Answers to the questions we hear most from production companies, networks and independent cinematographers planning shoots and equipment rentals in Hawaii.
What video production services does Malaʻe Productions offer in Hawaii?
Malaʻe Productions is a full-service Hawaii video production company specializing in natural history documentary production, aerial cinematography, underwater filming, time-lapse photography, and wildlife documentary production across all Hawaiian Islands. We also maintain one of the largest private 4K and 8K Hawaii stock footage libraries in existence, and offer turnkey field crew packages for visiting networks and production companies.
Do you rent cameras and production equipment on the Big Island?
Yes — we are based on the Big Island of Hawaii (Hawaiʻi Island) and operate equipment rentals statewide. Our Big Island camera rental inventory includes RED cinema cameras (V-RAPTOR 8K, MONSTRO 8K, HELIUM, GEMINI), DJI Inspire 2 & 3 aerial platforms, Shotover F1 gimbal systems, Nauticam underwater housings, and a full suite of cinema lenses. We deliver across the island and can coordinate pickup at Keauhou, Hilo, or Waimea.
What RED cameras are available for rental in Hawaii?
Our Hawaii RED camera rental fleet includes the RED V-RAPTOR [8K VV], RED DSMC3 S35, RED MONSTRO 8K VV, RED HELIUM 8K S35, and RED GEMINI 5K S35 — each available with a full accessory package including PL and EF mounts, ND filters, on-board monitors, follow focus systems, and V-lock battery power. These are among the most technically advanced cinema cameras available for rental anywhere in Hawaii.
Do you offer production equipment rentals statewide or only on the Big Island?
We offer video production rentals across all Hawaiian Islands. While our primary base is on the Big Island, we regularly support shoots on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. We can coordinate transport for larger gear packages, and our team is experienced in planning multi-island productions. Contact us with your shoot dates and island(s) and we'll arrange the logistics.
What makes Malaʻe Productions one of Hawaii's leading natural history film companies?
Since 2003, we have produced Hawaii natural history content for National Geographic, PBS Nature, Discovery, ABC, NBC, and CBS. Our crew has spent over two decades filming Hawaii's rarest wildlife, volcanic events, marine ecosystems, and remote terrain — accumulating first-ever footage of newly discovered species and rare natural phenomena. We own the camera systems, vehicles, boats, and underwater equipment to operate independently in Hawaii's most remote environments, with no need for outside gear support.
Can visiting production crews rent gear from Malaʻe Productions?
Absolutely. We offer B2B equipment rentals to visiting production companies, independent cinematographers, broadcast networks, and independent studios. Our price match guarantee means we will beat or match any competing Hawaii camera rental quote. Reach out with your shoot dates and equipment list and we'll respond with availability and pricing — typically within one business day.
Do you offer drone aerial filming and drone rentals on the Big Island?
Yes — our Big Island aerial production fleet includes DJI Inspire 3 (8K full-frame), DJI Inspire 2 (6K CinemaDNG), DJI Mavic 3 Cine, DJI Mavic 4, and an Autel EVO II Dual 640T thermal drone for wildlife surveys. We are experienced in operating under FAA Part 107 in Hawaii's diverse airspace, including coastal, volcanic, and forested terrain. Drone rentals and operated aerial packages are both available.
How does your price match guarantee work for Hawaii equipment rentals?
We match the rental rates of all major Hawaii equipment and lens rental companies operating statewide. If you have a quote from another Hawaii camera or production equipment rental house, bring it to us and we will beat or match it. This applies to RED cameras, cinema lenses, gimbals, drones, underwater housings, and full production packages.
Related
- Equipment Rentals — Rent RED cinema cameras, Shotover gimbals, DJI drones, Nauticam underwater housings and full production packages on the Big Island, with delivery statewide and a price match guarantee.
- Equipment & Production — Broadcast-grade production equipment based on the Big Island of Hawaii and available statewide, operated by crews who know the islands.
- Contact — Tell us about your production, rental or stock footage needs anywhere in Hawaii. We reply with availability and pricing, typically within one business day.