We’re home.
This is Hawaii’s voyage. We couldn’t do it without Hawaii behind us, and we are forever grateful to the thousands of people from across the fabric of society who supported Hokule‘a and Hikianalia on this voyage, whether it be through donations, research, preparation, training, time, encouragement or prayers.
We visited 19 countries, traveled 42,000 nautical miles — the equivalent of going around the circumference of the world two times, more than 300 crew members voyaged, we at least tripled the number of qualified captains and navigators, which was a promise to leadership, and we were blessed with thousands of volunteers. In preparation for the voyage alone, it took 50,000 man hours to ready Hokule‘a.
The launch of the worldwide voyage was based on a series of promises:
>> To take care of Hokule‘a and bring her home.
>> That no one gets hurt and all come home.
>> That we sail for the love and the care of the Earth.
>> That we take children on the voyage through education.
>> That we uphold the sacredness and beauty of our natural environment and culture.
>> That the landscape of Hawaii will be better when we arrive then when we left.
>> That we would convene a movement for the well-being of our communities, looking at new ways of education that make our culture and environment fundamental, and make math, science, and technology relevant.
We do not know the impact of Malama Honua here at home because its mission, initiatives and reach are so broad and diverse, we need a statewide sail to find out. And so perhaps the most important leg of the worldwide voyage we have yet to do.
That will be from August 2017 to April 2018, when Hokule‘a will sail to about 30 ports, 60 communities across our island home and attempt to connect with and learn from 100 schools. We look to understand the heart of community and look forward to having conversations to be clear on what is the next sail plan.
Nainoa Thompson is a pwo navigator and president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
