Be Aloha: Nicole Naone

Producer. Founder. Creative.

Nicole Naone is by all definitions — a producer. No truer statement could begin to define a woman who is composed of visionary approaches in the fields of fine art, marketing, and cinema, while representing the forefront of cultural storytelling through modern mediums. As founder of PointHawaii.com and producer of an award-winning feature film Waikiki, who has served as one of the board of directors for Hawai‘i’s Domestic Violence Action Center — Nicole is the consummate creative rooted in the essence of ʻāina.

Meet: Nicole Naone

Born & Raised: Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Island
Currently Reside: Honolulu
Occupation/Titles: Creative
IG handle: @nicoleforever
Websites: NicoleNaone.com | PointHawaii.com | WaikikiTheMovie.com

Shaka Tea Be Aloha Nicole Naone

Producer, artist, marketing queen extraordinaire - what is the common thread between all the incredible creative and trailblazing work that you do?

Not even! For the most part I just try to communicate effectively. Sometimes things can only be said with a bronze sculpture, sometimes a logo, sometimes a film.

How do you hope WAIKIKI, the first, dramatic feature film by a Native Hawaiian, from writer-director Chris Kahunahana, changes locally and globally the film landscape?

A very simplified translation: of the ʻolelo noʻeau “He aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauwa ke kanaka” is - the land is the chief, the people are its servants. More than anything else, WAIKIKI The Film was Chris and I doing our part to serve the ʻāina - that is the landscape I care about changing.

What excites you most about the future of Hawai'i filmmaking and where do you hope to see the industry in the next decade?

I have so many incredibly talented film friends: Mitchel Viernes, Connie Florez, Vili Hereniko, Erin Lau, Alika Maikau, ʻĀina Paikai, Ciara Lacy, Naʻalehu Anthony, Vince Keʻala Lucero - I could go on and on. There is an overabundance of talent here, so much so that most creatives end up moving to the American continent. In the next decade I hope to see a stronger infrastructure and culture of creative investment.

What’s the last book you read?

NāNā I Ke Kumu, Helu ʻEkolu

Favorite takeout or restaurants?

If Iʻm being 100% honest - I eat Rainbowʻs Drive-In boneless chicken with gravy and a slushee float at least once a week. Usually twice a week :/

What does “be aloha” mean to you?

Quite the large question. The English language is really quite poor for translating Hawaiian. Hangugo does it justice with certain concepts, but still never quite gets it right. If weʻre going literal translation, ʻalohaʻ describes an acknowledgment of the life force (hā) within another creature, and an exchange of energy. When I think on the idea/act/notion that is ʻalohaʻ - itʻs difficult for me to not also think of makawalu. For me this is impossible without makawalu, which literally translates to ʻeight eyesʻ and refers to the acknowledgement of multiple perspectives. Being aloha is only truly achieved if we are able to see a creature/situation/time from at least eight perspectives.

Shaka Tea Be Aloha Nicole Naone

The Be Aloha Spotlight Series shares the stories of our Hawai'i community through the lens of its people. Get to know the artisans, community leaders, small business owners, and advocates of Hawai'i as we uncover the aloha they wish to see in the world. All imagery credited to Kenna Reed.

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1 comment

mmmm, loved getting to “know” this mana wahine through your thoughtful writing. A steady force behind some powerful movements of energy in Hawai’i nei, and a book color coordinator, nice combo—so appreciated Nicole’s breaking down of aloha and makawalu—“empathy for all” is a powerful takeaway for me. mahalo mahalo mahalo

maile meyer on