Words cannot describe last night’s energy!
History was written in front of our eyes and we’re fortunate enough to have witnessed it!
Thank You @briankeaulana for everything you’ve done for #hawaii and still do.
Thank you for leading by example, thank you for teaching, thank you for your aloha, thank you for always inspiring everyone around you, thank you for elevating our film industry, thank you for saving lives in and out of the water and most of all thank you for being you.
Special thanks to masterminds @geofflau67 & @fbrfilms for orchestrating such a wonderful well deserved event for uncle Brian.
Thanks to @twilightaudiohawaii@gtstudios@theagency.team
Thanks @waikikibeachcomber for hosting us
Shutout to the one and only @808royce for turning a vision into reality, To our emcee @kianacayabyab , our DJ @inspire2create to @tahitimana and of course the #legends @naturalvibrationsmusic
Shutout to @kellyslater@prideofgypsies@lanai@makuarothman@billykemper@landon_mcnamara@kkandmc@augiet@kanaka_solutions@eddierothman and so many others for sending us their videos for Brian. Thanks to our beautiful staff for holding it down. We can’t wait to do this again soon…
Today we had the amazing honor to celebrate the life of the legend @briankeaulana !!! Hawaii showed up to pay their respect and give their aloha! We love you uncle BK! Mahalo for all that you’ve done for our film industry and our Hawai’i community! Nobody deserves the WFA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD more than you! Let’s keep pushing our Hawai’i film industry and fostering the new generation of filmmakers here! We love you Hawai’i!! Alooooooooohaaaaaa! ❤️
The weather is beautiful! Let’s go!!! We’ll see you tonight from 6-10 pm at @hawaiian_aroma_caffe at @waikikibeachcomber !! The Lifetime Achievment Award for @briankeaulana !!! Get here early it’s gonna be packed!!!!🔥
PART 2: Brian Keaulana is receiving a lifetime achievement award from WFA this weekend. We talk about how he got started in film, and the responsibility he feels to educate Hollywood - “Don’t just go out and get permits, get permission.”
Lastly, he talks about his parents, and Mākaha. 😭❤️
On a personal note, I feel so blessed to call this “work” - catching up with my hānai big brother was like a warm hug. I’m so proud of you @briankeaulana - and inspired by you! Xoxo to the `ohana. So well deserved. 🌺
PART 1: Brian Keaulana is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award this weekend at the WFA - he talks about his hopes for the film industry in Hawai’i, and looking forward to meeting the next generation of @taikawaititi and @prideofgypsies type actors coming out of Hawai’i and Polynesia.
Posting Part 2 shortly!
It’s gonna be packed! Get there early! 🔥 THIS EVENT IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC!!! ❤️ 6-10 pm this Saturday May 16th @hawaiian_aroma_caffe at @waikikibeachcomber we honor the legend @briankeaulana ! 🎶Live performance by @naturalvibrationsmusic & @tahitimana ! 🎸We’ve got some special surprises for you all! 🥳 Everyone from Hawaii’s film industry and surf community will be there! 🌊🏄♀️🎬 Great food, amazing cocktails and good vibes! 🍸🍾🍺 Myself along with @stardahlthurston & @kianacayabyab are hosting! 🤩 If you wanna stay the weekend go to OUTRIGGER.COM and use promo code WFA for the absolute lowest price for rooms. If you can’t make it, the whole event will be live streamed on Outrigger Waikīkī Beachcomber Facebook live starting at 6:45! 🕺💃Get ready to dance the night away and pay your Love, Aloha and respect to the GOAT of the Ocean, BRIAN KEAULANA! 🐟We’ll see you there! 🥰
Coming off the heels of a historic win with Hawaii’s new film tax incentives; is this great interview with @billyv808 & @hnn.guyhagi with guest - the legendary @briankeaulana who is being honored with the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD by the WFA for his career in film and contribution’s to his community. Join us on MAY 16th from 6-10 pm at @hawaiian_aroma_caffe at @waikikibeachcomber . Everyone in Hawaii’s film industry plus many surf legends and much much more will be there! Entrance is free so get there early! We’ll see you there! 🎥🌊
We did it.
SB 2580 has passed the full floor vote in both chambers of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and is on its way to Governor Josh Green for signature.
Hawaiʻi’s film tax credit has been meaningfully strengthened — and after years of advocacy, 80% local hire language is now written into statute for the first time. The GET exemption is in the bill. The per-production cap has been increased to $20 million, with productions over $60 million exempt from the cap entirely. The annual program cap has been increased from $50 million to $60 million. Streaming is included. The sunset is extended to 2038. And HB 1576 — Public Notice — also passed today.
Mahalo to the legislators, administration officials, and public servants who fought for our industry through an incredibly difficult budget year. Mahalo to the unions, the coalition partners, the local business community, and every member who showed up — who testified, who called, who refused to let this moment pass.
The work continues. Administrative rules are next. HFA will be there to help shape rules that work for our people.
If you stand with Hawaiʻi’s film workforce, join us.
🔗 hawaiifilmalliance.org/register
Congratulations to all the filmmakers that submitted to first ever Take Off. Join us tomorrow in Kaka’ako to see which film makers make the top 12. Doors open at 6pm. There will be food, Music and vibes. 🎬🏆
🗓️DATE: Saturday, May 2
🕰️TIME: Doors open at 6pm
📍 LOCATION: Kaka’ako Waterfront Park Studios 811 Olomehhani st honolulu 96813
On May 16th we have the privilege of hosting the Waikiki Film Awards and witness greatness as @briankeaulana is presented with the Waikiki Film Awards Hawaii Lifetime Achievement Award in a special celebration at Hawaiian Aroma Caffè inside the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel on May 16, 2026, from 6 - 10 p.m.
WFA PRESENTS
HAWAI’I LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Born and raised in Makaha, O’ahu, Keaulana is one of the most influential watermen of all-time.
Widely recognized for revolutionizing ocean safety practices, including the use of jet ski rescue techniques, he has provided critical support to major film and television productions including Jurassic World, 50 First Dates, Waterworld, Point Break and Hawaii Five-O.
His lifelong commitment to the stewardship of Hawaiian culture and community has made him a revered figure across Hawai i and beyond. Keaulana is also the co-founder of the International Cultural Arts Network (ICAN) - a non-profit with a mission to elevate, educate and empower diversity with a focus on Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) in Hawai’i’s TV and Film Industry.
Presented in partnership with the Hawaii Film Alliance, the evening will honor Keaulana’s global achievements and contributions in Hawaii’s film industry. Guests can expect an elevated island experience featuring food, cocktails and live music, culminating with a special performance by award-winning Hawai’i reggae band Natural Vibrations, who will close out the night.
#locallegend #legend #hawaii #hawaiifilm #hawaiifilmindustry
