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< 2015 Mauritius 2016 Brazil >

2015 South Africa

ForHōkūleʻa crewmembers on the 15th leg of the Worldwide Voyage, South Africa marked the most ambitious leg of the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage yet. From her home in Hawai’i to her first port of call in Richards Bay, Hōkūleʻa voyaged 10,000 nautical miles (19,000 kilometers). This historic occasion was the first time Hōkūleʻa and the Polynesian Voyaging Society touched the African Continent.

Almost halfway around the world from their home port, Hōkūleʻa and her crew were looking to Africa, the cradle of civilization, for indigenous and local wisdom to further the message of global connectedness, sustainability, and to help create a future that includes healthy oceans.

Mālama honua, the guiding value of the voyage, in Hawaiian means “caring for island earth.” It is a message similar to South African ubuntu philosophy of community and caring. When Hōkūkeʻa stopped at Richards Bay in October, and Cape Town in November, her crew were searching for local examples of  mālama honua and sharing these stories of hope with communities around the world.

Nainoa_Thompson

Master Navigator Nainoa Thompson

Navigating this leg of the voyage was not without challenges: the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous Indian Ocean was new for the crew.

“The Indian Ocean is different than the Pacific Ocean,” said Nainoa Thompson , president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. He was also captain and pwo (master) navigator for this leg. “The Indian Ocean… has two hurricane seasons, two monsoon seasons and a high incidence of rogue waves as we go around the African coast. So it’s a place where you have to be careful, pay attention, and you can sail well… Let’s go find Africa.”

Cape Town Community Day Flyer Nov 21

Come aboard the canoe and meet our voyagers from Hawaiʻi. Hear about traditional navigation & Hawaiian culture and learn to care for the ocean and island Earth. Download the flyer here.


Stay up-to-date as we discover stories of hope through Africa!

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Crewmember Roster

Hōkūle‘a

Nainoa Thompson

Nainoa Thompson

Pwo Navigator

PVS Member since 19750131

Kalepa Baybayan

Kalepa Baybayan

Pwo Navigator, Captain

PVS Member since 19750101

Timi Gilliom

Timi Gilliom

Fisherman

PVS Member since 19961002

Nicole “Niki” Puʻuwailani Kamalu

Nicole “Niki” Puʻuwailani Kamalu

Electronic Technician

PVS Member since 20091031

Lehua Kamalu

Lehua Kamalu

Apprentice Navigator

PVS Member since 20091201

Tamiko Fernelius

Tamiko Fernelius

Navigator

PVS Member since 20091001

Keahi Omai

Keahi Omai

Watch Captain

PVS Member since 19891014

Billy Richards

Billy Richards

PVS Member since 19751009

Dr Carolyn Annerud

Dr Carolyn Annerud

Medical Doctor

PVS Member since 20131003

Archie Kalepa

Archie Kalepa

Rescue Swimmer

PVS Member since 19921001

Max Yarawamai

Max Yarawamai

PVS Member since 19951019

Sam Kapoi

Sam Kapoi

Media Specialist

Stories, Blogs, and Galleries from this Leg:

More from this voyage leg
  • Crew Blog | Michelle Knoetgen: Carry These Islands to Africa

    December 15, 2015 inCrew BlogsEducationNewsletterTeachers
    Inspired by the Worldwide Voyage, educators connect with schools throughout South Africa.
  • Tutudesks

    December 9, 2015 inEducationMalama Honua SelectsNewsletterTeachersVideo Stories
    The Hōkūleʻa crew contributes to the Tutudesk campaign by donating lap desks with mālama honua inspired art to schools in South Africa.
  • The Surfer Kids

    December 8, 2015 inEducationMalama Honua SelectsNewsletterTeachersVideo Stories
    While in Mossel Bay, the Hōkūleʻa crew spent a day with The Surfer Kids, fostering a love for the ocean within local youth.
  • Hōkūleʻa Update | Cape Agulhas

    December 4, 2015 inEducationEnvironmentNewsletterTeachersUpdates
    Worldwide Voyage crewmembers and students of Ke Kā o Makaliʻi visit Cape Agulhas, South Africa, the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
Polynesian Voyaging Society
10 Sand Island Parkway
Honolulu, HI 96819
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