Although a “commoner,” Davida Malo was a towering figure in the Kingdom of Hawaii until his death in 1853.
Malo is best known today for his book “Ka Mo‘olelo Hawai‘i,” although the English version, “Hawaiian Antiquities,” did not appear until 50 years after his death. The original Hawaiian text was not published until late in the 20th century.
Professor Kapali Lyon and Kale Langlas have spent 12 years preparing a new, bilingual edition of Malo’s book that also contains a new biography of Malo by Noelani Arista. Lyon, of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of Religion, will be in Hilo next month to discuss Malo’s work in the light of his times — and of his manifold careers as Hawaiian patriot, chiefly adviser, government minister, pastor and a profound scholar who produced what is perhaps the single-most important description of pre-Christian Hawaiian civilization.
Enjoy this exceptional presentation on either of two occasions from 3-4:30 p.m. or 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at the Lyman Museum. The event is part of the museum’s Saigo Public Program lecture series. Admission is free to museum members, $3 for nonmembers.
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. It is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 276 Haili St. For more information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.