"The first edition of Na Inoa Hoku, published half a century ago, reignited global interest in Hawaiian and Pacific star knowledge and navigation at a critical time, coinciding with the epic maiden voyage of the voyaging canoe Hokulea. This third edition is a hugely expanded version of Rubellite Kawena Johnson and John Kaipo Mahelonas original book. It comprises a major synthesis of what we know about Hawaiian understanding of the skies on the basis of manuscripts and publications extending back to the mid-nineteenth century together with extensive catalogues of Hawaiian, Polynesian and Austronesian star names deriving from a wide range of indigenous, historical, and ethnographic accounts. This new Na inoa hoku represents the culmination of a quarter-century of collaboration between the original authors and British cultural astronomer Clive Ruggles. It remains true to Ruby Johnsons original conception: not only to document Hawaiian star names used in navigation, mythology, and genealogy but also to bring about a much broader cultural and linguistic comprehension of Oceanic sky knowledge. The Hawaiian section presents a range of material from primary and other sources, clarifying many earlier transcription errors and misunderstandings, some of which have been repeatedly propagated. Key texts from Hawaiian language newspapers are shown alongside new translations by John Mahelona and accompanied by detailed interpretations and explanations. These Hawaiian sources range from short articles by Samuel Kamakau and others in the 1850s and 1860s to Benjamin K.

Namakaokeahis 30-part history of the priesthood of Kanalu published in 1900 and 1901, and beyond. They provide a rich insight into Hawaiian star knowledge not limited to its use for navigation. Also included are documents recently uncovered both in the Bishop Museum Archives in Honolulu and the Cambridge University Library in the UK as well as an archive unpublished elsewhere that includes first-hand testimony collected in the early 20th century by the historian Thomas Kelsey. The three star catalogues represent an unparalleled reference compilation, which is complemented by a "Western identifications" table providing cross-references from Western to Oceanic star names. There are also appendices listing modern star terminology and the various islands and ethnolinguistic groups. As well as providing a unique resource for native Hawaiian practitioners, Na Inoa Hoku is of particular value to cultural astronomers and linguists worldwide and an essential reference for anyone interested in Pacific history and culture"-- Provided by publisher.