276 Haili St. Hilo
HI 96720
There are more than 80 varieties but just one species of coconut, Cocos nucifera. Image: R. Bourdeix
Matinée Presentation:
The islands of Hawai‘i emerged from the ocean in one of the planet’s most mysterious regions. Obscured by time and the vast expanse of the open sea, the origins and migrations of the peoples of the Pacific were long lost or incompletely understood, until recently.
Complementing contributions by archaeology, linguistics, and other fields, the biology of the tropics is providing some definitive answers: modern genetic studies of coconuts are shedding new light on humanity’s epic ocean voyages. Among a handful of plants whose modern distribution closely mirrors ancient human migrations, the humble coconut has been key to some of our most noteworthy accomplishments—and to some of the greatest discoveries in modern science!
Local biologist John Stallman traces the path of the coconut across the illusive map of our history, on two occasions: Monday evening, August 19, and the following afternoon, August 20. For details: (808) 935-5021 or www.lymanmuseum.org.
Admission to these wonderful programs is free to Museum members, and $3.00 for nonmembers. Please support the Museum by becoming a member, and enjoy all Saigo Series programs, all year round, at no charge! Seating is limited; first come, first seated. ON MONDAY EVENINGS ONLY, additional parking is available next door at Hilo Union School, Kapiolani St. entrance; park, then walk through our green gate in the rock wall.
On Monday evenings, doors open at 6:30PM. E komo mai!
