Family Documentary Explores Kalaupapa Ancestry

A new 15-minute film chronicles a family search for an ancestor lost at the historic leprosy settlement.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Documentary

Gouache-painted illustration of ocean-smoothed basalt stones and a hibiscus flower on a cliffside, evoking a search for Hawaiian ancestral history. — A new 15-minute documentary, Pili Hou-Finding Helen, tracks a family’s journey to Kalaupapa to uncover the story of their ancestor Helen Maliu. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The documentary Pili Hou-Finding Helen follows Diane Ako and Olivia Ako as they uncover the story of their ancestor Helen Maliu at the Kalaupapa settlement. Directed by Martha Shade, the film serves to reconnect the family with their history while highlighting the legacy of the site.

Why it matters

The project aims to document the personal history of the thousands sent to Kalaupapa, a site that operated as a quarantine zone for nearly a century. It supports efforts by Ka 'Ohana O Kalaupapa to memorialize all individuals who were confined there.

The documentary runs for a total of 15 minutes. Public screenings include events at Consolidated Theatres Kahala, the Kahilu Theater, and an upcoming international premiere in Sydney.

The players

Diane Ako

She is the producer and narrator of the film who worked with her family to research their ancestry.

Martha Shade

She is the professional filmmaker who directed the documentary about the Kalaupapa settlement.

Ka 'Ohana O Kalaupapa

This is an organization that advocates for the community and tracks the history of those who were quarantined at the settlement.

The details

Diane Ako and Paul Ako conducted research and consulted with Ka 'Ohana O Kalaupapa to piece together the life of Helen Maliu, whose story had been excluded from past family conversations. The film chronicles their physical journey to the site where their ancestor lived and died.

1866: Kalaupapa is established as a quarantine site for those with Hansen's Disease.
1969: Forced confinement at the Kalaupapa settlement officially ends.
2016: Paul Ako requests that Diane Ako assist in researching his ancestor.
Nov. 8: The film screens at the Kahilu Theater at 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 29: The international premiere occurs at 11 a.m. in Sydney, Australia.

Industry Dynamics

Documentaries focusing on localized, personal histories are increasingly used to bridge gaps between family archives and broader historical records. This film mirrors a growing cultural movement to memorialize under-represented populations through personal narratives.

Viewers can attend screenings at Consolidated Theatres Kahala or the Kahilu Theater to watch the 15-minute film locally. Ticket availability and showtimes should be checked directly through theater box offices before attending.

The takeaway

Searching for lost ancestral information can provide deep clarity on family identity and historical context. Implementing a formal research strategy involving institutional archives or advocacy organizations can help fill in missing narratives.