Miloliʻi: The Last Fishing Village in South Kona (1986) | PBS HAWAIʻI CLASSICS

[@bert_gimspon]

Man i miss how tv used to be. The voices the music the vibe was always so wholesome.

[@andrewblack7852]

Uncles and aunties down there that just passed take with them old Hawaii and a feeling that is hard to communicate. They washed me in Aloha as a young man, and now I’m 56. Visiting uncle just before he passed, his bed steps away from the ocean, house open to the sea. I cannot ever regain that time. Time went by like syrup at the homestead there. I’m so glad my daughter ( born n raised keaukaha), got to feel the timelessness of uncles Aloha. It was as wide as the ocean he passed in front of. We love you uncle. May you go on in peace.

[@ggrace1133]

He’s only a thought away.

[@Max317_]

Honestly waht a well written paragraph, I love your syurp analogy.

[@annmariemarin5513]

Brought tears to my eyes. So beautiful.

[@oldscout80]

Your Uncle will comfort you for those kind words

[@daninuesca3801]

MANA.🙌

[@hanaibyLai]

Home sweet Home! So much of these kūpuna are no longer with us, but their legacies live on here and will continue to live on here❤️

[@keithcontrades1191]

BORN AND RAISED ON KAUA'I IN THAT ERA THIS REMINDS ME OF OUR CAMPS. HAD SO MANY OHANA LIVING IN THEM FROM KEALIA TO KAUMAKANI TO PAKALA CAMP SIX. AND THE BACKYARD KANIKAPILA PARTIES! MUCH MAHALO'S PBS FOR KEEPING THESE PRECIOUS ARCHIVES! PRICELESS!

[@westho7314]

50 some years ago i lived at Honokohau just north of Kona on the island of Hawai'i , At that time Honokohau was a tiny but well sheltered small boat harbor. Locals could dry dock their fishing boats there & work on them, I met a local known as LInk or the "Missing Link" as he was called by friends,, a large man with a huge heart and a big family to feed. Link was refitting his wooden fishing boat at Honokohau, i offered to help Link refit, rebuild & re- caulk his boat & he let me camp at the site on the harbor, Growing up a haole fisherman and surfer from the California coast i was no stranger to life on the ocean, Link taught me how to hand cast net and dive with hawaiian sling, We would go fishing together to feed his large family who also lived south of Kona. Kona was a very small town back then, the King Kam hotel was the only major hotel in Kona at that time with the new Mauna Kea Hotel being built farther up north of Kona, There was a grocery store and a gas station, a few cafes, and the ice house where fish were frozen & kept. Kona Gold Fishing Tournament was the big annual event. In the morning elders gathered to talk story under the large banyan tree on Ali'i drive near the pier in Kona, I remember a small bakery down south on the road near Kealakekua where we got sweet bread and Kona coffee. I moved over to Puna/ Pahoa/ Kalapana for awhile and worked with some Orchid growers but it was too wet for me, Spent time in Kohala exploring the sacred valleys of Pololu and Waipi'o, But always came back to Kona. The best 4 years of my life, having no use for a car, catching my food daily from the ocean and harvesting fruits and veggies from gardens on shore. Minimal clothing required & flip flops & Tabi's ( reef socks) being my only footwear. Fast forwarding, I can't imagine what Hawai'i is like today, i assume like every other paradise found on earth, scarred, desecrated and gentrified with upscale conveniences & over development, gated communties, condos and golf coarses. I was blessed to have lived there before that onslaught of conspicious consumption happened upon the island.The aloha spirit and lasting memories of the kind and gentle people, those Island souls will never leave me though. as Hawai'i no ka oi.

[@jaymo8206]

Aloha bro, I was fortunate to live on The Big Island 1988-2005. I feel and miss everything you wrote about. Most of my time was spent in Hilo-Puna-Pahoa. However many an awesome time was spent in Kona. Beachn 69 just south of Hapuna Beach was awesome , private, serene, amazing coral and crystal clear waters.small & private back in the day.

[@chrisgreen1904]

The Big Islands people have to thrive, not just survive. Things must change in order for this to happen. I'm all for nostalgia but I'm more about progress and seeing local people have the services they need, housing, jobs etc. This is where we should put our energy. Mahalo

[@annmariemarin5513]

This makes me so sad. I only visit BI once 12 years ago, it touched me so deeply in a way I can not explain. I am going back in a few weeks, afraid in a way of what I may find. That island should be owned only by the Hawaiian people, I believe that with all my heart.

