Puaniana is a portrait of the elegant and venerated Irmgard Farden Aluli, one of Hawaii's best loved composers. The name Puamana is central to Inngard's life — it is the name of the family homestead, of the Hawaiian musical group she formed with two daughters and a niece, and of her most famous song which is a celebration of her love for their home. The name evokes warm associations: the importance of love for family, for the land and for heritage, which are the themes of the film.