Hawaii has long been misunderstood, and its land—vivid greens and blues, deeply cherished by its native peoples—often commodified and abused by heedless visitors. But a history, culture, and identity preceded the beachfront hotels and Aloha shirts, all of which are the focus of a new exhibition rooted in the island’s complex relationship with the United Kingdom. In 1824, King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu sailed to London to meet King George IV and secure an alliance with the U.K. Tragically, they both fell ill with measles and died before returning home. Their visit marks the beginning of the story now told by the British Museum. Years in the making, the show brings together Native Hawaiian artists and scholars to center Indigenous knowledge and offer new perspectives on the historic and contemporary objects and artworks on display. —Jeanne Malle