Hōkūle‘a Celebrates 35 Years

Photos by Michelle Marineau and Bob Wood
Reflection by Ira “Kawika” Zunin Candidate Medical Officer

Training Sails
Voyaging on the Hōkūle‘a is about remembering who we are and where we come from. Distractions fall away.  Mindful of our place among the stars, we begin to hear their whispers. On the canoe, we meet our ancestors and gradually awaken to their guidance. As they show us the way, they nourish and cultivate the seed of the wayfinder within. We hear the earth cry out and we train for the worldwide voyage with heartfelt dedication.

Hōkūle‘a Beckons
Hōkūle’a began to call me twenty-three years ago today during the birth of my first son. When I found her at long last, she let me board. These days, she teaches me how to handle her sheets and trim her sails.  She carries me and together we ride the wind and the oceans. We study the stars and catch fish. I tell her that I will go anywhere in the world she wishes to take me.  She tells me we will go far and meet many and that our mission is vital.