Mahalo to everyone who attended our event featuring an animated telling of the history of Hawaiian surfing and the first ever viewing of old film footage from the 1940s of Hawaii.
The enthusiastic Surf Professor Ian Masterson kicked off the evening with an engaging, anthropological overview of surfing in Polynesia. He discussed ancient surfboard design, how Hawaiians described the anatomy of waves, and surfing’s cultural significance of women’s spiritual dominance of the art in Hawaiian culture.
Following Masterson’s presentation the Harms family shared a film of old Hawaii in the 1940’s, which showcased Waikiki before its skyline was cluttered with buildings, Kailua and Lanikai before it was developed with homes, footage of the spectacular eruption of Mauna Loa, and whimsical footage of sailing on the family boat, Mokuola. The Harm’s also brought heirlooms from their private collection of keepsakes from the Mokuola, which was a peaceful ship that charmed many and made many voyages across the Hawaiian island chain. For just $1, you could go sailing for a day. The heirlooms included the Mokuola’s compass, tiller, and other remnants of the ship.
Approximately 40 people attended the event. The spirited crowd networked before and after the presentation.
The next event featuring the art of CJ Smith will be held on June, 15, 2018, for Kailua’s Third Friday Events.
