Pirates on Molokai… Can You Keep A Secret?

The answer is a definite YES. Though a major production film crew spent four days on island, you could hardly tell. While their names were announced again and again on the People’s Choice Awards, they were tucked away in a remote location, filming the last of a 242 day run of shooting.
The highly anticipated third installment of one of Hollywood’s most successful films of the decade scoured the globe in search of the right spot to shoot this particular scene. They found it on the west end of Molokai.
There was no need for a formal announcement to the community, the coconut wireless worked just fine. But production crews were impressed with the small crowds, relatively few instances of paparazzi and set crashers. “We not maha’oi. We no need go down there,” said local celeb Peter Pale, expressing the sentiments of many.
Though folks were well aware of the star power, most people stayed away, unless they were employed or invited to the set. Staff members commented how nice it is to wrap up 18 months of work in such a beautiful and mellow setting.
In fact, they celebrated with a pa’ina of sorts, with a buffet spread prepared by Chef Erwin Kudoba of the Lodge and entertainment by local musicians the Hiro brothers and Moana’s Halau. The crew were also excited to watch the uncovering of the imu by Keoni Lindo, Keoki Pescaia, Sam Ka’ahanui and Alex Salazar. But the highlight would have to be watching the girls dancing circles to the beat of the Tahitian drums around award winning Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Director Gore Verbinski and Executive Producer Eric McCleod.
Bruckheimer is best known for producing blockbusters like Pearl Harbor, Gone in 60 Seconds, The Rock, Top Gun, Remember the Titans, Bad Boys, Black Hawk Down as well as the first two Pirates of the Caribbean movies just to name a few. He also produces CSI, Close to Home, Cold Case, The Amazing Race and Without a Trace on television.