Eō e Emalani i Alaka‘i 2025 | Cultural Event Filming by Kanakanowelo

Honoring a Queen, Preserving a Legacy

Nestled in the misty forests of Kōke‘e, the Eō e Emalani i Alaka‘i 2025 celebration brought together hundreds of attendees to honor Queen Emma’s legendary journey to the uplands.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the valley echoed with oli, hula, and aloha — a day dedicated to remembering the Queen’s grace, courage, and enduring connection to the land.

Kanakanowelo was proud to provide full 4K video production for this year’s event, ensuring that every performance, chant, and smile was documented in detail — something that, until now, hadn’t been fully captured and shared online.

Filming in the Rain: Prepared for Every Condition

The weather at Kōke‘e added its own atmosphere to the day.
Light rain and mist drifted through the trees, giving the event a feeling of reverence and serenity — a fitting tribute to the Queen. Despite the changing conditions, Kanakanowelo came fully prepared, equipped to film for long hours outdoors without interruption.

Our production station was powered independently, with portable power sources, weather-protected gear, and multiple 4K cameras capturing from different vantage points.
Even with the soft rain falling, the show — and the story — continued beautifully.

The Arrival of the Queen

One of the most memorable moments of the day came when a performer, representing Queen Emma herself, entered on horseback. The crowd fell silent as she rode gracefully across the field, a living embodiment of the monarch’s strength and spirit.

It was moments like this — steeped in emotion, tradition, and visual grandeur — that made this event unforgettable to film.
Each hālau that performed did so in tribute to Queen Emma’s journey, their movements blending with the cool mountain breeze and sound of live music in a timeless display of aloha.

Technical Setup: Full 4K Cinematic Coverage

To ensure the event was captured with cinematic quality and reliability, Kanakanowelo deployed a complete multi-camera 4K setup using:
🎥 Canon 1DX Mark II and Sony cameras for dynamic and wide shots
🎥 PTZOptics 4K camera for consistent, remote coverage
🎥 Insta360 X5 for immersive, panoramic perspective shots

All systems were powered by our independent generator setup, allowing continuous filming for six hours without interruption. We also implemented caution zones marked with tape to keep the filming area clear and maintain the visual integrity of the footage.

For the Community, By the Community

In the spirit of aloha and preservation, Kanakanowelo will release the full Eō e Emalani i Alaka‘i 2025 video on YouTube for free public viewing.
To our knowledge, this will be the first full-length 4K recording of this important cultural event ever made available online.

Our goal is simple: to ensure the stories and traditions of Hawai‘i — especially those tied to our ali‘i and their journeys — are never lost, and always accessible for future generations.

Filming With Cultural Respect and Technical Precision

Every cultural event deserves documentation that honors its meaning.
At Kanakanowelo, we approach each shoot with deep respect for protocol, participants, and place. Whether the event is held in a theater, a war memorial hall, or high in the misty mountains of Kōke‘e, our team brings the same professionalism and heart to every frame.

This combination of technical mastery and cultural awareness is what sets Kanakanowelo apart — and why event organizers across Hawai‘i trust us to capture their most meaningful moments.

Call to Action

🎥 Book Kanakanowelo for your next cultural or community event.
We specialize in outdoor and multi-hour productions, ensuring reliable power, professional 4K coverage, and a cinematic final product that honors your story.

Visit our Film & Documentary page to start planning your event coverage.