Most people do not realize that Hawaii had no Western land ownership until the mid-19th century and no real surveying until the late 19th century. Inside Hawaii itself opinion on sovereignty and exactly who rightfully owns the land depicted in the maps has long been a contentious subject. This becomes particularly clear when looking at certain maps published in America immediately after the overthrow of the Kingdom. In spite of local politics, as time moved on the world eventually did become Pacific centered with Hawaii as the hub of the great ocean.

 

Now they’re working on proposals, contacting experts who have already written extensively on the subject like Gary Fitzpatrick and Riley Moffat whose scholarly books on early mapping of Hawaii are well known, and searching for sponsors and venues to give these maps the popular exposure they deserve. They think if their show is successful the concept could have many other applications for museums, libraries and archives.

 

“Our goal is an interactive exhibit,” Neal said; “See it, hear it, touch it, and be able to buy the maps in reproduction at an affordable price if they want them.”

 

See the videos on the mapping of Hawaii mentioned earlier at the following links:

Polynesian migration and voyaging canoes

www.youtube.com/MappingofHawaii#p/a/u/2/mGYbIUB8xeM

 

The voyages of Capt. Cook

www.youtube.com/MappingofHawaii#p/a/u/1/wKSjLcO4sMk

 

Later European Mapping of Hawaii

www.youtube.com/MappingofHawaii#p/a/u/0/YrDRcDju1wU

 

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AE Monthly writer Susan Halas can be reached at wailukusue@gmail.com