Pi‘opi‘o: Recovering the History of Hilo’s Wahi Pana

(L–R) Lokelani Brandt, Tusie’ana Berrios, Aoloa Santos, Caleb Akau, Craig Okahara-Olsen. Photo courtesy of the Wahi Kupuna Internship Program.

Under the guidance of the Wahi Kupuna Internship Program, local high school and university students have been researching the history of Pi‘opi‘o, one of Hilo’s wahi pana (legendary places).

On Monday, Sept. 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lyman Museum, five students will share their findings on topics ranging from environmental issues facing the Wailoa River Estuary, to analyzing change in the Pi‘opi‘o landscape following the 1946 tsunami, to traditional taro planting in mounds along marshy river banks—and more.

The Lyman Museum says “That the scope and quality of their projects—and the ability of these young people to contribute to the understanding of Hilo’s cultural and historical environment— is truly impressive, and you won’t want to miss what they have to show and tell us.”

The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawai‘i.

Located in downtown Hilo at 276 Haili Street, the Museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission to this program is free to Museum members, $3 for non-members. Space is limited; first come, first seated. For additional information, call (808) 935-5021 or visit here.