The islands of Hawai‘i emerged from the ocean near the center of one of the most mysterious regions of the globe. Obscured by time and the endless open sea, the origins and migrations of the peoples of the Pacific were long lost or incompletely understood—until recently. While archaeology, linguistics, and other fields have tackled such questions with often piecemeal results, some definitive answers have lately been found in the biology of the tropics. 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 humankind’s greatest accomplishments … and 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.

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.