Klieger to debut new book on King Kamehameha III at ‘Moku‘ula by Moonlight 2’

At the Saturday night event, Sir Paul Christiaan Klieger will introduce his latest book, “Kamehameha III – He Mo‘olelo na ka Mo‘i Lokomaika‘i.”
LAHAINA – The Friends of Moku’ula (FOM) invites the public to experience a free evening of education, entertainment and enlightenment on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Kamehameha Iki Park (525 Front St.) in Lahaina commencing at 6:30 p.m.
“As the full moon rises over Mauna Kahalawai in West Maui, the Moku’ula/Mokuhinia restoration site in Lahaina will be in the spotlight, and our host, Ata Damasco, will perform his beautiful brand of Hawaiian music and storytelling,” the FOM press release announced.
Featured guest is Europe-based Sir Paul Christiaan Klieger, ethnohistorian, anthropologist, archaeologist and author. Educated at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, he led the team that rediscovered the king’s royal palace complex at Moku’ula in Lahaina in 1993 buried under a ball field at Malu-ulu-o-lele Park and wrote “Moku’ula Maui’s Sacred Island,” published in 1998.
He has taught at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chaminade University of Honolulu and University of Pittsburgh. Klieger was, for many years, anthropological curator at Bishop Museum, California Academy of Sciences and The California Museum.
At the Saturday night event, “Moku’ula by Moonlight 2,” Klieger will introduce his latest book, “Kamehameha III He Mo’olelo na ka Mo’i Lokomaika’i.”
On the back cover of the 476-page biography of Kauikeaouli (1814-1854), Kamehameha III is described as “the Hawaiian kingdom’s most misunderstood king – but also the longest ruling, the most beloved, most accomplished and most defiant king.”
“It was Kamehameha III,” the synopsis of the bio reads, “who transformed a feudal chiefdom into a constitutional state and steered it into the recognition of its independence among the great powers – the first in modern history. Although his father Kamehameha I unified the islands, it was the son who established a stable government and freed his people from bondage.”
Klieger described the story of Kamehameha III as astonishing: “Kamehameha III fought hard to maintain the sovereignty of the Hawaiian Islands and succeeded in getting the nation recognized by the U.S.A., Great Britain, France and all the powers of Europe.”
Hardbound (with some color) and softcover (black and white) versions have been published.
“It will only be available directly from the press until September or so, when bookstores, Amazon.com, etc. will have it in stock. The special hardbound version will be available from Friends of Moku’ula, 505 Front St., #212, Lahaina, and is limited to current stock,” Sir Klieger advised.
There will also be a book-signing at Saturday’s event. Limited seating for the “Moku’ula by Moonlight” festivities is provided for kupuna; blankets, mats and low beach chairs are welcome. For more information, call 661-3659 or visit www.Mokuula.com.