Mural I- The Voyagers

The ancient voyagers crossed vast distances of ocean following the stars and signs around them.

NPS Photo/Holiday

Quick Facts

Location:

Visitor Center Breezeway

Significance:

Artistic representation of a Polynesian voyage.

Mural History

Exhibit plans for the visitor center were reviewed and finalized in early 1967. The plan was a collaborative effort amongst planner-designers Dave Ichelson and Ray Price and architect Pack Hunter. The three-man team worked jointly to insure compatibility between exhibit concepts and architectural concepts. The 'City of Refuge' NHP superintendent, Russell Apple,also worked closely with the team. This effort resulted in the mindful blending of the architectural design and interpretive graphics with the interpretive message given by a recorded voice. The stylized graphics were considered significant to the visitor center’s overall design and described as “idea images” as opposed to carefully rendered images. The designers’ believed that the bold and distinctive renderings were realistic and appropriate to convey the Cultural Landscapes Inventory Page 22 of 53. The interpretive wall was designed to supplement the live talks given by an NPS interpretive ranger. It was also designed to be informative and stimulate interest when a ranger led talk was not available. The open-air exhibit was a departure in concept and technique from previous NPS productions.There was a separate contract for the design, production and installation supervision of the tiles. The $15,160 contract was awarded to International Pipe and Ceramics Corporation of LosAngeles.  The scope of the contract included the production of the five tile murals(Polynesian Immigration; Hawaiian King and Polynesian Plants; Kapu Breaking; Place of Refuge; the Island). The Island mural included only the background for a sculpted relief map of the Island of Hawaii that was to be supplied by the NPS.

• Mural 1- The Voyagers

  
  

  Introduction to our breezeway mural.

  Date created:

  10/23/2023

  Audio Transcript

  Eia Hawaii, he moku, he kanaka He kanaka Hawaii e- He kama na Kahiki He pua alii mai Kapaahu Mai Moaulanuiakea Kanaloa - Famous amongst our people are these words, uttered by navigator-priest Kamahualele to his companion, ruling alii Kalani Moikeha, on their return voyage to Hawaii from Tahiti. Here is Hawaii, and island, a man. Hawaii is a man. A child of Kahiki. A chiefly offspring from Kapaahu, from Moaulanuiakea Kanaloa. Though legends may vary as to the causes of our movement, that we did so in dynamic waves of migration to and from the South Pacific, there can be no doubt. Behold the waa kaulua, those twin-hulled Ocean vessels on which our master navigators crossed the currents of time and space. Behold the aumakua, the ancestral guardians through whom knowledge may be kept and perseverance gained. By the knowledge of our ancestors, our people cultivated a vast civilization across island words, connected by the ever-moving currents of Moananuiakea, the great Oceanic expanse that links our island nations to one another.