OLI KĀHULI

The little-known indigenous snails of Hawaiʻi also known as kāhuli’ are a lesser known but iconic symbol of biodiversity loss on the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian snails also referred to as the “Jewels of the Forest” have been important components of local culture. The film delves into the themes of extinction, culture, identity, and ecology through the voices of native Hawaiians. It features perspectives from an artist, a Kumu Hula (cultural practitioner), and a wildlife conservationist, offering a multifaceted exploration of the profound interconnections between Hawaiian culture and the ecological challenges faced by endangered species.