Aloha mai kākou,
This summer brings two milestones that shaped Hawaiʻi's story. Hōkūleʻa marks 50 years since its first voyage and PBS Hawaiʻi marks 60 years of serving our islands.
In 1976, Hōkūleʻa left Honolua Bay on Maui for Tahiti using traditional navigation. That moment helped spark a cultural awakening across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. It reminded us that our ancestors crossed the world's largest ocean with skill, discipline and a clear understanding of the world around them. It also reminded us that Hawaiʻi's stories matter.
As we look back, we also acknowledge the people who helped share that story with the world. One of them was filmmaker Dale Bell, who produced the first national film about Hōkūleʻa's 1976 voyage. The 90-minute National Geographic special aired on PBS in January 1977 and introduced millions to the revival of wayfinding.
I carry my own memory of Hōkūleʻa that stays with me. Years ago, during an evening sail off Oʻahu, Master Navigator Nainoa Thompson and Lead Navigator Haunani Kane invited me to take the helm. The steering blade was worn from years of use and I remember how solid it felt in my hands. I was nervous, far from confident and focused on not making a mistake. That night gave me a small glimpse at the kind of trust and attention voyaging asks of the people who do it. For a few moments, I experienced a small part of what navigators must feel every time they place their confidence in the canoe, the crew and the ocean.
To honor and celebrate Hōkūleʻa's legacy, PBS Hawaiʻi will dedicate PBS HAWAIʻI PRESENTS to a five-week series on Polynesian voyaging. The lineup includes rare and never-before rebroadcast programs, including the first replay in 50 years of PBS Hawaiʻi's live coverage of Hōkūleʻa's homecoming hosted by Al Harrington. We will feature several films from our archives, including Hōkūleʻa: Star of Gladness, The Return of the Hōkūleʻa and Voyage of Rediscovery.
Hōkūleʻa's legacy extends far beyond the canoe itself. It lives in the people who continue to teach, learn and carry forward the traditions of voyaging. These are the navigators, teachers, kūpuna, keiki and communities across Oceania who are strengthening their cultural knowledge, caring for the ocean and ensuring these traditions endure for future generations.
As PBS Hawaiʻi marks 60 years, we recognize the important role public media plays in documenting these stories and making them accessible to our community. PBS Hawaiʻi provides a platform for local stories, perspectives and discussions that help deepen our understanding of Hawaiʻi and one another. That work continues on air, online and in the community with the same purpose that guided us in 1966.
Your trust and support make it possible for PBS Hawaiʻi to continue sharing local stories, preserving our history and serving communities across our island home.
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Ron Mizutani
and the PBS Hawaiʻi Team
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This month, HIKI NŌ on PBS Hawaiʻi and Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi honor student storytellers whose powerful work shines a light on youth mental health and the healing impact sharing personal stories and community experiences can have.
Now in its sixth year, the Student Voice Awards recognize students whose stories help foster understanding, empathy and connection throughout Hawaiʻi's communities. This special premiere introduces viewers to the student award winners and revisits several inspiring stories from past award winners.
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National Program Highlights |
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Celebrate America's Semiquincentennial with two special programs: A CAPITOL FOURTH: 250TH WEEKEND CELEBRATION kicks things off from the U.S. Capitol with song , dance and fireworks, featuring world-renowned artists and the National Symphony Orchestra. Then, AMERICA MADE IN VIRGINIA: 250 YEARS TOGETHER from the revolutionary capitol of Colonial Williamsburg presents live performances, historic interpretation, impactful narration and visual spectacle. Appearing on the program are Michael Feinstein, Ryan Speedo Green, Kelli O'Hara, Adrienne Warren, Judy Collins, Richard Thomas and Ken Burns.
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ONCE UPON A TIME IN SPACE is a new four-part series that draws on archives and powerful first-hand testimony to tell the human stories behind our quest to explore space. Meet the pioneering astronauts recruited by NASA to fly aboard the first Space Shuttle, the story of Space Station Mir and the current era of the International Space Station.
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RICK STEVES BEST OF LONDON has our host visiting the city of kings, queens, beefeaters, black cabs, Big Ben and nine million citizens. Join him to cruise the Thames, get fancy at an afternoon tea and go pubbing with the locals as he roams the busy pathways and offbeat spots in the city.
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Stream your favorite PBS shows and create your perfect watchlist by downloading the free PBS App. Looking for early access or to catch up on a previous season? Become a PBS Hawaiʻi member with a gift of $5 a month and get more with your PBS Hawaiʻi Passport.
And if you are already eligible and haven’t yet, activate your PBS Hawaiʻi Passport today!
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Are you looking for more great programming or our Program Guide?
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PBS Hawaiʻi is celebrating a milestone in 2026 — 60 years of storytelling! In many cultures, 60 is symbolic, a time of reflection and renewal. As we mark this significant anniversary, we are laying the foundation for th enext 60years and beyond. We welcome you to join us on this journey and kindly ask for your support. Mahalo!
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Mahalo nui loa to the following sponsors for helping to commemorate 60 years of storytelling at PBS Hawaiʻi: Olson Trust, Stupski Foundation, HEI, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Kamehameha Schools, Kualoa Ranch and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The generosity and support of local businesses, organizations, charitable trusts and viewers like you make it possible for PBS Hawaiʻi to continue sharing the stories of our community.
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