My Partner

The story unfolds in contemporary Hawaii as two groups of Lahainaluna High School seniors navigate a final class project. The setting emphasizes modern island life, social dynamics, and inter-cultural exchange within a tight-knit community. Events reflect current conversations about heritage, education, and environmental stewardship on the island.

Set on the coastal town of Lahaina on Maui, the film centers a community where native Hawaiian traditions blend with immigrant experiences. The landscape features loʻi kalo farms, beaches, and local ceremonies like lei making and luaʻau, grounding the story in a real Hawaiian setting. Environmental concerns and conservation efforts are woven into daily life, shaping the characters' choices and interactions.

🌺 Cultural Heritage

The film centers on sharing and respecting Hawaiian customs, from loʻi kalo farming to lei making and family histories. It shows how heritage can bridge divides when people approach each other with curiosity rather than judgment. Traditions are portrayed as living practices that guide decisions and relationships. Through Pili and Edmar, the story honors a shared heritage that transcends ethnic boundaries.

❤️ Romance

A developing attraction between Pili and Edmar challenges expectations and social tensions within their friend groups. Their bond tests stereotypes and encourages empathy as they learn about each other’s backgrounds. The romance progresses with subtle, intimate moments that reflect trust and emotional growth. The relationship ultimately advances the broader goal of mutual understanding.

🌿 Environmental Stewardship

Conversations about environmental damage from historic plantations underscore the stakes of conserving Hawaii’s ecosystems. The groups unite to defend their beach from polluting outsiders, illustrating how environmental ethics can unite diverse communities. The loʻi kalo fields and freshwater wai become symbols of responsibility and shared stewardship. The narrative suggests that protecting nature is inseparable from respecting cultural heritage.