Crew Blog | Alvin Parker: A Memorable Experience

Written by Alvin Parker

You could see how this combination of teachers produced a memorable experience for all.

Aloha from Whangarei,

We are currently moored at Whangarei Port where much excitement has been spurred by the presence of Hōkūle’a and Hikianalia. Hundreds of visitors have attended the star compass demonstration as taught by master navigators Chad Baybayan and Chadd Paishon.

Visitation on the Hōkūle’a and Hikianalia has been consistent and at times overwhelming. However, the “Uncles” Buddy McGuire and Gordon Piʻianaiʻa have used their enormous wealth of knowledge and experience as it pertains to the operation and functioning of Hōkūle’a to bring life and great laughter to the whole experience.

Seasoned crew members, Billy Richards, Dennis Chun and Captain Mike Taylor handled the group tours on the Hikianalia with the skill of the master sailors that they are, thrilling the young visitors with their “ready on the halyards, ready on the sheets, pull” sail demonstrations. You could see how this combination of teachers produced a memorable experience for all.

The final section of our three station visitation cycle includes having each visitor render their vision of what a world filled with peace would resemble.  This final component was led by Mr. Matt Kanemoto, agriculture teacher at Kahuku High School and cook on the Hikianalia and Dr. Martina Kamaka, Medical Officer on Hōkūleʻa.

We will be leaving Whangarei early Thursday morning. Until then a hui hou!

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