Pilot Program

As a test of an educational strategy that may be used in the Worldwide Voyage, crew members of Hōkūle‘a and Kama Hele have “adopted” classes. They will share their voyaging experiences and help students learn about Palmyra Atoll and its relevance to their lives in Hawai‘i.

Participating schools and groups include:

Ānuenue Elementary Captain's Club Hahaione Elementary Halau Kū Mana Halau Lōkahi Hui Mālama O Ke Kai Kai Makana Foundation Kailua High Kaiser High Kamaile Elementary Kamiloiki Elementary Keolu Elementary Kawaiaha‘o School

Lanikai Elementary Ma‘ili Elementary Mākaha Elementary Marimed Foundation Myron B. Thompson Academy Olomana School Pahoa Elementary Punahou school Sacred Hearts Lāhaina University of Hawai‘i Law School Wai‘anae High Wailupe Elementary

We intend for this list to grow!

Here are some of the questions that are being explored:

• What kinds of changes have people made to Palmyra and how have they impacted its environment in positive and negative ways?
• What is the history of Palmyra Atoll? How are Hawai‘i and the United States involved?
• What are the impacts of climate change that would affect Palmyra and other low-lying places? What about Hawai‘i?
• What do you hope the crews of Hōkūle‘a discover on their voyages to and from Palmyra? What would you like to learn from them?
• The marine environment of Palmyra is protected by laws stricter than most places in Hawai‘i. What are these laws and would they work in the main Hawaiian Islands? Why or why not?
• Palmyra is a natural marine laboratory where scientific research is conducted throughout the year. If you were a scientific researcher, what would you like to study at Palmyra?
• If you were to live on Palmyra Atoll, how would you do it so that you are creating as minimal impact as possible?
• Compare the environments of Palmyra Atoll and the island on which you live. How are they similar and different? Which is healthier and why?

PHOTO CREDIT: B. Laakea Caravalho