Honolulu Weekly

This is your last chance to catch a rare glimpse of one of the most extraordinary collections of Hawaiian featherwork ever on view. Seize the moment and delve into the history of Hawai’i and her people at Na Hulu Ali’i: Royal Feathers.

The Bishop Museum will be rolling up the carpet and turning down the lights this weekend on its royal feathers exhibition that includes rare and beautiful feather cloaks, lei, sashes and skirts worn by Hawaiian royalty and ultimately considered the sacred insignia of the highest chiefs.

Unmatched in size and splendor, Nahi’ena’ena’s Pa’u, the largest piece of featherwork known to exist, is proudly on display. Find feather images representing the war god Kuka’ilimoku, passed down to Kamehameha the Great. Feast your eyes on the iconic feather crested helmets (mahiole) worn into battle by high chiefs.

A total of 40 feathered objects are on view in the Castle Memorial Building at the museum. The daily program also includes Ola Na Mo’olelo, the Living Stories storytelling at 1pm. The storyteller shares chants and images while telling the story of Nahi’ena’ena, the sacred daughter of King Kamehameha.

Na Hulu Ali’i: Royal Feathersat the Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St., closes Sun. 1/7, museum hours: 9am-5pm daily, $15.95 general, $12.95 youth/senior/military/kama’aina, 847-3511