Mainei Kinimaka with the Leica SL3
“The Leica SL3’s incredible detail and color does a job much more profound than just taking a photograph - it preserves every rich detail of history in the making.”
“There is no greater tool I could think of to capture the essence of my home, my favorite place on earth - Hawai’i.”
“A photo is a time capsule, and capturing a moment in time of my culture and family is the most precious and beautiful thing I could do as a photographer. Through rain, waves, dirt, and sand, my rugged Leica SL3 is ready for every environment I encounter in daily life.”
How did you develop the concept for this project?
My main passion for photography comes from my own love for Hawai'i, and my Hawaiian Kinimaka family. I'm the niece to 16 aunties and uncles, and one of hundreds of cousins, so when I was young I wanted to document as many images of them as I could for our next generation of family to see. I always dreamed of expanding on that concept in a video medium, so this project naturally formed from that idea. In a way, it's a very personal love letter to not only my family, but to all Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians), and a celebration of who we are, and where we are headed. Whenever I create something that I intend to share, whether photo or video, I always think of how I can maximize that piece to serve or celebrate Hawai'i and our people. I attribute every good thing in my life to my family and Hawai'i, and so I will always do my best to give back to Hawai'i because of that. I hope this story makes people feel proud to be Hawaiian, and feel related to, or seen.
Why did you feel this was an important story to tell?
I believe this is an important story to tell because I believe that indigenous Pasifika peoples are some of the most resilient, intuitive, resourceful, and caring people in the world. To think our ancestors crossed the world's largest ocean on wa'a (canoes) with purely their observational skills and knowledge passed down intergenerationally alone, is something akin to what some people today would call magic. It's a reminder that regardless of what challenges we face today as indigenous peoples, we come from strength, ingenuity, and an intimate relationship with our ʻĀina (land) and kai (sea). That relationship will continue to guide us as we navigate and care for our world today.
Can you share more about your creative process?
I began with a seed of an idea and everything unfolded from there. I wrote the voice-over and script in one sitting, which is something I've never done before. It's nice when something is able to flow out naturally. I had a few discussions with Ben about what we wanted to capture, and being familiar with Ben's style I knew he would understand exactly what I was going for. I feel extremely fortunate to have had the script translated by Keawe Goodhue, who I look up to immensely, and someone who is doing truly incredible things for Hawai'i and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language). We shot over two days at home in Hawai'i with my family and friends who were gracious to lend us their time and their stories. It was really special to shoot my dad in our family was at the beach I learned to swim and surf at.
What do you hope others will take away from this project?
I hope others will take away an appreciation for their own unique roots from this project. I firmly believe that every person has an incredible story to tell, and that some of the best stories we can find come from our own families.
How does the SL3 support your workflow and visual perspective?
Being someone who wants to create images that will stand the test of time for generations, there is no more profound tool than the SL3. The incredible quality of the images preserves every tiny detail of the moment. Switching from video to photo is also easier than ever, and I have been loving toggling between the two mediums to tell a story. It's durable build is perfect for Hawai'i's quickly changing weather conditions as well. I feel very grateful for the opportunity to create with an SL3.
