Independent Lens

Kumu Hina

Kumu Hina tells the inspiring story of Hina Wong-Kalu, a transgender hula teacher who brings to life Hawaii's traditional embrace of m?h? - those who embody both male and female spirit. Over the course of a year, Hina inspires a young student to claim her place as leader of an all-male hula troupe, while Hina herself pursues a fulfilling romantic relationship with a headstrong Tongan man.

Coming to Independent Lens: Kumu Hina

30s

Hina, a native Hawai'ian mahu (transgender) teacher, uses traditional culture to inspire a student to claim her place as leader of the school's all-male hula troupe. Despite her success as a teacher, Hina longs for love and a committed relationship. Will marriage to a headstrong Tongan man fulfill her dreams?

  • Kumu Hina: Reunited: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Kumu Hina: Reunited

    S16 E14 - 2m 11s

    In this excerpt from the Independent Lens documentary Kumu Hina, Hina travels from Hawai’i to Fiji to reunite with her husband, a headstrong Tongan man. For all her trepidations, Hina says, “I really can’t wait to see him.” They share a moving reconnection at the airport.

  • Kumu Hina: Ho'onani Steps Up: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Kumu Hina: Ho'onani Steps Up

    S16 E14 - 2m 2s

    In this excerpt from the Independent Lens documentary Kumu Hina, Ho'onani, a charismatic sixth grade girl who considers herself “in the middle,” takes over leadership of the school’s all-male hula troupe. It becomes a way for her to express her inner-male spirit.

  • Kumu Hina: You Are the Warriors of Today: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Kumu Hina: You Are the Warriors of Today

    S16 E14 - 2m 12s

    In this excerpt from the Independent Lens documentary Kumu Hina, schoolchildren are given an emotional lecture about the true meaning of “Kumu” and about Hawai’ian history. “Hae Hawai’i” is the flag of the state and the teacher wants to make sure they understand that they will continue the legacy as “the true warriors of today.” The kids then sing the former national anthem.

Similar Shows

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.