HONOLULU – Bishop Museum Press, the oldest continuous publisher of books in Hawai‘i, and one of the first scholarly presses in the Western Hemisphere, announces a notable line-up of soon to be released Hawaiian publications. In 2004 numerous new releases and/or re-prints of Hawaiian texts went to press, ranging from topics that explored authentic arts and crafts, the history and origin of Hula and its implements, the dominions of gods, Polynesian voyages, geological and biological science research studies, and the reign of the Hawaiian Monarchy.

Bishop Museum Press plays an integral role in perpetuating education and awareness from the heart of the Hawaiian culture. Among the featured titles recently released are Kamapua’a, Sacred Hula: The Historical Hula Ala`apapa, Hula Pahu: Hawaiian Drum Dances Vol. 1 &2, and Native Planters in Old Hawai‘i. Soon to be released are The Lyrical book of Hawaiian Choral Song, ‘Ōlelo No‘eau, Falls of Clyde: A History, and the Bishop Museum Coloring & Activity Book. and the Bishop Museum Press 2004-05 Catalog among many others.

Proceeds from sales of Bishop Museum Press books support the Museum’s efforts in research, education and collections care. Books can be purchased at Bishop Museum’s Shop Pacifica, by phone (808) 848-4159, fax (808) 847-8249, e-mail shop@bishopmuseum.org, or by filling out an order form at www.bishopmuseum.org/press/. Bishop Museum Association Members receive a 20% discount on all Bishop Museum Press books.

Bishop Museum is a multifaceted treasure of Hawai‘i. Since its inception, the Museum’s mission has been to study, preserve and tell the stories of the cultures and natural history of Hawai‘i and the Pacific. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, Bishop Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call (808) 847-5311 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.