Orphaned as a baby and blamed for various misfortunes, he was passed from household to household until he ended up living with Mahana and her father. Fellow islanders have come to see her as troublesome and undesirable, but Johnny and Mahana form a strong bond. When he leaves the island, he promises to return one day for her.

Eight years later, Johnny Lingo has the means to return for Mahana, and is determined to win her heart. He has also devised a plan to make a long-overdue point with those who have mis-treated both him and Mahana: real beauty comes from within. Most importantly however, Johnny has found a way to honor Mahana and, in fact, to honor love itself.

This is the familiar story of the 8-cow wife -- a family adventure loaded with meaning.