The Lilo & Stitch filmmakers worked hard to make sure Hawaii was shown in an authentic way. Todd Cherniawsky was the film’s production designer. His job was to make sure everything in the movie looked just right.
Before filming, Cherniawsky traveled to Hawaii. He wanted to learn more about the state. He attended a Hawaiian celebration called a luau (LOO-ow). Luaus are filled with food, music, and dancing. Attending a luau helped Cherniawsky discover the meaning of ‘ohana. That’s a Hawaiian term for family.
“Family isn’t just about blood. It’s about respect, love, and being welcomed into each other’s communities,” he explains. “I wanted the movie to make viewers feel that same sense of belonging.”