Using Literature: The Inspiring Past

Kapaemahu: The Power of a Lost Story Found

Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu

Kapaemahu is a bilingual children’s picture book for ages 3-8 about four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit, or mahu, who brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawai`i. It is part of an educational project that includes an Oscar-contending animated short film, a documentary, and a Bishop Museum exhibition that explore how and why this story was altered as colonialism and globalization brought change to Hawai`i.

This session will engage participants with project creators, excerpts of the book read in `Olelo Ni`ihau, and introduction to an activity guide for the book developed by Kanaeokana “for teachers by teachers.” The book release, launch event, and exhibition all happen in June.