[@craigslistseller9354]

I'm nearing 60 now, but still remember visiting Miloli'i as a youngster. Dad would ship the Pontiac station wagon from O'ahu to The Big Island to haul all of us (Mom and us 5 boys) and our gear for our annual Neighbor Island trips to visit relatives and friends on Hawai'i Island and Maui: Hilo, Miloli'i, Waimea/Kamuela, Ka'u, Kula, etc. I still have pics...

[@ZachGalactic]

I lived near Miloli'i village for over four years, in the subdivision before you reach the village, and that was some of the best times of my life. Simple lifestyle, friendly villagers, lots of fresh fish and great swimming down at Honomalino Bay. Looking forward to the show! Mahalo, PBS Hawai'i!

[@ZachGalactic]

@@oldscout80 Was there 2012-2017...

[@oldscout80]

@@ZachGalactic I haven't been there since 73'

[@ZachGalactic]

@@oldscout80 That long ago? Probably not much has changed since then.

[@oldscout80]

@@ZachGalactic From what I hear, it's a mess now. I use to drive from Honakaa to Kona and sometimes not even see another car.

[@bronzemansadventures1508]

​@@oldscout80I recently lived in Papaaloa and the road to Hilo or to Waimea is constantly congested now. Traffic jams in the weekends is also possible. I can't imagine the life you've had there back in the day. Please feel to add more details if you'd like, would love to hear them

[@marylong4693]

I have mamy cherished memories of the summertimes where we rented a house on the mauka side of All'i Drive near the Kahaluu Beach Park. My godmother had a house in Keahou Bay (before it was developed into a Hotel Resort...lots of Keawe trees & plumerias. Part of the summer, I would go with a friend's family to Milolii for two weeks of rustic camping. I loved going there! I would go down to Milolii with friends' families from where we lived in Hlo's Keaukaha area & later with my foster family from Hilo. I was ha'ole-looking on the outside, but all kama'aina on the inside, speaking fluent Pidgiin English with as much Hawsiian as possible. This was during the 1950-1960s. I also remember the effects of the May1st,1960 @1AM Tsumami that left so much damage. We took down to Milolii extra clothes, household goods, food, misc supplies for the Milolii residents that lost so much. Thankully, the whole village was not destroyed. The General Store was still there where we bought aku, poi, shaved ices, candy, & home-made taro chips, local-bottled sodas & juices, & other snacks. We played with the kids (keikis) hung out with the kupunas (elderly) listening to their conversations & being taught how-to-make skiills, swimming, singing/instrument playing, learning more hulas. There was plenty fun things to do, including chores... things would mellow out after the fishermen unloaded their days catch, watching the sunset, & eating dinner, talking story, singing church songs in Hawaiian, ending the day with Akua Mahalos! Paradise! When we had to go back home, none of us wanted to leave! We looked forward to our trips to Milolii. Sooo much Aloha! We even got chances to get to meet Elvis, the film crews, & his entourage when they filmed there. (Exciting!)

[@cahillsonia0245615]

❤ my grandparents Manuel and Lokelani Malama lived in the middle of the village. All the kapunas of milolii I had to think back in history of how I was so blessed to have lived in the village as a young girl Thankyou for sharing this incredible and moving Documentary 🙏🌺

[@clarkie0167]

Old Hawaii. Love it. RIP to the unko who passed handining ahi this year on Oahu.

[@toddbefield1100]

Remember the fisherman hauling massive Ahi and Kahala up the cliff at South Point as a kid 40 years ago!

[@FerrisFareMusic]

What an incredibly beautiful film! Mahalo nui loa for posting!

[@oldscout80]

I'm a 80 year old Howlie who was lucky enough to live on the big Island for about 2 years in the 70's. I stayed in Honokaa in an apartment above Chris' Cafe. (Andrade building) Worked on the Waikoloa Village Project, with a Hawaiian named Calin Linsey on a air track drilling holes in the blue rock for blasting on the pipe line. Al Akana was our foreman, Chet Wing was the big boss. We worked for Morrison Knutson International Construction Co. Boise Cascade owned the land. I had a lot of local friends, so I got to do a lot of snorkel spearing, and went Pig ,and sheep hunting on Mona Loa. All free., Except for the PRIMO beer. I loved it there. I'm happy to see a place like this is left. Hang on to your tradition! MAHALO!!

[@reddiver7293]

The word is, "Haole," not, "Howlie."

