“This voyage launched over 2,000 years ago. This voyage is in the wake of extraordinary mariners, the worlds greatest explorers and voyagers of time, of the whole earth. We are children in that wake and we respect that.” says Hōkūleʻa Pwo Navigator, Nainoa Thompson.
While understanding the necessity to engage and educate the teachings that were passed on to them, Hōkūleʻa crew and their waʻa community has decided to undertake Mālama Honua, a voyage around the world.
“Initially, we said, let’s get prepared, get the canoes prepared, get the crew prepared, and let’s go around our home before we go around islanders.” says Nainoa.
Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will visit ports around the state for Mālama Hawaiʻi, the first leg of their voyage around the world.
“So the Worldwide Voyage does start, it doesn’t start by going to Tahiti, it starts here, it starts in a voyage that, technically is short, it’s 1,000 miles. It’s a voyage that is going to 22 ports to connect with 30 communities. It’s a voyage that intends to bring 10,000 school kids to come and put their mana on Hōkūleʻa.” says Nainoa.
“The most important thing is letting the keiki come down and see the canoe and be proud as Hawaiians, and also of all the Hawaiians that came before us that were smart enough to build to something like Hōkūleʻa, even Hikianalia, and find there way across the pacific to Hawaiʻi.” says Hōkūleʻa crew member, Haunani Kane.
“It makes you so proud to just experience the intelligence of our kupuna, our ancestors, our voyages…For us to grow up with that came with kuleana – that we had to make sure that it wasn’t just us who benefited, but to make sure that the younger generation experiences and benefits from that as well. So, I believe that’s what this is a part of; just honored to be here and look around at all these leaders, visionaries as they help lead the next generation.” says Hawaiʻi County Mayor, Billy Kenoi.
“It’s a course change that is vital to fulfillment of this mission. Yea, 1,000 miles, it’s short, it’s the first of 19 legs in the voyage, but the first one, in my opinion, is the most important one.” says Nainoa.
