Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1539634
Maui – The Spectator Hut Viewers first see a Hawaiian King, in this case, King Kahekili, when Kaina and his family are summoned to go and meet him in Maui. The scene takes place at his spectator hut, basically the structure he would use to oversee his warriors' training. I wanted the setting of this first encounter to be impressive. It had to express authority and dominance, and also present Hawaii as a civilization and a prosperous society. The hut was built on a high platform overlooking a picturesque valley on the coast of Awhitu in New Zealand. Even though frontal staircases are not a signature feature of traditional Hawaiian architecture, I took this liberty because it really helped establish Kahekili's authority and gave a good flow to the scenes. Having two narrow staircases (one on each side as opposed to an ostentatious one in the middle) also subtly directed the viewer's eye toward the multi- leveled stone platform that is so characteristic of traditional Hawaiian architecture. Masterfully built by construction coordinator Phil Chitty and his team, this set withstood the force of Cyclone Gabrielle that hit New Zealand in February 2023 and triggered a national emergency (all the lashing and thatching remained intact!). Island of Hawaii: Kohala (North) Village and Heiau Very early in the first stage of prep, the intention was to end the series with the unification of all the kingdoms, consecrating Kamehameha as the sole king of the united islands. This meant the Art Department had to recreate Pu'ukohola Heiau, a sacred historic site still present today in Kawaihae. A. MAUI SPECTATOR HUT EXTERIOR. CONCEPT ART BY ANDRÉS PARADA (PHOTOSHOP) AND ANDREW LIMA (SKETCHUP AND TWINMOTION). B. MAUI SPECTATOR HUT INTERIOR. CONCEPT ART BY ANDRÉS PARADA (PHOTOSHOP) AND ANDREW LIMA (SKETCHUP AND TWINMOTION). C. MAUI SPECTATOR HUT EXTERIOR. BUILT ON LOCATION ON THE COAST OF AWHITU (NZ). FILM STILL. COURTESY OF APPLE. D. PU'UKOHOLA HEIAU CONCEPT ART REPRESENTING THE FAMOUS TEMPLE IN WAIMEA RECREATED ON LOCATION AT TE AKAU BEACH IN IPIPIRI, NZ, CREATED BY LEI JIN. A B C D