Moku Moku

Moku Moku: The Original Hawaiian Comedy Series

Moku Moku is an independent, Kanaka-owned comedy series filmed on Maui. It follows three working-class friends navigating upcountry island life, cultural identity, and the high cost of living.

Moku Moku Character Quiz

Which Upcountry Local Are You?

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Local Faces. Lots of Laughs.

Episode 1: Identity – How does family history shape Hawaiian identity?

Summary: In the series premiere, Kimo enlists the help of his best friends Pili and Leilani to clean out his mother's garage. During the process, the trio discovers hidden mementos from Kimo's grandfather, revealing a complex, untold family history that forces Kimo to reevaluate his cultural roots.

Key Cultural Themes:

  • Preservation of family history and artifacts.
  • The complexities of Native Hawaiian identity.
  • The foundational role of 'ohana (family) and community support.

Episode 2: Breaking Spam – How does the cost of living affect the price of Musubi in Maui?

Summary: Facing the harsh realities of the island's high cost of living, Pili realizes his local farm work income isn't enough to fund his comic book habit. As the price of the beloved local staple, Spam Musubi, skyrockets, Pili and Kimo must explore alternative, hilarious methods to generate fast cash.

Key Cultural Themes:

  • The economics of late-stage capitalism in paradise.
  • The cultural significance and rising cost of Spam Musubi.
  • Agricultural wages and the working-class hustle in rural Hawaii.

Episode 3: Muk Muk Bang Bang – What happens during a Maui Mukbang competition?

Summary: After being provoked by a relentless internet troll, Pili prepares to enter an intense, food-heavy Mukbang eating challenge. However, the seemingly simple task of gathering local ingredients turns into a chaotic upcountry adventure when Leilani's truck unexpectedly breaks down.

Key Cultural Themes:

  • Local Hawaiian food culture and culinary traditions.
  • The intersection of modern internet culture with rural island life.
  • Everyday transportation struggles in upcountry Maui.

Episode 4: It's My Party – What is a local upcountry Maui birthday party like?

Summary: The entire neighborhood gathers to celebrate Pili’s birthday, showcasing the vibrant, tight-knit community of upcountry Maui. The celebration is quickly derailed by boundary-pushing dares from Kimo, excessive drinking, and a sudden, island-wide power outage that complicates the night.

Key Cultural Themes:

  • Authentic community gatherings and neighborhood dynamics.
  • Testing the boundaries of long-term friendships.
  • Dealing with rural infrastructure challenges (power outages).

Episode 5: The Morning After – How does 'ohana step in after a wild party?

Summary: Dealing with the chaotic fallout from Pili's birthday party, Kimo relies on vivid dreams to process his memories and the changing dynamics of his friendships. Meanwhile, his Uncle arrives to help clean up the mess and deliver a much-needed, heart-to-heart conversation.

Key Cultural Themes:

  • The vital role of Kupuna (elder) guidance and intervention.
  • Processing mental health and shifting relationships.
  • The communal responsibility of post-party cleanup.

Episode 6: Paradise Sold – Why do locals attend Maui timeshare presentations?

Summary: While visiting historic Makawao Town, the three friends are intercepted by an aggressive Outside Property Consultant (OPC). Tempted by the promise of an all-you-can-eat boat ride, they agree to endure a grueling timeshare presentation, highlighting the absurdities of the local tourism industry.

Key Cultural Themes:

  • The daily realities of living in Makawao Town.
  • The impact and aggressive tactics of the Maui tourism industry.
  • The local hustle to take advantage of tourist-centric perks.
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About the Creator & Production

Moku Moku is the brainchild of Native Hawaiian showrunner Kawika Hoke. Drawing from extensive experience in the California entertainment industry, Kawika returned to his ancestral home of Maui to co-found Laulima Studios alongside Jonathan Melikidse and Brad Starks.

Launched in 2024, Laulima is a Kanaka-owned production company dedicated to authentic storytelling without corporate Hollywood interference, aiming to provide sustainable local jobs beyond the tourism sector.

Leadership & Advocacy: Beyond his work on set, Kawika serves as the Film Commissioner for the Nation of Hawai'i. In this role, he is spearheading the 2026-2027 Community Media Development Program to build a sovereign, Hawai'i-based film industry that empowers Kanaka storytellers. He is also a dedicated community advocate, serving as an active Board Member for the Maui Grassroots Collective.