A gift that was given 237 years ago during the first meeting between Captain James Cook and reigning of Hawai‘i Island, Kalani‘ōpu‘u in 1779 at Kealakekua Bay. Out of respect and compassion, Kalani‘ōpu‘u gave his ‘ahu ʻula (feathered cloak) and mahiole (feathered helmet) he was wearing to Captain Cook.
Now, Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s ‘ahu ʻula and mahiole are returning back home to Hawaii.
In in article shared on OHA’s site it said:
“We are thrilled and honored to be able to return these treasures home to Hawai‘i, and into the care of the Bishop Museum,” said Rick Ellis, chief executive of Te Papa Tongarewa. “When they are shared with the people of Hawai‘i, I am sure they will inspire some wonderful conversations and insights, as they did when displayed here in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
It’s amazing to read the story behind the making of the feathered cloak. They said that “the ‘ahu ‘ula in particular has feathers from about 20,000 birds.”
WHO IS KALANIʻŌPUʻU?
To stay up to date with the return of the treasured mahiole and ‘ahu‘ula of Kalani‘ōpu‘u return to Hawai‘i, visit http://www.oha.org/kalaniopuu