[@oldscout80]

@@reddiver7293 Thanks Bra

[@JB-sv5pr]

Sounds grand ❤

[@craigslistseller9354]

This is the not-so-old Hawai'i that is oftentimes disdained and looked down upon by many, but not all, newcomers to Our Islands. They have overtaken us politically, socially and economically. Hawai'i has become a rich source of opportunity for them...but less so for us...

[@r.o2938]

Happens all over the world. The simple living country folks are looked down on. We don't want to participate in their consumer driven nonsense and are happy with the real riches of family, good food, and the natural world. They can't monetize that so they look down on us and treat us like unwelcome trespassers in our own homeland.

[@clifflong7944]

Good seeing some of the "kupuna" we have lost out doing the things they would tell stories about. Alas the old ways are dying here,the kids have no interest. Willys still around. Still delivers water around the south Kona side. Sure do miss Raymond, he always had a smart ass comment in his pocket.

[@sousay2000]

Great video. Thanks

[@charliebuck697]

I am proud to have been able to hang down there in mid 80s and learn to fish for Ahi and other fish with Taetuna Taetuna, his in laws the Kawahuhia ohana, Raymond, Kukulu, Guy,dem so many others.. Great times. Always was treated well there..Aloha from Kawika da Hillbilly!

[@theovanstaden5766]

Aloha very good video. Hello from the east coast region of south africa. Mahalo for uploading such a interesting video

[@janetsecchi5070]

I'm so grateful this was so beautifully captured. A glimpse of these beautiful people in the past.

[@lynnmaelekapowai8115]

Mahalo for sharing this video, the home of my Tutu's, the Kapowai's.

[@BMD1784]

I grew up in puna and visited once in my childhood such a beautiful place ❤

[@hnttakata713]

A beautiful time

[@meetdogblack8277]

Good documentary 👍

[@terryfelix1749]

Mahalo for sharing reminders me of my past in Molokai on the east end in Halawa Valley and kupohu.Mahalo let us keep Hawaii Hawaii

[@hemanag1020]

Man that 1st fulla on boat, look exactly like ny uncle here in Aotearoa/NZ. ❤

[@cindymauai8128]

So beautiful,my nephew married a young lady fr/Milolii Nani Taetuna and now they both are happily married ❤

[@kaopua1972]

I remember those Kupunas and the children who are the Kupunas now.

[@ericbran44]

I love Miloli”I I had the pleasure of being able to camp, fish and dive there for a few nights with a small group of friends. I went back a few years later with my kids to jump off the wall and pick opihi. RIP Uncle Sam 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@dorthymcbride3384]

My ohana, visited the AKI ohana when we were Keikis. We are the Kahili and Aiona ohanas ! Mahalo and aloha with respect and love ❤️

[@jeanniebrooks]

Omg, fishing is so brutal!

[@kaskahea1274]

Thank you for sharing this piece of history. Now get choke Haoles who built on the hillside. 🙄🙄

[@carolferguson19]

When I moved to Hawaii in 1968 the haoles respected the locals and adopted the beautiful ways they think and live. Living in Hawaii is the best experience in life. The respect for the kapunas, love and kindness to everyone living together on the island. I'm ashamed of the people that move to Hawaii and act like they own it. Not the aloha way. When I was at UH and working 4-12 in Waikiki I walked home every night. No one bothered me. 1968-70. Hawaii needs to be wonderful again. It looks like things are starting to get done. Hawaii no ka oi💕🙏 Local Islanders have to come first. Mahalo and aloha🤙🏖️

[@kaskahea1274]

@@carolferguson19 just wish more people who choose to make this place home respect the culture and learn more about these islands. thank you for sharing. 💚💚

[@aaronvu6292]

There was an image that's still sticking in my mind: A young man, maybe just a boy around 12 years old. Walking on the beach, a spear in one hand, and two large fishes on his shoulder. That was in Hilo, mid '80s. To me that was one of the most beautiful image of Hawaii, natural and simple.

[@oldscout80]

Perfect memory of a place I loved too!

[@ryanstewart1521]

The Hawaiian islands are a magical place, I hope all the islands don’t end up like Oahu.

[@mrancog]

Big Island...My home.

[@timmytangles5520]

Handlining 100 pound Ahi says it all. What you make of yourself is what you gunna get.❤

[@JB-sv5pr]

love the baseball bat !

[@jeremiahkaneao4123]

That was spectacular .🤙

[@hnttakata713]

Once the elders passed, many lost respect, vale Use of the kupuna.

[@mattewstos7461]

Peaceful place lovely people milolii

[@samanthawise5478]

You can see the hawaiian blood in that village strong and intact probably over 98% Hawaiian.

