HONOLULU — The Hawaii Island double-hulled voyaging canoe Makali‘i arrived Monday in Honolulu from Kawaihae, completing the first leg of a monthlong journey to the islands of Nihoa and Mokumanamana, which are more than 300 miles north of Kauai.
The name of this voyage, “Hanaunaola,” is a reference to thriving (ola) generations (hanauna) and is aimed at “Sustaining Generations Through Voyaging.”
The voyage marks the culmination of two years of dry dock and refurbishing of the vessel, endless hours of navigation, sailing and cultural training and several seasons of communitywide efforts to plant, cultivate and produce food for the voyage.
Under the guidance of original Hokule‘a crew member and pwo navigator Shorty Bertlemann, the crossing from Kauai to the two Northwestern Hawaiian Islands “is a prime training ground for noninstrument navigation and a great opportunity for preparing this new generation of seafarers embarking on the Hanaunaola voyage,” according to a statement from Na Kalai Wa‘a, Makali‘i’s parent organization.
“Furthermore, Mokumanamana — with its numerous cultural sites, heiau and structures — is an extremely relevant spiritual destination, requiring equal amounts of cultural training and protocol to fully honor and embrace the essence of this quest.”
The voyage is being pursued in partnership by Na Kalai Wa‘a and the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation, well-known for its in-depth research and knowledge on the cultural significance of Nihoa and Mokumanamana.
Visit nakalaiwaa.org/hanauna-ola for more information about the voyage.