Kapaemahu
An Indigenous legend about how four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit, or Mahu, brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, based on the Academy Award–contending short film.
In the 15th century, four Mahu sail from Tahiti to Hawaii and share their gifts of science and healing with the people of Waikiki. The islanders return this gift with a monument of four boulders in their honor, which the Mahu imbue with healing powers before disappearing.
As time passes, foreigners inhabit the island and the once-sacred stones are forgotten until the 1960s. Though the true story of these stones was not fully recovered, the power of the Mahu still calls out to those who pass by them at Waikiki Beach today.
With illuminating words and stunning illustrations by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, and Daniel Sousa, KAPAEMAHU is a monument to an Indigenous Hawaiian legend and a classic in the making.
Book At A Glance
# of Pages: 40
Book Binding: Hardcover
Year of Publication: 2022
Publisher: Kokila
Language: en
ISBN: 9780593530061
Creator Bio
Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, and Daniel Sousa are a talented team of filmmakers and artists who collaborated to create the animated short film, Kapaemahu. Wong-Kalu, also known as Kumu Hina, is a Native Hawaiian teacher, cultural practitioner, and community leader who has dedicated her life to preserving and perpetuating the traditions and values of her culture. Hamer is a renowned geneticist and documentary filmmaker, known for his groundbreaking work on the biological basis of sexual orientation. Wilson is a filmmaker and activist, who has produced documentaries that shed light on important social issues. Sousa is an award-winning animator and filmmaker, whose work has been featured in prestigious film festivals around the world. Together, these four individuals have combined their unique talents and perspectives to tell the powerful story of Kapaemahu, showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of Hawaii.
