Contributed by Kristen Purdy
On Thursday, August 17, 2017, 3 crew members from the Hōkūle`a came to talk to Kula Ha`aha`a. Amongst them were 2 original crew members from the 1976 maiden voyage, Aunty Penny Martin and Uncle Billy Richards. Polynesian navigators guide the canoe without manmade instruments, relying instead on knowledge, experience and conviction to chart their course. They spoke about how Papa Mau Piailug, a traditional navigator from Caroline Islands Micronesia, taught them the Polynesian method of navigating using nature’s compass: the stars, the sky, the wind and the waves to guide the canoe. We also had one of the youngesgt members Kaniela Anakalea-Buckley. Kaniela first became involved in voyaging in 2005 and because of his age, students were able to connect with him. Kaniela believes that more young crew members are needed to learn the rich and priceless traditions of the canoe. Not just knowing of itʻs existence, but in the doing and perpetuating them.
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maui campus
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Kaipuolono Article, Maui Newsroom, Maui Elementary School, Maui campus
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