T he Pacific Ocean's island world - perhaps too neatly divided by Western minds into Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia - ranges from giant New Guinea to Eastern Polynesia'a smallest coral atoll. A kingdom of water, it's princes were the Micronesians and Polynesians, prehistory's greatest seafarers. Of Southeast Asian origin, Polynesians developed their own distinctive culture some 3,500 years ago in the Fiji-Tonga-Samoa crescent, then launched their large double-hulled canoes to conquer their world's furthest reaches: the Marquesas, Easter Island, Hawai'i, the Society Islands, the Cook Islands, New Zealand and elsewhere. Establishing dynamic societies on high volcanic isles and low coral atolls, they thrived for centuries and created some of the world's most stunning cultural attainments. PACIFIC 2000 celebrates these people and their world. August 7 - 12, 2000. Sponsored by the Easter Island Foundation, PACIFIC 2000 brings together experts from every end of the globe to discuss the Pacific achievement and to acknowledge the Pacific franchis. Our locale for this exciting event is the Big Island of Hawai'i and the Hawai'i Preparatory Academy (HPA), nestled into a lush pocket of verdant hills near the cool upland village of Kamuela. HPA offers state-of-the art conference facilities and affordable housing in student dormitories with kitchenettes and free laundry. During the conference, residents may also take advantage of HPA's swimming pool, fitness center and new tennis courts. A number of special events have been planned to heighten the excitement of this symposium. We are pleased to announce that world renowned Oceanic scholar Dr. Peter Bellwood will be our keynote speaker. Two mid-session tours led by archaeologist Rowland Reeve and petroglyph scholar Georgia Lee explore site of the ali'i (chiefs) and maka'ãinana (common people) of ancient Hawai'i. There will be a special exhibition of Easter Island and Marquesan art and artifacts from the Mark and Carolyn Blackburn collection. Also scheduled is a photographic exhibition of Easter Island images of Rapa Nui by Jörg Hertel. PACIFIC 2000 concludes with a sunset luau at the island's lovely Hapuna Beach, featuring entertainment and mouth watering local delicacies. Join us for an exciting, educational and entertaining experience as we celebrate the achievements of Ancient Polynesia, August 7 - 12, 2000 on Hawai'i's Big Island. For more information, contact the: Easter Island Foundation P.O. Box 6774, Los Osos CA 93412, USA EASTER ISLAND HOME PAGE