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Plot Summary

Hawaii (2013) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2013 · 106 mins · Spanish
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Directed by
Marco Berger
Starring
Antonia De Michelis, Manuel Martínez Sobrado, Manuel Vignau, Luz Palazón, Mateo Chiarino

Eugenio offers his childhood friend Martin a work for the summer. With a game of power and desire a relationship starts to grow that goes beyond their friendship.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Categories
  6. 6 Every angle
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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Hawaii: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Hawaii (2013) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

Martín, Mateo Chiarino, an orphan, arrives at his former hometown hoping to stay with his aunt after his grandmother's death. He discovers that his aunt has moved away without leaving a forwarding address. With no place to sleep and little money, he beds down behind the ruins of an abandoned building. He looks around for odd jobs and is eventually hired by the writer Eugenio, Manuel Vignau, a former childhood playmate. Martín doesn't want to admit that he is homeless, so he tells Eugenio that he is staying with his aunt. Eugenio eventually learns the truth and convinces Martín to stay at his house for the summer.

At first Eugenio does not seemingly remember much about Martín, but little by little they start to recall their shared memories as children. Eugenio realizes his growing attraction to Martín but is reluctant to pursue it, as he does not want to seem to be taking advantage of Martín's current financial situation. He is also afraid that even if the soft-spoken Martín might reciprocate his feelings, it might only be because Martín feels indebted to him. Martín himself is attracted to Eugenio, but he does not know if Eugenio is gay. And given his current circumstances, he does not want to presume anything based on Eugenio's kindness.

Nonetheless, Eugenio and Martín slowly grow closer together, and Eugenio finds it becoming increasingly difficult to hide his attraction. One day while moving some furniture, Eugenio accidentally knocks over some drawings of naked men from his desk. Martín sees the drawings, but Eugenio pointedly avoids talking about it. It dawns on Martín that Eugenio might be attracted to him. Martín confirms his suspicions when he sees Eugenio's flustered reaction after he deliberately strips in front of Eugenio one night under the guise of wanting to do laundry.

Martín kisses Eugenio the next morning, confident that Eugenio is also attracted to him. But Eugenio unexpectedly rebuffs him, and Martín leaves confused. That afternoon, Eugenio discovers that Martín had packed up and left. He searches for him for several days but is unable to find him. Eugenio remembers Martín reminiscing about "dos ananás" ('two pineapples'). He realizes that Martín was talking about a picture from a Hawaii reel that they used to look at on a View-Master as children. He looks for the reel and the old View-Master and leaves them behind the abandoned building where Martín had been sleeping. A few days later, Martín comes back, carrying the View-Master with him. They smile at each other and kiss.

> "dos ananás" (two pineapples)

Last updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:08

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Plot questions answered

Hawaii Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Hawaii (2013): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why does Eugenio reject Martín after he kisses him?

Eugenio rejects Martín because he fears his attraction might be perceived as taking advantage of Martín's vulnerable homeless situation. Though Eugenio genuinely wants Martín, he worries that Martín might reciprocate only out of gratitude or dependency rather than true feelings. This concern about the power imbalance between them, Eugenio as the employer and Martín as the homeless man he hired, makes Eugenio pull back despite his actual attraction.

  • eugenio rejection
  • mart kiss
  • power imbalance
  • attraction doubts
Q2

Why does Martín leave after Eugenio rejects him?

Martín leaves because he feels confused and humiliated by the rejection. After finally confirming Eugenio's attraction through his deliberately provocative laundry scene, Martín initiated a kiss believing the feeling was mutual, only to be unexpectedly turned away. This leaves Martín uncertain about where he stands and whether their entire connection was built on charity rather than genuine interest, prompting him to pack up and leave.

  • martin leaves
  • rejection
  • hurt feelings
  • confusion
Q3

What is "dos ananás" and why does it bring them back together?

"Dos ananás" (two pineapples) refers to a childhood memory they shared looking at a Hawaii travel reel through a View-Master. When Eugenio recalls Martín mentioning this phrase, he realizes it's a significant nostalgic clue from their past. Eugenio finds the old View-Master reel and leaves it behind the abandoned building where Martín had been sleeping, signaling that he remembers and values their childhood connection, leading Martín to return.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the film, they gradually recall shared childhood memories, establishing the nostalgic foundation for this reunion moment.

  • dos ananas
  • two pineapples
  • view-master
  • childhood memory
  • hawaii reel
Q4

Why does Eugenio hide his attraction to Martín initially?

Eugenio initially struggles to express his attraction for two main reasons: he doesn't fully remember Martín at first, and even after their memories resurface, he fears the ethical implications of pursuing someone who is financially dependent on him. Eugenio worries that any romantic advance might be seen as exploitative given Martín's homeless situation and his position as employer.

  • eugenio attraction
  • hidden feelings
  • fear of exploitation
  • power dynamic
Q5

What do the drawings of naked men reveal about Eugenio?

