KAPAEMAHU

A unique bilingual picture book based on the Oscar-shortlisted animated film, a gorgeous project of Hawaiian storytelling.

Based on the Oscar-shortlisted animated film, this transporting picture book is one of a kind, a bilingual work written in the Hawaiian language of Olelo Ni'ihau and English. Kapaemahu tells the story of four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit who brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, and the four stones at Waikiki Beach that still hold their memory today. The text is based on Thomas Thrum's handwritten manuscript of the story conveyed to him by James Harbottle Boyd, a prominent Hawaiian who was a close confidant of Queen Liliuokalani and brother-in-law of Princess Kaiulani. The story was subsequently published as "Tradition of the Wizard Stones Kapaemahu" in the Hawaiian Almanac and Annual of 1907. This visionary project was created by an award-winning team of innovators: Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu is an award-winning Native Hawaiian teacher, cultural practitioner and filmmaker who uses digital media to protect and perpetuate indigenous languages and traditions. She has received a National Education Association Human Rights Award, Native Hawaiian Educator of the year and White House Champion of Change Award for the groundbreaking impact campaigns associated with her films. Hina is also a transgender health advocate, burial council chair, candidate for the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and composer of "Ku Haaheo E Kuu Hawaii," the internationally-known anthem for the protection of Mauna Kea which was honored as Hawaiian Song of the Year in the 2020 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, known as the Hawaiian Grammys. Emmy-Award winners Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer are partners in life as well as filmmaking. Their films have been supported and screened by Sundance, Toronto, and Berlin International Film Festivals. Dean also happens to be a New York Times Book of the Year author. Daniel Sousa is an Academy Awardnominated animator who uses the themes embedded in myths and legends to examine archetypes of human nature.