June 6, 2005
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BISHOP MUSEUM PRESS REVEALS HAWAIIAN GODS IN
“AKUA HAWAI`I: HAWAIIAN GODS AND THEIR STORIES”
HONOLULU – Bishop Museum Press will release Akua Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Gods and Their Stories in July. Written by Kimo Armitage and illustrated by Solomon Enos, the hardcover book will be available at Bishop Museum’s Shop Pacifica and other fine bookstores. It retails for $18.95.
Akua Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Gods and Their Stories is an introduction to more than 30 Hawaiian gods. Readers of all ages will enjoy exploring the history of these gods and their legendary powers. The book reveals the relationship between humble mortals and their gods, reflecting on times in history when they were called upon for their powers. It offers simple stories of creation, duty, love, and hope that provide a better understanding of the gods and demonstrate important lessons about life that remain true today.
Bishop Museum’s current exhibit, “Nā Akua Wahine: Celebrating the Female Gods of Hawai‘i Nei,” incorporates many elements from the book, highlighting female deities. The exhibit runs through October 16, 2005.
Founded in 1892, Bishop Museum Press is the oldest continuous publisher of books in Hawai‘i, and one of the first scholarly presses in the Western Hemisphere. Proceeds from sales of Bishop Museum Press books further 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, or e-mail shop@bishopmuseum.org. Bishop Museum Members receive a 20% discount on all Bishop Museum Press books.
A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage, Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years; special rates for kama‘āina, seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Members are free. For information, call (808) 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org