Transcript
Since departing Hawaiian waters in 2014, the Hōkūle'a has sailed more than 57-thousand kilometres and made stops in 16 countries, spreading the message of Malama Honua (or taking care of Island Earth) by promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness.
On their latest leg a team of four apprentice navigators sailed the vessel using their knowledge of the stars and by observing cues from nature.
Hōkūle'a captain Archie Kalepa says finding small, remote Rapa Nui was one of the biggest challenges the crew has faced.
"Throughout those 17 days, there was a lot of emotion. But on the same note, it was about having confidence in ourselves, having confidence in the crew, and having confidence in the decisions that were made."
Navigator Lehua Kamalu agrees it was tough but says it was a great experience.
"This was just on a whole different level and I think it took a lot of the understanding deeper and brought out even more lessons in maturity and making decisions, working as a team. I think that came out much stronger on this leg than any other leg I have been on."
Archie Kalepa says it was good to witness the teamwork it took to get the Hōkūle'a to Rapa Nui.
"We had a lot of veteran crew members on this particular leg and the job the veterans did to support this young navigation team was a fine example of we as a people. If we work together, we support one another, there is very little that we cannot accomplish."
Another young navigator is Haunani Kane. She paid tribute to the veterans.
"To have experienced this with the group of crew members that we have, especially Uncle Max, that was definitely the highlight of the trip for me. Learning to see through his eyes and the things that he looks for, I think that is what I will take most from this trip."
The crew in Rapa Nui was joined by a teacher and student delegation from Hawaii and the group spent the week participating in cultural and educational engagements with Rapa Nui leaders and the community. They met both the Governor and Mayor of Rapa Nui, visited kupuna or elders and toured the local museum.
From Rapa Nui the Hōkūle'a will sail to French Polynesia before her return to Hawai'i in June.
