Wa'a Wednesday: Next generation of navigators take the helm

Leg 27 of the Hōkūleʻa worldwide voyage was an opportunity for the next generation of navigators to step up, learn and lead the way. Finding Rapa Nui (an island just a little bigger than Kahoʻolawe) in that remote part of the world is one of the most difficult tasks for traditional navigation. But after 16 days and 1,900 nautical miles, this group of navigators accomplished the task. All four (Jason Patterson, Haunani Kane, Noe Kamalu and Lehua Kamalu) are Kamehameha Schools Kapālama graduates.

Wa'a Wednesday: Next generation of navigators take the helm

March 1, 2017

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

Jason Patterson and Haunani Kane strike a pose that many before them have taken when on the hunt for land. These young navigators will lead us into the future.

To reach Rapa Nui, the Hōkūleʻa crew travelled 1,900 nautical miles from the Galapagos Islands.

Rapa Nui appears on the horizon, blending with the clouds.

Students and kumu from KS Kapālana and Ke Kula o Samuel Kamakau Laboratory Public Charter School will join the Hōkūleʻa during this stop on the voyage. Follow along with their cultural-learning journey at http://nahiku2017.weebly.com/.