Hokule’a is coming!
The beautiful replica of an ancient Polynesian double-hulled sailing canoe will sail into Vineyard Haven Harbor on June 28, then heads to Woods Hole, arriving July 1.
The East Coast of the United States is the 19th leg of the Hokule’a’s 3-year Malama Honua (Caring For Our Earth) Worldwide Voyage. The Hokule’a departed from Hilo, Hawaii in May of 2014.
The Hawaiian vessel’s mission is to weave a “lei of hope” by sharing the stories of men and women working hard to achieve a sustainable way of life. Hokule’a’s voyage, says world renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Dr. Earle, “is bringing attention to all those who are inspired by the positive message that we can achieve great things if we do what we can to save the planet – and we do it together.”
On her way up the East Coast, the Hokule’a will be in New York on June 8 to commemorate World Oceans Day with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.
“I am honored to be a part of Hokule’a’s Worldwide Voyage,” the Secretary General said. “I am inspired by its global mission. As you tour the globe, I will work and rally more leaders to our common cause of ushering in a more sustainable future, and a life of dignity for all.”
The Hokule’a’s unprecedented voyage of hope is extra special because she circumnavigates the globe without the use of modern instruments. Her construction in the early 1970s sparked a cultural revival throughout Polynesia. Back then, there were only a handful left on the planet skilled in the art of wayfinding: navigating solely by the stars, ocean swells and marine life.
One of them, a traditional navigator named Mau Piailug, from the tiny Micronesian island of Satawal, was the link to this revival, as he imparted his knowledge over decades of training to a group of Hawaiians. Nainoa Thompson is one of them and he is now president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, based in Honolulu.
Stops on Hokule’a’s worldwide voyage include Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Madagascar, South Africa, Brazil, Cuba, Florida, Virginia, Washington D.C., and New York. Her crew is meeting with educators and first peoples to discuss a sustainable future for our planet.
“We have to teach our children at a young age to connect with nature,” Thompson said.
— By Marina Blythe Davalos
