Oct. 6, 2014

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi first graders recently heard a firsthand account of what it’s like to be a crew member on the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage.

Wally Wong – the watch captain for the Hōkūle‘a’s Samoa to Aotearoa leg – paid a visit to the keiki and shared some of his maritime moʻolelo.

Before sharing his stories, Wong performed an oli kāhea (a chant requesting entry) and first grade students and their kumu Kaleo Kaleohano and Waianuhea Paleka replied with the school’s oli komo (a chant granting entry).

Wong then shared information on his life and his role on the Hōkūle‘a voyaging canoe. He told keiki what it takes to prepare for a voyage (lots of exercise and healthy eating, observing stars, taking care of kuleana at home), how long he will be away from his ‘ohana, and the different stops he will make along the way.

The inquisitive elementary schoolers asked him many interesting questions, including:

• What would happen if the sail breaks?
• How many days will the voyage take?
• How will he get to Samoa?
• Did he learn any oli and mele for his voyage?

The last question offered a perfect segue for Wong to teach a voyaging haʻa to the haumāna.

“Mahalo nui to the Polynesian Voyaging Society and to ‘Anakala Wally for sharing with our haumāna before the voyage!” said Kula Ha‘aha‘a Hope Po‘o Kumu (Elementary School Vice Principal) Liana Honda.

“The keiki are looking forward to connecting with ‘Anakala Wally and the rest of the crew on their voyage and upon their return. We wish them a safe journey and Godspeed. Ke Akua pū ā hui hou kākou.”

Mahalo to Liana Honda for sharing the story, photos and video of the special visit. Learn more about the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage on the Hōkūleʻa website.

Watch elementary school keiki share the mele “E Ala Ē” with Uncle Wally below:
 

KSH first graders and their kumu Kaleo Kaleohano and Waianuhea Paleka welcome Wally Wong, a watch captain for the Hōkūle‘a’s Samoa to Aotearoa leg during the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage.

Haumāna share the mele “E Ala Ē” with ‘Anakala (Uncle) Wally.

‘Anakala Wally shares more about the Mālama Hōnua Worldwide Voyage and his role in the journey.

‘Anakala Wally teaches a voyaging ha‘a to the haumāna.