Crew Blog | Kawika Crivello: The Voyage Continues

Written by Kawika Crivello

As Leg 16 of the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage from South Africa to Brazil comes to a close, the Leg 17 crew begins preparing Hōkūleʻa for her next journey – 2,100 nautical miles up the coast of South America to St. John’s in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Today begins the collective effort of the crew to prepare for this journey.  We’ve been spending our days provisioning food supplies, water, changing sails, and handing over kuleana (responsibilities) from one crew to the next – all things that comes with the end of one voyage and the start of a new.

Each leg has its own moʻolelo, its story.  With master navigator Bruce Blankenfeld and navigator Kaleo Wong leading the way to Brazil, crewmembers had many stories to share with us, the ones preparing for the next journey.  What an amazing voyage it was indeed, sharing and learning throughout the Atlantic the stories of Mālama Honua.  Sailing just over 4,000 miles and celebrating Christmas and New Years Day on Hōkūleʻa, it is time for them to go home to their loving ʻohana and share with their friends and loved ones all that they have witnessed and learned.  Today as both crews exchange hugs of safe journeys – one heading home, the other continuing the sail – we say not goodbye, but a hui hou.  Until we meet again. Eō Hōkūleʻa!

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