University of Hawaiʻi cultural anthropologist Patrick Kirch was recently honored by the California Academy of Sciences with its highest honor in anthropology.
Kirch traveled to the Bay Area this fall to accept the Fellows Medal, which honors his work throughout the Pacific. He’s authored 25 books and sits on the Bishop Museum board.
The Conversation spoke with him in his backyard, in the shadow of Ulupō Heiau in Kailua.
1 of
— Pat Kirch
Ulupō Heiau in Kailua.
Catherine Cruz / HPR
2 of
— Pat Kirch
Ulupō Heiau in Kailua.
Catherine Cruz / HPR
3 of
— Pat Kirch
Ulupō Heiau in Kailua.
Catherine Cruz / HPR
This story aired on The Conversation on Dec. 11, 2025. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m.
