"Hokule'a" - A small vessel on a very big mission.

We cannot begin to tell the whole amazing story of the voyaging vessel the Hokule'a here in this small space, but we will provide you with a link so you can learn more about this incredible story, not only of Hawai'i culture but linking all of Polynesia with the world!! Story of Hokule'a .

Here's a teaser from the above article:

  Hōkūleʻa, our Star of Gladness, began as a dream of reviving the legacy of exploration, courage, and ingenuity that brought the first Polynesians to the archipelago of Hawaiʻi. The canoes that brought the first Hawaiians to their island home had disappeared from earth. Cultural extinction felt dangerously close to many Hawaiians when artist Herb Kane dreamed of rebuilding a double-hulled sailing canoe similar to the ones that his ancestors sailed. 

Navigational stones - "Maka o Hule" Heiau (Tom Bentley)

Hokule'a recently returned to Hawai'i after a outrageous and exciting three-year adventure around the world. Even before we moved here, we unexpectedly discovered ancient navigational stones while on a hike on the north west side of the island and we began to learn about this inspiring cultural renaissance.

This vessel navigates ONLY using ancient traditional methods, following the stars, wave patterns, wind and knowledge of sailing dating back to ancient Polynesians.

Ho'okupu (blessing/offering) lei that Lunel made for
Holuke'a with orchids and yellow ohia from our yard

This week we had a wonderful close-up-and personal visit while Hokule'a was moored in Hilo. We joined excited school kids, locals and tourists dockside listening to stories about every facet of life aboard a wa'a (double hulled canoe.)

Standing along side I was struck by both how small and large she seemed. A small world traveling over vast oceans, carrying, feeding, protecting and guiding all the souls in her care. And, yet how very big her heart -- carrying the spirit of all Hawai'i with her on her long journey.

Planting Ohia Trees for Easter

Ohia ready to plant (generator shed behind them)

Nearly three years ago we met a neighbor who was planning to put in a driveway where many baby ohia trees were growing.  We were able to rescue about a dozen small ohia trees, getting them into pots for future planting.

After doing so, we were told "ohia trees don't like to be moved -- and their roots are very sensitive." We figured they would have no chance at all left where they were.  For the past three years we have been caring for them in their temporary pots, hoping for the best. Two years ago, we began to transfer them into deep holes fortified with compost and have had 100% success.

In 2014 when the traditional Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoes (Hokule'a and Hikianalia) left for their world-wide tour, we chose to plant baby ohia trees. (For more info about Hokule'a go to this link:  Hokule'a  When Phil's mom died, also in 2014, we planted ohias in her honor.

A year ago as more was being discovered about the dying Ohia trees, I wrote a poem to express my own sadness.

“Silent Death”

Creeping slowing, striking swift.

One by one they wither -- 
Whether or not we see it.

Down the street, across the way, 
Silent death approaches.

Treetops against the sun, 
Not noticeable at first --

Until half-way down,

the sickness run.

In so few days first one

Easter -- digging holes for Ohia trees

Then another is gone -

No leaves, no life.

It is done.

Silent killer, but no

Reason found --

In the air or

On the ground.

No more home to bugs and birds,

They stand denuded and bare.

Such sadness can

Hardly find the words.

Ancient strong Ohia bold --

Sweet lovely Lehua old --

Are we to blame?

Is this our shame?

Lunel

August 2015

Life in Puna --- Ahhhhh!

We've been having a grand time showing Walt and Jenny around our "country."  These Eureka CA friends are about the 13th visitors.  Some of our guests stayed for one or two nights and others stayed for a few weeks. Until you have been here, you can't really believe how really beautiful it is, (even though we don't have white sand beaches) or that is really does rain mostly at night, or that we really do live in a rain forest. 



Since reading Sam Low's book Hawaiiki Rising, and hearing Sam and Nainoa Thompson speak last year, we have been attending the "Wayfinding Talks" presented at the Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo.  Tomorrow we will attend the program presented by Pwo Navigator Kalepa Baybayan who will share how the ancient traditions of the Polynesian navigators are being practiced by the Polynesian Voyaging Society on their current worldwide voyage.

Kalepa has been sailing with all the major voyages of the Hokule'a and Honuakai and he is currently serving as Navigator in Residence at Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii.  In 2007, Baybayan and four other Hawaiian men were initiated into the order of Pwo, a 2,000 year old society of traditional deep-sea navigators.  For more information on this outstanding cultural adventure, visit the link below.

 http://www.samlow.com/HawaiikiRising.htm