03/24/2021

The late Pius “Mau” Piailug of Satawal was one of the most transformative Pacific figures of the 20th century. In 1976, among the last traditional navigators in the world, Mau successfully navigated the Hōkūleʻa from Hawaiʻi to Tahiti without modern instruments. His profound demonstration of Pacific ingenuity quieted academic naysayers and changed the course of modern history for native Hawaiians and indigenous peoples throughout the Pacific. Papa Mau and his extended family of Micronesian Pwo navigators were recognized as a Pacific Legacy of Distinction at a virtual ceremony connecting atolls and high islands from Micronesia to Hawaiʻi. Hosted by Kamehameha Schools, Polynesian Voyaging Society, Bishop Museum, and the University of Hawaiʻi, traditional prayers and the ceremonial drinking of ʻawa and tuba were observed. Hawaiian Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson shares insights about his master teacher and the extraordinary gift of voyaging knowledge from a region of amazing beauty and brilliance, Micronesia.

04/28/2021

While Rapa Nui’s statuesque sky-gazing moai reflect a compelling historical past, this episode focuses on the dynamic people of Rapa Nui today and how they are eyeing the future. We begin with the Matariki Festival heralding the arrival of the recently built voyaging canoe, Kuini Analola. Then, Sergio Mataʻu Rapu talks about his acclaimed film, “Eating Up Easter,” which addresses complex issues like the disposal of tons of offshore garbage, the social, economic, and environmental impacts of tourism, and the efforts to strengthen Rapanui culture and lifestyle. Vibrant images recount Hōkūleʻa’s 2017 landfall, and we visit Toki Rapa Nui, an environmentally-conscious music school built with recycled waste products and featuring a sustainable roof-top garden. Finally, Foundation Ao Tupuna leaders Lynn Rapu Tuki, Maima Rapu Tching Chi Yen, and Ben Matariki Tuki, join Pono Pacific/Kupu co-founder Julianna Haunani Rapu Leong to share both the negative and positive effects of Rapa Nui’s Covid-19 shutdown.

04/30/2021

Join us as we talk to native Rapanui filmmaker Sergio Mataʻu Rapu about his film “Eating Up Easter.” Framed as a cinematic letter to his son, the film explores the tensions within an island community facing the globalizing effects of tourism while trying to protect their culture, identity, and ways of life for future generations. Don’t miss out on this interesting conversation, and hear about some of the decisions behind the making of this film.