[@reddiver7293]

Long story short, a local friend and I were bicycling around the Big Island. We ran out of water late in the day and decided to go Miloli'i for the night. There was no water available and no one would help us. We were very respectful. And offered to pay, but no dice. No one would let us have anything to drink. Beautiful place. But will never forget how thirsty we were and nobody would help.

[@gabrielkelekolio8654]

She was my afternoon school teacher at Hookena

[@2-old-Forthischet]

When I was a wee young kid, I spent two weeks with relatives I had never seen on Lanai. I had such a great time doing all the simple stuff. Sadly, Hawaii will never be the same.

[@sunsetman9192]

Diana aki is my grandma's first cousin

[@Marianas_Trench_Mob]

My uncle is Solomon Colburn I wonder if you know any information since I am in search of my roots

[@sheayamamoto8661]

She used to be my neighbor, I miss her. I hope she is ok

[@Dolpho-b9s]

I being there once my cousin Greg lagapA took me therper I like the life there

[@jeanniebrooks]

Time marches on…things change and evolve. You can’t pass on your traditions to second and third generations if they have their eye aimed on another life. They may not want to run a restaurant, to make hats, to fish….they are a new generation and interested in more modern things. It is inevitable in every culture. You can reminisce…but you have to let the future unfold.

[@is-ness]

No phones. Good era.

[@danalorenzo1478]

Maika'i Hawaiian style,,Aloha Ke Akua

[@schreds]

things have certainly changed on da big island ,, i remember these times not so very long ago and miss them dearly ,, seems there is no more incentive to pass down respect /knowledge to the younger generation anymore and now most are just lost ,, these kupuna were truly the last of the old Hawaii ,, Miloli'i has basically become a divided subdivision the village trying to hold on and on one side and new comers trying to claim ownership ,, it won't be long before Miloli'i will have gone the way same as Keaukaha ,, in retrospected i guess not much has changed in that respect

[@Marianas_Trench_Mob]

My name is Solomon Kaikina Colburn Santos my Mother is Mahealani Delores Colburn Santos my grandfather is Solomon Colburn and my uncle Solo Colburn lived in Miloli’i I have never been there but wish to visit one day 🙌🏾

[@itsmecommenting4283]

❤

[@keaka560]

Why is it the last? The homeland is no more since the overthrow.

[@kerenza4163]

💙💙💙💙💙

[@Chiefsfan_kryx]

My uncle's in their will kaupiko

[@hemanag1020]

NZ Maori we have the hangi, you fullas call it umu? Cookin in ground. Tihei mauri ora, e kore au e ngaro, he kakano i ruia mai i rangiatea. (i can not be lost for i am the sacred seed cast from Rangiatea) te Mana, te ihi, te wehi, the children of the great ocean of kiwa, te moananui a kiwa. ❤️❤️❤️

[@chaethankobzi]

Miloli'i Movie (Franchise) (1996) Miloli'i (2000) Miloli'i 2: Escape To Arya's House (2003) Miloli'i 3: Most Wanted (2011) Boys Of Miloli'i (2025) Miloli'i: Sea Mountain Resort Vacation (2025) Miloli'i Forever All Rights Reserved To Paramount Pictures/MTV Films/Spyglass Media Group/Alcon Entertainment/MRC/Picturestart

[@stephencolebrook8602]

Like Native Americans, Aboriginals of Australia people are fighting for their culture to survive invasions in the name of progress, cite THE BAHAMAS , Bahamians

[@Zer0FuXGiv3n]

Chee hoo

[@hnttakata713]

Unfortunately, it is now trashed with man made things. Old cars, refers and garbage. The people have lost respect for the land.

[@phaedrus5716]

Is there a greater example of Stockholm syndrome than Christianity?

[@tracyd1233]

Cruel way to kill that fish.

[@kidmanila2160]

Sad how they lost there island way of life Philippines have 7500 islands blue ocean water Our Filipino natives are melanesian KZbin Filipino negrito aeta they still live the old way of life living off the island also other Filipinos from the different islands also live the old way of like we almost lost that way of life America had Philippines under there control in the 1860 to 1940 Philippines vs America insurrection almost 1 million Filipinos died we have a large community in the southern Filipino muslims they live in the ocean in Indonesia and Malaysia and Philippines but there Filipinos they live in the ocean blue water and make there home on the waters and they have canoe and they are the best diver in the world KZbin Filipinos sea gypsies badjua