The Navigator - Lahaina, Maui Island, HI - Outside Wooden Display Carvings on Waymarking.com

From lahainanews.com:

"In Lahaina — a town known for its history and art — residents and visitors may overlook statues crafted by a world-renowned master.

They include the seasoned sea captain with peg leg outside the Best Western Pioneer Inn, deep-in-thought ship’s navigator at the Wharf Cinema Center, happy whaler outside Crazy Shirts and the wiry Ulupalakua Cowboy — inspired by 1908 World Roping Champion Ikua Purdy — in front of Sir Wilfred’s made by Reems Mitchell.

Sir Wilfred’s owner Bill Burton met Mitchell in 1977, and they remained close friends until the artist passed away on Nov. 27, 1996.

“He was a very gifted artist — one of the most famous artists in the world,” said Burton.

While living at Ulupalakua Ranch and serving as the artist-in-residence there, Mitchell would create one or two sculptures a year.

His clients included Crazy Shirts (founder Rick Ralston wanted one outside each store, Burton explained), the ranch, Maui Mall and Mitchell’s friend, John Denver.

Made with wood and wire bodies and plaster faces, the characters convey great emotion and personality, Burton said.

Like the eccentric Mitchell, the sculptures are “bigger than life,” he added." - See more at: (visit link)

The plaque reads:

"The Navigator
An original one-of-a-kind, hand-carved sculpture
by Reems Mitchell
of Ulupalakua Ranch in Upcountry Maui 1980
Nelson the Navigator can't even find his ship. His sextant - which he hasn't quite gotten the hang of yet - is about the only thing he hasn't misplaced. His wanderings around the pacific are legendary. On his last voyage, as navigator aboard the 105-foot barkentine "Alexandra", they sailed out of Honolulu Harbor bound for Wellington, New Zealand. Nelson charted their course with precision as they crossed the pacific. After twenty-seven days at sea, they spotted a large island looming off the port bow, just as he had predicted they would. Unfortunately, it was Japan!"

Type of wood carving: Other Other type: Made with wood and wire bodies and plaster faces Artist's Name: Reems Mitchell Approximate size/height: Larger than Life size Type of wood: Not listed

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