A Hawaiian life: Kimo Pihana’s story

“I am just an ordinary Native Hawaiian who grew up on Oahu. I have had a full life as a sailor, a soldier, a refinery worker, a cultural warrior and a ranger and cultural practitioner on our sacred mountain Mauna Kea.

“I have done my part, along with many others, as best we can to advance and honor our culture — not to recreate the old culture, but to use it as a guide, a meditation, as we look forward in the 21st century.”

So begins the autobiography of a noteworthy Hawaiian man, Kimo Keli‘i Ka‘aha‘aina Pihana of Hilo.

Growing up in a society in which he was made to feel ashamed of being Hawaiian, he became a happily married, church-going, solid citizen with a good steady job.

Something was missing from his life, however, and when one day his niece simply asked him, “What are you doing for the culture, Uncle?” Pihana realized part of his destiny was to regain his culture — and perpetuate it.

From 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Lyman Museum, Pihana will talk about how he did just that, in his middle years, and how today as a kupuna he works to awaken a respect for the Hawaiian culture in the hearts and lives of others.

Copies of his wonderfully written, beautifully illustrated memoir, “Celebrating the Hawaiian Culture,” will be available for purchase, and Pihana will be happy to inscribe them.

For additional information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.

The museum, located at 276 Haili St. in Hilo, is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.