Crew Profile

Maleko Lorenzo

Hometown

Waiohuli, Maui

Voyage(s)

Moananuiākea Voyage – Leg 2: Yakutat to Juneau

Bio

Itʻs been more than a decade since Maleko first sailed on Hōkūleʻa. It was a training sail out of Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia’s homeport at the Marine Education and Training Center (METC) at Sand Island, Oʻahu, in preparation for the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage. He has voyaged many times since then and even sails a waʻa kaulua when not voyaging in his occupation as Canoe Captain for Punahou Schoolʻs sailing waʻa.


On Moananuiākea, he looks forward to strengthening and building connections with “our brothers and sisters” around the Pacific, indigenous people, and those who share the values of mālama honua.


Like many who affectionately call her “Mama Hōkūleʻa,” Maleko he sees her as “an ancestor that we have the privilege of talking to and learning from. The conversations might be quiet, but the canoe speaks volumes.” His hope is that voyaging will inspire “other native peoples to learn about the many ways their ancestors loved the lands and waters that have provided for generations of us.”


And while he calls being out on the ocean “bliss,” and while crew members become ʻohana at sea and he loves their many adventures together, he misses most his family and friends on land, as well as the opportunities he has to share his experiences and all that he learns with his community.