• identity
• roots

Adventure serves as the film's exciting backbone, with Pili leading a treasure hunt through Hawaii's mountains and caves. The quest brings thrilling challenges that test the characters' courage and teamwork, emphasizing the rewards of exploration and bravery while driving the family toward deeper connection.

• adventure
• treasure hunt
• exploration
• caves

Pili is a 12-year-old girl who moves from Brooklyn to Oahu and serves as the adventurous protagonist. Her passion for geocaching and her deep connection to family heritage drive the plot forward as she leads the treasure hunt, ultimately revealing her growth, determination, and intelligence throughout the journey.

• Pili
• protagonist
• main character
• geocaching

Ioane, nicknamed 'E', is Pili's older brother who initially struggles with moving from Brooklyn to Oahu. His arc involves evolving from being dismissive and resistant to the move, toward confronting his fears and desires, particularly regarding his personal aspirations, with help from a local girl named Hana who challenges his attitude.

• Ioane
• E
• brother
• character arc
• Hana

Leilani, the mother, serves as the family's emotional anchor, balancing her responsibilities with aspirations for her children. Kimo, the father, deals with health and financial struggles, representing the sacrifices parents make. Their challenges add depth to the family dynamic and highlight the importance of healing and support within a family.

• Leilani
• Kimo
• parents
• mother
• father

Casper is a local boy who becomes Pili's guide and friend during the treasure hunt, helping bridge her old life in Brooklyn with her new Hawaiian world. Hana is a local girl who challenges Ioane's dismissive attitude about their surroundings, helping him open up and revealing important values about identity and purpose.

• Casper
• Hana
• supporting characters
• friend
• guide

'Ohana is a Hawaiian concept meaning family, and the movie uses it as a central theme. The title itself references this idea, with the story demonstrating that true treasure lies not in gold or riches but in the connections, belonging, and love shared between family members.

• ohana
• family
• meaning
• Hawaiian concept
• theme

The film contrasts the bustling urban life of Brooklyn with Oahu's stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history. This contrast reinforces the story's themes of transitioning between old and new, city and nature, as the family adapts to their new environment while discovering their roots.

• Brooklyn
• Oahu
• contrast
• settings
• nature vs city