Finding ‘Ohana is inspired by The Goonies so much so that there are tons of Easter Eggs and references throughout the film.
If you have ever watched The Goonies than you know Finding ‘Ohana is heavily inspired by it. That is obvious from just the trailer. Once you start watching, the references and Easter Eggs will continue to hit you over and over — and this is not a bad thing. It really works! At the same time, Finding ‘Ohana makes this story its own with some twists and turns that audiences might not see coming.
The Goonies References In Finding ‘Ohana
The name of this article is all The Goonies references and Easter Eggs in Finding ‘Ohana, but I sure I have missed some. So please — if you know of one I missed, leave it in the comments and I will be sure to add it!
- Slick shoes is said.
- Homes in both The Goonies and Finding ‘Ohana are pending foreclosure.
- In The Goonies they discuss the foul smell in the basement of the Fratelli family hideout. In Finding ‘Ohana, Pili and E comment about the stench at their grandfather’s home.
- Ke Huy Quan, who plays Data in The Goonies, is a character in Finding ‘Ohana as well.
- In The Goonies, they find a map in the family attic that links to the pirate One-Eyed Willie and in Finding ‘Ohana, they find a historic journal, which includes details about the Robinson and Brown treasure expedition.
- A gold coin/doubloon is used to kick off both adventures.
- Inside the cave, they slide down a hole to become further trapped.
- Skeletons found in both movies.
- Booby traps in both films.
- “Hey you guys!” is spoken by Pili.
- E wears a headband that feels like a reference to the red bandana worn by Brand (Josh Brolin) in The Goonies.
- Waterfalls.
- Treasure discovery.
- Someone pulls a necklace string out of his bag.
- The kiss, of course!
About Finding ‘Ohana
A summer in rural Oahu takes an exciting turn for two Brooklyn-raised siblings when a journal pointing to long-lost treasure sets them on an epic adventure with new friends, and leads them to reconnect with their Hawaiian heritage.
Cast: Kea Peahu, Alex Aiono, Lindsay Watson, Owen Vaccaro, with Kelly Hu and Branscombe Richmond, Ke Huy Quan, Brad Kalilimoku, Chris Parnell, Marc Evan Jackson, Ricky Garcia
Watch Finding ‘Ohana on Netflix now!
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.
8 Comments
– Pinchers of power on Data’s key chain when handing over the keys to the boat
– the skull cave
Pinchers of Peril. Yes, we noticed it on “Data’s” keychain as well. He then calls Pili “Slick Shoes”.
The opening sequence in Goonies is the Fratelli car chase. The cleaning lady almost gets run over. O’Hana has Pili cycling through busy streets in Brooklyn and a laundromat
And finding candles in the cave
On Goonie character “Data” had the pincher of paril power (fake teeth) in Finding Ohana a set of those fake teeth are on this key chain.
Yas!!!!! I saw it too! THERES SO MANY not listed
So glad I am not the only one to notice this!
Ioane is given a head band from Hana.
Hana tells Ioane off in the cave after hell confronts pili.