The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu exhibition explores the past and contemporary meanings of four large stones that were long ago placed on Waikīkī Beach to honor four māhū, extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit, who brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaiʻi. Although the stones have survived for centuries, the story behind them has been suppressed and the respected role of māhū erased.

Within the Castle Memorial Building, visitors will encounter a life-size rendering of the stones and spirits in the main gallery, then watch their story unfold in a captivating, animated film. Guests will continue from the theater to an enormous room lined with projection screens and be immersed in the long history of the site and its story.

This exhibition is an opportunity to learn about the holistic healing beliefs and practices of Hawaiians, who view the body, mind, and spirit as one; the body cannot be made well without healing the spirit. Examples of lāʻau lapaʻau (herbal medicines) and rarely seen 19th century lomilomi (massage) implements will be on display.

The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu is presented in both English and ʻōlelo Niʻihau, the only form of Hawaiian unbroken by foreign contact. This marks Bishop Museum’s most comprehensive use of the Hawaiian language in an exhibit to date, signaling its commitment to centering the exhibition in a Hawaiian worldview.

Few of the millions of people who pass by the stones of Kapaemahu know their full story and meaning. Our hope is for this exhibition to start a conversation that will help restore this wahi pana, or storied site, as a permanent reminder of Hawaiʻi’s long history of healing and inclusion.