[ SUNDAY TRAVEL ]
FRANCO SALMOIRAGHI / BISHOP MUSEUM
Kaho'olawe, traditionally regarded as a realm of Hawaiian dieties, is the subject of an exhibition at the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building.
Native Hawaiian nationalism will be on stage this month at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Smithsonian exhibit looks at
Hawaiian history on KahoolaweStar-Bulletin staff
A free presentation will take place 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday in the museum's Charmichael Auditorium to celebrate the exhibition "Kahoolawe: Rebirth of a Sacred Hawaiian Island," which opened in June and continues through Sept. 2 at the Smithsonian's Arts and Industries Building at 900 Jefferson Drive SW.
The exhibition -- a joint project of Bishop Museum, Community Development Pacific, Protect Kahoolawe 'Ohana/Fund and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program -- explores the culture, spiritual practices and political aspirations of native Hawaiians by focusing on the history of Kahoolawe. The island was considered a manifestation of the Hawaiian god of the ocean, Kanaloa, and was a center for training in astronomical navigation before Western settlers arrived. The examines the way outside influences have affected the island's natural and cultural resources.
Saturday's program will feature songs written by Hawaii's last monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, as well as contemporary songs advocating native Hawaiian sovereignty.
Amy Stillman, an associate professor of music and American culture and director of Asian/Pacific American studies at the University of Michigan, will be the featured speaker. She is the author of "Sacred Hula: The Historical Hula 'Ala'apapa." She will describe the message of resistance that underlies the songs. The Alexandria, Va., Halau Ho'omau I ka Wai Ola O Hawaii, directed by kumu hula Manu Ikaika and his wife, Suzanne Strong, will perform the songs described by Stillman.
For more information, call 202-786-2409.
