February 17, 2006
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
BISHOP MUSEUM PRESENTS TALES OF
POLYNESIAN VOYAGING
**Kailua-Kona event includes appearance by
Polynesian Voyaging Society co-founder Herb Kane**
HONOLULU – Voyaging was an integral part ancient Polynesia culture. Voyagers sailed thousands of miles over the open ocean, using the stars in the sky to navigate their canoes. Voyaging tales tell of early voyagers and their settlement of Hawai‘i. Bishop museum will host a panel of distinguished experts who will present lectures and tales of Polynesian voyaging, canoes and plants that came over with the early Polynesians on Friday, February 24 from 5 – 6 p.m. at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort in Kailua-Kona. The event is free and open to the public.
The panel includes renowned historian, artist and co-founder of the Polynesian Voyaging Society Herb Kane, who will make a rare public appearance to share his mana‘o on Polynesian canoes.
Kane believes the greatest impact of Polynesian voyages has been the discovery and settlement of what became the Hawaiian Islands. The route across the Pacific is the longest in voyaging traditions.
According to Kane, today’s navigators and historians can learn the ancient values necessary for success from the ancient Polynesians voyagers, “including courage, intelligence to do as much as possible with limited resources and an adventurous spirit.”
Over the years, Kane has earned many distinctions for his contributions to Hawaiian culture and art. In 1984, the Honpa Honwanji Mission named him as a Living Treasure of Hawai’i for his contributions to preserving the culture of Hawai‘i. During the “Year of the Hawaiian” celebration in 1987, Kane was one of 16 people named Po‘okela (champion) for his accomplishments and contributions to improving the quality of life for Hawai’i’s people, though enriching their understanding of Hawaiian culture. Kane was also awarded the prestigious Charles R. Bishop Medal in 1998, recognizing him for embodying the spirit and purpose of the Museum’s founder.
Other speakers at the “Tales of Polynesian Voyaging” presentation include: internationally celebrated archeologist Dr. Yosihiko Sinoto, who will talk about his research and canoe discovery on the South Pacific island of Huahine; nationally recognized botanist Dr. Isabella Abbott, who will discuss the important role of plants during canoe voyages; and local author and columnist Bob Krauss, who will share his experience at Ailinglaplap and other canoe expeditions.
For more information on the “Tales of Polynesian Voyaging,” call the Amy Greenwell Gardens, a Bishop Museum facility, at 323-3318.
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 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.