On Waikiki Beach stand four giant boulders placed as a tribute to the legendary mahu – extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit – who brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaiʻi long ago. “The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu” (2020) animated feature documentary uses rare archival materials, new historical findings, and vivid animation to bring the unexpurgated story back to life. Directed by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, and Joe Wilson with director of animation Daniel Sousa. This telling of the moʻolelo is based on the handwritten manuscript of a story conveyed by James Alapuna Harbottle Boyd, a colonel of the Hawaiian Kingdom and confidante of Queen Liliʻuokalani, to Thomas Thrum, publisher of the Hawaiian Almanac. It was first written and published in 1907 with the Hawaiian title Ka Pohaku Kahuna Kapaemahu (The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu) and the English title “Tradition of the Wizard Stones Kapaemahu.” More info: The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu
Healer Stones of Kapaemahu in Waikīkī (next to HPD precinct) – 2021 photo by Carole Cancler
“The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu” screening schedule
Filmmaker Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu will be hosting these showings and answering questions after the film screening.
- March 3, 2023 @ 5PM at Kauaiʻi Philippine Cultural Center, 4475 Nuhou St, Lihue, HI 96766
- March 4, 2023 @ 11AM at Waimea Theater, 9691 Kaumualii, Waimea, HI 96796. Tickets: The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu w Kumu Hina – Eventeny
- March 4, 2023 @ 5PM at Hale Halawai ʻOhana O Hanalei, 5-5299C Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
More info: Announcements (halehalawai.org)
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