Exhibit explores Polynesian-Chinese links

The long-voyaging skills of the ancient Polynesians are well known, but ancient China, despite having the largest navy in the world six centuries ago, elected to stick close to the coast. There is some evidence that ancient Chinese ships, like the Vikings on the other side of the continent, might have reached North America and set up temporary dwellings. Did they stop in Hawaii? No one knows.

Possible links between ancestral connections of Chinese and Polynesian cultures are explored in Bishop Museum’s new exhibit called "Manu‘unu‘u ka Welolani: The Chiefly Cultures of Polynesia." It is installed in the recently restored J.M. Long Gallery.

The exhibit comes from China and has already been displayed at the Fujian Museum at the Zhejian Provincial Museum there. Dozens of Bishop Museum’s most significant Polynesian artifacts are included, such as a kahu kiwi, or kiwi feather cloak, from Aotearoa; an ‘ie toga, or fine woven mat, decorated with red parrot feathers from Samoa; and a pae kaha, or headdress, made from joined pieces of shells from the Marquesas, according to the museum.

Partly sponsored by the Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Program and the John Young Foundation, access to the new exhibit is included with museum admission, which is free for members. Otherwise, admission is $17.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors and kids ages 4 to 12, and free for keiki ages 3 and younger. Discounts are available for Hawaii residents and military visitors.

Information: www.bishopmuseum.org or 847-3511.

Historic foundation to honor artist Kane

The late Herb Kawainui Kane will be honored as the 2011 Kamaaina of the Year by the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation with a series of events Oct. 21-23 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

Kane, the 24th recipient of the award, is being honored for his life’s work as an artist, historian, visionary and one of the founders of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

On Oct. 21 there will be a private unveiling and blessing of Kane’s last painting, "Kamehameha Landing," followed by a public screening of "Papa Mau: The Wayfinder" at 6:30 p.m.

The annual benefit dinner, at 6 p.m. Oct. 22, includes sunset cocktails, dinner, live entertainment and a tribute to Kane, along with a silent auction that includes an interisland voyage on the Hokule‘a.

At noon Oct. 23 there will be a free discussion of Polynesian ocean voyaging and its rebirth in modern times.

Call 523-2900 or visit www.historichawaii.org for tickets and details.