HWST 107: Hawaiʻi: Center of the Pacific

Chronicles the history and condition of Hawaiians from their creation to the present, focusing on the overthrow of the Hawaiian government in 1893.

The Hawaiian ahupua'a system of land use allowed access to all resources, from mountains to sea which insured an abundance of food. This social system ensured survival from generation to generation.

Gives a historical overview of a successful pre-school Hawaiian language immersion program which started out on Kauai and has branched out to the other islands.

Anthropological study of the relationship of whites and aborigines in Papua New Guinea. Includes original footage of the first encounter between the groups during the 1930's gold rush days and interviews with some of the same individuals fifty years later.

Documentary about Joyce Kainoa and her family who live at Honokaʻupu, Molokai.

Reveals that this tropical paradise is also a land of unique and fascinating life forms--and of tragic extinction.

Experience the resurgence in native Hawaiian crafts, as local master craftspeople share their talents and motivations in replicating the ancient arts.

Native birds and their feathers are the subject of this program hosted by John Dominis Holt. Hawaiʻi’s endangered and extinct birds are featured both in wildlife footage and in the artwork of Ipo Nihipali. Dennis Kanaʻe Keawe makes a feather cape and Mary Lou Kekuewa demonstrates the construction of Kahili. Sarah Kawailima sews a lei hulu. And Mililani Allenʻs halau dances a hula which tells the story of the ʻoʻo bird, which is captured for its beautiful yellow feathers and then set free. Produced and directed by Puhipau and Joan Lander of Nā Maka o ka ʻĀina

Provides highlights of George Helm's active role in the movement to stop the military bombing of Kaho'olawe and to educate the people of Hawaii as to why Kaho'olawe has a sacred significance to Hawaiians.

The people of Kaʻū are known historically for their fierce independence and pride. In the program, the people of today’s Kaʻū relate their stories of a lifestyle closely tied to the land and the sea. In spite of the beauty and special significance of this district, it has been impacted by many outside influences, from hundred-year-old sugar plantations to modern-day resort and spaceport development plans.

Follows archaeologists as they seek clues to the origins and achievements of ancient Polynesian seafarers. Shows the excavation of a powerful voyaging canoe on the Tahitian island of Huahine, early sailing routes in Fiji, and traces of Hawaii's first settlers on Molokai.

Quite often we look at the Pacific region as a playground where exotic vacations in paradise can be taken. This film looks at another side to the Pacific that is not often told about.

Geothermal development interests seek to conduct drilling operations that will alter the rain forest that collide with Native Hawaiian cultural expressions of the desecration of Pele, the fire goddess.

1980 documentary - Sand Island, O'ahu - residents of self-sustaining shoreline fishing community near downtown Honolulu are given notices to vacate by State of Hawai'i - film follows 4 months of residents' attempts to resist eviction.

Shows scenes of one of the few remaining shark callers of the Kontu island community, located north of Papua New Guinea, juxtaposed with the activities of other segments of the Kontu population. Caught up in cultural changes, the disappearance of shark callers in the ritual slaying of sharks has a deep significance for this community, since these people believe that sharks contain the spirits of their ancestors.

History of French nuclear testing in French Polynesia.

Native Maori Don Selwyn describes the 1000 year history of Maori arts, music and dance in New Zealand.

A documentary on the Fourth Festival of Pacific Arts held in Papeete, Tahiti, June/July 1985.

Documentary about traditional canoe building and wayfinding as connected to Hawai'i today.