purpositum project- ID: #250006 – Kokua Hawai’i

Kokua Hawai’i

Documentary film series by Vision Airways, Hamburg
co-produced with doclights + ORF

Blue Chip meets Conversation

Breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, unique culture, conservation heroes.

Saving the fragile paradise

“Kōkua Hawai‘i: Saving the Fragile Paradise” is an emotionally poignant documentary that captures the teetering balance of Hawaii’s unique ecosystem. Both an exploration of the urgent environmental challenges and a celebration of the resilience of the ones fighting for a sustainable future.

Purpose

Due to its unique habitat and biodiversity, Hawaii can be seen as a microcosm of the global environment. What happens there can happen anywhere. This documentary serves as both an ominous warning of the challenges that the world will face as well as a beacon of hope for the efficacy indigenous knowledge can provide.

Actor Jason Momoa lives in Hawaii and will voiceover the films.
Musician and environmentalist Jack Johnson joins the fight at his Kōkua Learning Farm, where he’s inspiring the next generation to mālama ʻāina—care for the land—with sustainable farming rooted in Hawaiian values.
Filmmaker Lars Pfeiffer, CEO Vision Airways

Lars is CEO of VISION AIRWAYS which focuses on the production of modern, ultra high-definition documentaries in the genre of nature, science, wildlife, conservation and adventure. He is one of the world’s leading dro ne cinematographers, specializing in capturing breathtaking landscapes from above. Lars’ cutting-edge cinematography captures the beauty and scale of Hawai‘i’s diverse environments, offering audiences a unique and immersive experience. His commitment to showcasing untouched landscapes and compelling human-nature interactions sets the visual tone for this project.

What is special about the project.

Key selling points

Unparalleled Visuals:

Breathtaking 8K UHD footage capturing Hawai‘i’s landscapes, marine life, and volcanic forces using high-end drone and underwater cinematography.

Broad appeal

The film attracts eco-conscious audiences, adventure seekers, and those inspired by human resilience and innovation.

Hopeful solutions

A focus on actionable and inspiring efforts such as coral reef restoration, habitat conservation, and sustainable agriculture.

Human Stories

Emotional and inspiring personal accounts of individuals and communities striving to protect their home.

Why This Film Matters

Hawai‘i as a Microcosm:

The islands reflect global environmental struggles, offering a story with both local authenticity and universal significance.

Cultural and Ecological Richness:

Showcasing native Hawaiian traditions of environmental stewardship and their relevance in today’s sustainability efforts.

Timely and Impactful

Environmental issues are at the forefront of public consciousness, making this film both relevant and inspiring.

Episode 1 – Wai (Water)

Explore Hawaii’s profound relationship with the ocean, where water is both a life-giving force and a cultural cornerstone. Beneath the waves lies a vibrant world of coral reefs, home to unique marine life found nowhere else on Earth. Offshore from Maui, humpback whales raise their calves in a natural nursery, while tiger sharks and spinner dolphins showcase the rich biodiversity of Hawaiian waters. Despite their vital role in maintaining ocean ecosystems, sharks face global threats and lack widespread protection. Social media star and conservationist Ocean Ramsey leads the fight to safeguard these misunderstood predators, highlighting Hawaii as one of the few places in the world where sharks are legally protected. Additionally, organizations like Kuleana Coral Restoration are actively working to restore and protect Hawaii’s coral reefs, blending modern science with indigenous management techniques to sustain these vital ecosystems.

EPISODE 2 – ´ĀINA (Land)

Hawaii’s land is a tapestry of unique ecosystems and cultural heritage, deeply rooted in the concept of ’mālama ‘āina’—to
care for the land.

Born from volcanic eruptions and home to some of the world’s most unique ecosystems, the islands now face a growing threat from invasive species. Rick Barboza of Hui Kū Maoli Ola leads a daring mission to restore Hawaii’s native plants, breathing life back into
ecosystems that once thrived. Musician and environ mentalist Jack Johnson joins the fight at his Kōkua Learning Farm, where he’s inspiring the next generation to mālama ʻāina—care for the land—with sustainable farming rooted in Hawaiian values. Meanwhile, the
Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project takes on the ocean’s greatest challenge, removing thousands of pounds of marine debris to protect endangered species and the pristine waters of this vast marine sanctuary.
This episode also unveils the raw power of Hawaii’s land with exclusive 8K aerial footage of Mauna Loa’s first eruption in nearly four decades. As rivers of lava carve new paths across the earth, the story of Hawaii unfolds—a land of creation, destruction, and renewal,
where every moment is a fight to preserve paradise.

Episode 3 – Kanaka (People)

What would Hawaii be without its Kanaka
Maoli? The indigenous people, who are as
vital to the islands as the land itself, are in-
creasingly at risk.

Like Hawaii’s native birds—many of
which teeter on the brink of extinc-
tion—the Kanaka Maoli face cultural,
economic, and environmental pressu-
res that threaten their very existence.
Recent catastrophes like the Maui wildfires, which devastated the historic town of Lahaina, serve as a stark warning. Fueled by climate change, invasive grasses, and extreme winds, these fires ravaged the land, claiming lives, history, and sacred spaces. For the Kana-
ka Maoli, the loss runs even deeper, as
their ancestral connection to the land is
entwined with their identity.


This episode explores what is at stake if
Hawaii’s indigenous culture disappears.
From the ancient practices of hula and
wayfinding to their fight for land rights
and environmental justice, the Kanaka
Maoli’s resilience shines through. Activist and cultural leader Hawane Rios stands at the forefront, using her music and voice to protect sacred spaces like Mauna Kea while inspiring others to honor and safeguard their heritage.
Hawaii without Hawaiians would be a paradise lost. This is a story of survival—not just of the land and wildlife, but of the people who give Hawaii its soul.

Investment

Doclights, a globally recognized production company, brings a wealth of experience in producing award-winning nature documenta-
ries. Their commitment to excellence in storytelling and production quality ensures that Kōkua Hawai‘i will resonate with audiences
around the world.

This documentary series is co-produced by NDR, WDR, arte, ORF, NHK. Total production cost for this blue chip production is estimated with EUR 1.430.300,00

purpositum is giving you the chance to obtain the distribution rights for the US-Market for

EUR 1.000.000,00

If you’re interested in investing
and make this project come to life – 
Contact our team now!