Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board

film

Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board

2007

Johnny Kapahala, a teen snowboarding champion from Vermont, returns to Oahu, Hawaii, for the wedding of his hero -- his grandfather, local surf legend Johnny Tsunami -- and to catch a few famous Kauai waves. When Johnny arrives, he meets his new family including "Uncle Chris" (the 12-year-old son of his new step-grandmother) who resents the upcoming marriage. Chris's only interest is to join a mountain boarding crew led by a teenage bully. When Johnny's grandfather and his new wife open a surf shop that also caters to mountain boarders, they are soon embroiled in a turf war with a rival shop owner who wants to shut their business down.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Generally suitable for children, but bullying, family conflict, dangerous boarding stunts, crashes, shop vandalism, and a brief arrest may trouble younger viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Products & advertising2/5
  • Romance2/5

Strongest positives

  • Good role models3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

A surf and mountain-board shop, sponsors, and competitive sporting businesses are important plot elements, without clear product pushing.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild insults like brat or names used during arguments, but no profanity.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A wedding and adult relationship are central, with a mild teen crush and jealousy subplot.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Risky jumps, a boarding crash, bullying, and worries about family separation create mild tension, but the lighthearted family-comedy tone limits the fear.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes minor sports-related crashes and a brief scuffle between characters.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Characters show courage in sports competitions and defending their business.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Showcases inventive use of skateboards and dirtboards in unique environments.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a multiracial, blended family in a Hawaiian setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Promotes sportsmanship and the importance of communication in families.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, mentoring, cooperation, family support, and reconciliation become major parts of the resolution.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes support empathy, repairing family relationships, resisting bullying and peer pressure, teamwork, accountability, and inclusion.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist acts as a mentor to his younger step-uncle despite initial friction.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Which character was the best role model, and what did they do that you admired?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating