'Ohana Wa'a Crew Training 2007
March 24-28, 2007 • Imiloa Astronomy Center
A gathering of forty four members of the Hokule'a, Hokualaka'i and Namahoe were in Hilo over the Kuhio Day weekend to participate in a pilot formal voyaging canoe crew training program established by Chad Kalepa Baybayan. The workshop held in the Imiloa Astronomy Center introduced the Hawaiian star compass, the concept of the canoe compass, Hawaiian stars, constellations and star lines and CPR training. The students were
given water safety training, a swim qualification, sail time and (most importantly) good food. After the crew were trained, they provided assistance to teachers from across the state who attended a one-day educator's workshop. Many thanks to the Imiloa Astronomy Center for hosting this event.
Crew Member Training • Saturday-Monday, March 24-26, 2007
Calibrating a makeshift canoe in the Imiloa Astronomy Center's special events Hall Excercise to create a reference course for a sail from Hilo to Tahiti Dennis Chun rescesutating a dummy during CPR training
In Hilo Bay near Moku Ola with l-r: Kiakahi, Kea'eloa and Lauhoe coastal sailing canoes Time to get wet - crewmember swimming qualification Back onboard Hokualaka'i after a quick dip in Hilo Bay
Coastal sailing canoes Lauhoe and Kea'eloa Ka'iu Kimura at the helm with a few of her friends. Girl Power! Kalepa teaching about the forces in sailing
What a great day for a sail on the Hokualaka'i Back in the classroom for knot tying and rope splicing Kini and Nate working on Na Ana Kino - hand and arm measurements
Mona teaching the skill of rope splicing Putting up the mast and rigging of the Kea'eloa in the front of the Imiloa
Level 1 Crew Training Graduation • Monday, March 26, 2007 • Imiloa Astronomy Center
The culmination of an incredible three days of training from the classroom to the planetarium to the sea, was a graduation ceremony on the grounds in front of the Imiloa Restaurant.
Kalepa Baybayan, Kaimana Barcarse, Dennis Chun and Ka'iu Kimura Blowing of the pu at the beginning of the ceremony Anxiously awaiting our graduation
Ahloy Yung and Gary receiving certificates Offering of ho'okupu (gift) by Kauai crew members to Hilo alaka'i Graduation picture in front of Kea'eloa
Polynesian Navigation Teacher Training • Tuesday, March 27, 2007 • Imiloa Astronomy Center
30 educators from around the state of Hawaii participated in this day long workshop that showed how geometry, meteorology, language and culture can be integrated into a cohesive project-based curriculum.
Kalepa teaching the star compass to educators from around the state Chart plotting excercise was new and challenging for the teachers ...but crew members like Kalani were on hand to help pave the way toward success
Calibrating the makeshift wa'a with a large protractor A chance for the teachers to get on board the Kea'eloa and learn the parts of a wa'a Graduation picture for the teachers - great job guys and gals!
Day Sail on Hokualaka'i • Wednesday, March 28, 2007 • Waters outside Hilo
Workshop attendees jumped aboard the Hokualaka'i for a day sail before most had to return home on a flight back to Kauai. Calm waters, a moderate breeze and clear skies made for a pleasurable day on the water that offered several sightings of whales. We learned a lot during the past four days, and made some new friends in the process.
Pulling out of Hilo Bay with a large cruise ship in the background Kini, Randi and Mona with the Hamakua coastline behind them The crew executing a port tack
The crew working on a starboard tack "Hey you with the camera - no pictures!" Bringing Hokualaka'i back home
Parting Shots
Kini and Ahloy Mona and Ahlun Mona and Maka'ala The Princess of the Planetarium - 'Ahia Dye
Na Wahine Norway graduate student Rolf and his camera Keala, Marshall and Jimmy