The recent Hollywood animated blockbuster “Moana” exposed new audiences to the great sailing and wayfinding traditions of the Polynesians, while Hokule‘a’s circumnavigation of the globe has dispelled any doubts about the sailing abilities of their voyaging canoes.
But the deeper, real story of “Moana” has gradually been emerging from the painstaking work of archaeology. Renowned Pacific archaeologist and author Patrick Kirch returns to the Lyman Museum to present these new findings on two occasions — Monday evening, 7-8:30 p.m. Monday (March 26) and 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday (March 27).
The presentation 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 is located at 276 Haili St. in Hilo and showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. Hours are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For more information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.