Aaron Kaufman Directs Documentary on Hawaiian Pop Musician Don Ho

A new documentary focusing on the life of Hawaiian musician Don Ho is currently in production. This project is being spearheaded by Aaron Kaufman, co-director of the Ukraine documentary “Superpower” with Sean Penn. The film is a collaborative effort between Verdi Productions and Public School and aims to chronicle Ho’s journey from pop artist to Pacific Islander icon post-Hawaii statehood.

Don Ho, famed for his 1966 hit “Tiny Bubbles” from the album bearing the same name, blended Hawaiian music with mainstream pop, boasting a career that spanned nearly five decades. He also hosted “The Don Ho Show,” a variety show on ABC, from 1976 to 1977. The forthcoming documentary promises to feature never-before-seen footage of Ho along with interviews with his family, friends, associates, and various celebrities. Producer Chad Verdi aims to pay tribute to Ho’s significant role in both pop culture and Hawaiian history.

Described in the film’s logline, the documentary explores Ho’s extraordinary life story, touching on themes like Hawaii’s integration as the 50th state, organized crime, corruption, polygamy, politics, and a heist allegedly aimed at stealing Ho’s legacy. The film aims to offer an in-depth look at the cultural impact of both Ho and Hawaii itself on American society.

Kaufman’s recent work includes directing “Superpower,” a documentary that details Ukraine’s struggle to preserve its sovereignty following Russia’s invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Spanning almost two years and seven visits, the film features interviews with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and others. It’s available for free streaming on YouTube.

The documentary on Don Ho also features contributions from notable figures such as Nancy Sinatra, who discovered Ho for Reprise Records, and TV producer George Slaughter. The production team includes Chad A. Verdi, Anthony Gudas, Michelle Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., and Paul Luba, with Sera Verdi serving as an executive producer.