Born in Hilo.

Told with aloha.

The People of Hilo:

A Story we’re telling together

More than films. Moʻolelo that connect and inspire. 

More than films. Moʻolelo that connect and inspire. 

More than films. Moʻolelo that connect and inspire. 

More than films. Moʻolelo that connect and inspire. 

The People of Hilo is a storytelling platform sharing authentic moʻolelo (stories) of our people, places, and traditions. Through cinematic, dialogue-driven films, we celebrate resilience, preserve culture, and share the aloha spirit of Hawaiʻi Island with the world.

Featured Documentary

A Story of Healing Through Self-Care | Ilikō Sweet Skin

— Candida Magallanes

When life turned upside down, Candida Magallanes chose healing. What began with providing a facial for a friend evolved into her passion for skincare and self‑care—and ultimately led to the creation of Ilikō Sweet Skin in Hilo.

Let’s stay in touch.

Let’s stay in touch.

We don’t spam. We just share real stories, big updates, and ways you can help us preserve what makes Hilo special. Join our email ʻohana today.

Why It Matters

Preserve Culture.
Inspire Connection. Elevate Hilo.

In an age of noise and distraction, these stories bring us back to what matters most: culture, identity, and community. By amplifying local voices and documenting what’s sacred, we spark pride in our home, inspire belonging, and ensure future generations see themselves reflected in the moʻolelo we preserve today.

Help Bring These
Stories to Life

Help Bring These Stories to Life

Help Bring These
Stories to Life

We’re seeking community-backed investors, cultural advocates, and passionate partners to help produce our first documentary film and build The People of Hilo into a platform for ongoing storytelling. Your support directly funds film production, cultural consultation, and global distribution of authentic Hawaiian narratives.

Help Bring These
Stories to Life

We’re seeking community-backed investors, cultural advocates, and passionate partners to help produce our first documentary film and build The People of Hilo into a platform for ongoing storytelling. Your support directly funds film production, cultural consultation, and global distribution of authentic Hawaiian narratives.

Our Strategic Partners

Our Strategic Partners

Our Strategic Partners

Our Strategic Partners

Our journey is made possible through the generosity and belief of our strategic partners. Together, we’re building a platform to celebrate and share authentic stories.

Follow the Journey.
Be Part of the Story

Follow the Journey.
Be Part of the Story

Follow the Journey.
Be Part of the Story

Stay updated as we share behind-the-scenes footage, early cuts, and community events. Follow us on Instagram at @thepeopleofhilo and join our growing ʻohana of people committed to preserving and celebrating Hilo through storytelling.

Follow the Journey.
Be Part of the Story

Stay updated as we share behind-the-scenes footage, early cuts, and community events. Follow us on Instagram at @thepeopleofhilo and join our growing ʻohana of people committed to preserving and celebrating Hilo through storytelling.

Share a story that deserves to be told

Share a story that deserves to be told

Share a story that deserves to be told

Every day in Hilo, people, places, and brands are doing something remarkable to uplift our community.

We want to hear from you. Your submission could be the next feature that inspires pride and brings us closer together.

Share a story that deserves to be told

Every day in Hilo, people, places, and brands are doing something remarkable to uplift our community.

We want to hear from you. Your submission could be the next feature that inspires pride and brings us closer together.

©2025. All rights reserved

©2025. All rights reserved