July 4: Will Kyselka (1921-2012)

Aloha Voyaging ʻOhana,

Our great teacher Will Kyselka passed away this past Sunday morning at 11:00 am. He has been one of the most important and crucial teachers that we have had in the whole 37-year journey of rediscovering our voyaging knowledge.

Will on Hawai‘iloa, at Kalaupapa, Moloka‘i

Will brought the vital need to connect and integrate science and technology with the voyaging and cultural heritage that Mau taught us. Will helped to design a new way to learn the heavens that could be taught to the navigators in the late ʻ70s, ʻ80s and ʻ90s, and that would guide Hōkūleʻa and the many other voyaging canoes that would follow.

What he brought to the family of voyaging was his wisdom, guidance, years of service through education, values of caring and compassion, and 30 years of commitment and dedication to the success of voyaging. All of this helped to define and strengthen who we are as a family. Because of this, we are all deeply saddened.

For more information about Will’s life and his gift to voyaging, see his bio at Hawaiian Voyaging Traditions, “Our Founders, Our Teachers.

In honor of Will’s teachings, we will create a Star Book in his name that will be shared with children around the world as part of our education outreach for the Worldwide Voyage.

There will be a celebration with the voyaging family in honor of Will and his wife Lee who passed away on May 10, 2012. We will let you know the details shortly.

Will and Lee on Hōkūle’a ©  Monte Costa