The drawings of naked men that fall from Eugenio's desk during the furniture-moving incident reveal that Eugenio is attracted to men. This moment is crucial because it tips off Martín that Eugenio might share his romantic interest. Eugenio's attempt to avoid discussing the drawings only reinforces Martín's suspicions that he's hiding something.

  • naked drawings
  • eugenio sexuality
  • hidden attraction
  • gay drawings
Q6

Why does Martín deliberately strip in front of Eugenio?

Martín strips while doing laundry as a deliberate test to confirm whether Eugenio is attracted to him. After seeing the drawings of naked men and noticing Eugenio's avoidance of the topic, Martín wants definitive proof of Eugenio's interest. When Eugenio becomes flustered by Martín's nudity, Martín confirms his suspicions that Eugenio returns his attraction.

  • martin strips
  • laundry scene
  • testing attraction
  • flustered reaction
Q7

Why does Eugenio search for Martín after he leaves?

Eugenio searches for Martín for days because he realizes his rejection was a mistake. After Martín leaves, Eugenio understands that his fear of exploiting Martín's situation actually pushed away the person he cares about. His search reflects his regret and genuine desire to reconnect, ultimately leading him to use their childhood memory as a way to find and reach Martín.

  • eugenio searches
  • regret
  • looking for martin
  • trying to fix mistake
Q8

How does Eugenio figure out where to find Martín?

Eugenio finds Martín by remembering his mention of "dos ananás", a reference to a Hawaii travel reel they used to view together as children with a View-Master. Eugenio locates the old reel and the View-Master device, then leaves them behind the abandoned building where Martín had originally been sleeping. When Martín returns to that spot, he finds the items and understands Eugenio is reaching out to him.

Foreshadowing: The film establishes early on that they begin recalling their shared childhood memories together, planting the seeds for this nostalgic reunion method.

  • finding martin
  • view-master
  • hawaii reel
  • childhood memory reunion
Q9

Why does Martín lie to Eugenio about staying with his aunt?

Martín lies about staying with his aunt because he's embarrassed about being homeless. Even though he's an orphan with no family to turn to after his grandmother's death and his aunt's disappearance, Martín doesn't want to admit his dire situation to Eugenio, who he just met again as an adult. The lie reflects his pride and vulnerability.

  • martin lies
  • aunt
  • homeless
  • embarrassment
  • pride
Q10

Why does Eugenio offer Martín a job for the summer?

Eugenio offers Martín work because he recognizes him as a former childhood playmate and wants to help. Though Eugenio doesn't immediately remember all their shared history, there's an instinctive pull to assist Martín. When Eugenio discovers Martín is actually homeless, he deepens his offer, inviting Martín to stay at his house for the summer, showing his genuine desire to help beyond just employment.

  • summer job
  • eugenio helps martin
  • childhood friend
  • hiring

Movie threads

More Movies Like Hawaii, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Hawaii tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Slow Burn LGBTQ Romances like Hawaii

Quiet and tender stories of love blossoming between friends or acquaintances. If you liked the delicate romance in Hawaii, you'll find more movies like it here. These films focus on tender, slow-building love stories within the LGBTQ community, often featuring emotional vulnerability and hopeful endings. Discover similar relationship comedies and heartfelt dramas that capture the same gentle, intimate vibe.

  • tender
  • slow burn
  • hopeful
  • intimate
  • quiet
  • emotional
  • Tone: hopeful, tender
  • Pacing: slow, deliberate
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically follows a linear path where a pre-existing relationship—like friendship or a work dynamic—gradually transforms into something more romantic. Conflict is often internal, stemming from characters' fears and insecurities, leading to a pivotal moment of confession or acceptance that resolves positively.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together because they share a specific pacing and emotional tone. They prioritize character depth over plot, use a slow, deliberate pace to build authenticity, and deliver an ultimately hopeful and affirming emotional experience centered on love and connection.

Quiet Stories of Reconnection like Hawaii

Introspective films about old friends or flames finding each other again. Find more movies like Hawaii that explore the theme of reconnection. These quiet character studies focus on people from the past meeting again, dealing with unresolved feelings and social dynamics. If you enjoyed the nostalgic and uncertain mood of Hawaii, you'll discover similar emotionally light films with a steady, hopeful pace.

  • nostalgic
  • quiet
  • introspective
  • uncertain
  • hopeful
  • character-driven
  • Tone: nostalgic, hopeful, introspective
  • Pacing: slow, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot is often straightforward, using the reunion as a catalyst to explore the characters' past and present. The central journey involves navigating the complexities of their renewed relationship, addressing what was left unsaid, and deciding whether to rebuild a connection, typically leading to a positive or bittersweet resolution.

Why they belong together: These films are connected by their focus on a specific relationship dynamic—reconnection—and a consistent mood. They share a quiet, introspective tone, a slow or steady pacing that allows for emotional depth, and a narrative that prioritizes internal conflict and character evolution over external events.

Categories

Movie Lists Featuring Hawaii

Hawaii appears in these hand-built movie categories. Each one groups movies by a specific mood, theme or story type, with their plot summaries and endings explained.

View all movie categories

Every angle

Hawaii (2013) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Hawaii in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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