Mālama Maʻawe Iho:
Fibers in Focus
May 28 - 30, 2026
Mālama Maʻawe Iho:
Fibers in Focus
May 28 - 30, 2026
Science Event
Mālama Maʻawe Iho:
Fibers in Focus
May 28 - 30, 2026
Register Online
Bishop Museum’s 2026 annual symposium celebrates the natural fibers of Hawaiʻi and is organized in partnership with Arizona State University and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with generous support from the Mellon Foundation and Kosasa Foundation.
Across three days, this convening focuses on ʻie ʻie (Freycinetia arborea), niu (Cocos nucifera), olonā (Touchardia latifolia) and hau (Talipariti tiliaceum). These plants found in different parts of Hawaiʻi’s landscape play pivotal roles in cultural identity and Hawaiian natural history, both past and present. This symposium brings together practitioners, professors, scientists, specialists, educators, and advocates to ensure stewardship and kinship into the future.
Thursday, May 28: ʻĀina Day
A convening in the field to see a specific area where olonā and other native plants are thriving.
This is invite-only and not open to the general public.
Friday, May 29: Collection Visit and ʻIeʻie Working Group Sessions
An all-day convening at Bishop Museum to view the collection and to facilitate small working-group conversations about ʻieʻie conservation efforts. This program is invite-only and not open to the general public.
Saturday, May 30: Science and Sustainability Festival Public Day
Atherton Hālau
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday’s public sessions focus on three species: olonā (Touchardia latifolia), niu (Cocos nucifera), and hau (Talipariti tiliaceum). These plants found in different parts of Hawaiʻi’s landscape play pivotal roles in conservation efforts for diverse ecosystems. They also are culturally significant—in the past and the present. This program shares a deeper understanding of human and plant kinship, and the impacts these plants have on knowledge systems in Hawaiʻi Nei. Come listen to these passionate champions of culture and conservation throughout the day as we create dialogue and opportunities for these plants to share their rich stories that live on through these speakers. See the SSF26 webpage for more info.
9:00 a.m.
Introductions
Marques Hanalei Marzan, Bishop Museum Cultural Advisor and The Wayne Pitluck and Judith Pyle Curator for Cultural Resilience
Miles Thomas, Bishop Museum Botanical Research Specialist
10:00 a.m.
Presentation on Olonā:
Sebastian Marquez, Honolulu Zoo Horticulturist
Susan Ching, Oʻahu Plant Extinction Prevention Program
11:00 a.m.
Presentation on Niu:
Indrajit Gunasekara, Kaulunani Community Coconut Project Director
Mahi La Pierre, Educator and mixed-media artisan
1:00 p.m.
Presentation on Hau:
Mark Kapono, Cultural Practitioner
Kawehilani Kahanaoi, Cultural Practitioner
2:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion:
All speakers moderated by Marques Marzan and Miles Thomas
Bishop Museum would like to thank the Mellon Foundation, Kosasa Foundation, Arizona State University, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for their contributions and partnership towards the 2026 annual symposium.
Photo Credits: Miles Thomas
Saturday, May 31, 2025
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Reduced admission – $5 Kamaʻāina and Military
Bishop Museum’s Science & Sustainability Festival brings together Museum scientists, educators, cultural practitioners, and community partners to highlight the ongoing work needed to protect biodiversity and build a sustainable future in Hawaiʻi.
This one-day festival features keiki activities, workshops, exhibition highlights, special presentations, and interactive performances with scientists, cultural practitioners, and community organizers on the front lines of biodiversity research and conservation efforts in Hawai‘i. Visit activity and information booths that showcase the vital work of community partners and the interconnectivity between conservation initiatives across Hawai‘i. All day, Enjoy music and performances with food and drink vendors on the Museum lawns.
2025 Year of Our Community Forests Keynote Panel
Featuring: Children’s Book Readings of
Pau: The Last Song of the Kaua‘i ‘Ō‘ō
Science Event
Science & Sustainability Festival 2025
All planetarium tickets must be purchased or reserved in addition to general museum admission. Planetarium tickets are only available on-site due to limited seating in the theater.
Register Online
“Exploring Through Traditional Science” with Keahi Omai
Mahalo piha to all our community partners who have made this possible!
- Aloha Tree Alliance
- American Bird Conservancy
- BIORETS at Kanu O Ka ʻĀina
- Board of Water Supply
- CERENE Sustainability Lab
- City & County of Honolulu – Resilience Office
- Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
- Conservation Council for Hawai’i
- Conservation Dogs of Hawaiʻi
- Department of Land and Natural Resources | Division of Forestry & Wildlife
- Friends of the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge
- Hawaiʻi Agriculture Research Center
- Hawaiʻi Audubon Society
- Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Storm Water Management Program
- Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources
- Hawaiʻi Energy
- Hawaiʻi Green Growth UN Local2030 Hub
- Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority
- Hawaiʻi Nature Center
- Hawaiʻi Sea Grant
- Hawaiʻi State Energy Office
- Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization
- Honolulu Zoo
- Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project
- Koʻolau Mountains Watershed Partnership
- Kualoa Ranch
- Mālama Maunalua
- Malama Mushrooms - Hawaiʻi Fungi Project
- Native Hawaiian Hardwoods for Traditional & Cultural Practices
- NOAA Inouye Regional Center
- NOAA NWS International Tsunami Information Center and Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
- Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee
- Oʻahu Plant Extinction Prevention Program
- Oʻahu Water Protectors
- Ocean Music Action
- Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System
- Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project
- Pop-Up Lab for STEM
- Protect & Preserve Hawaiʻi
- State Climate Commission
- Summer Marine Mammal Intensive Learning Experience (SMMILE)
- UH Mānoa Ka Mea Kolo Entomology Club
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Algal Biodiversity Lab
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Ichthyology Museum
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Office of Law Enforcement
- Waiʻanae Mountains Watershed Partnership
- Western Pacific Fishery Management Council
