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Hōkūleʻa Nav Report & Photos | Mar 20, 2017: Pitcairn Day 12

Captain Bruce Blankenfeld is with us for today’s navigation update as crewmembers sail from Rapa Nui to Pitcairn. Bruce talks about some of the smaller islands, including Ducie Island, that lead up to their target in Pitcairn.

Yesterday crewmembers spotted manu o ku land birds that ensure they were near to land. Bruce mentions that apprentice navigator Kaleo Wong succeeded in getting them “in the zone” and that his efforts represent a “major accomplishment”

Navigation Specifics:

Calculations via Kaleo:

Condition of of crew and vessels: Happy and healthy
Speed: 5kts last 24hrs, currently 5kts
Direction: Aina Hoolua
Miles covered In the last 24 hours: 120 miles
Miles left to target: 250 miles left
Any important weather: warm, humid N winds, lots of squall surrounding, lightning early this morning
Anything interesting: lots of birds yesterday, no birds this morning, confirming that we past Ducie, which was to the South of us, most likely after twiligh

For more, view the clip above or photos of the day below. And remember you can tracks Hōkūleʻa’s progress in real time from the Mālama Honua Tracking Map.

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pitcairn

Hōkūleʻa Moʻolelo: Pitcairn

sam_lowAs Hōkūle’a re-enters the Polynesian Triangle on the last legs of her Worldwide Voyage, we take a moment to celebrate earlier voyages and the crew who helped her find her way. Hōkūleʻa is nearing the famous Pitcairn island, the refuge of the crew of HMS Bounty after they mutinied and set Captain Bligh adrift in a small boat. This is the second time in her life that Hōkūleʻa’s voyages have brought her to Pitcairn – read the account of her 1999 landfall written by crewmember and documenter Sam Low.

Hokulea Moolelo GraphicFriday, September 24, 1999 – Pitcairn

We arrive at Pitcairn on the back of a steep swell aboard a silver aluminum speed boat piloted by Jay Warren – the island’s mayor, constable, conservation officer and just about everything else. Jay seems to aim his boat directly at a cliff at alarming speed but, at the last possible moment, he turns abruptly to the left and ducks behind a steel and cement breakwater into a calm but tiny harbor.

pitcairnThe island is small, a finger of volcanic rock jutting out of the sea. Our time here is short – a few hours. Even so, Pitcairn gives us many memories:

Of dirt roads, the color of chocolate, rising precipitously from the harbor to houses that perch over steep cliffs and look out upon a vast and empty sea.

Of four-wheeled Honda motorcycles – the island’s only vehicle.

Of Fletcher Christian’s Bible in the Seventh Day Adventist church.

Of Wayne and Charlene’s garden where we find banana, papaya, mango, passion fruit, mandarin oranges, grapefruit, pineapple, cabbage, beans, corn, squash, carrots, cucumber, sweet potato, beets, watermelon and taro – or, as Wayne puts it, “everything you need.”

Of VHF radios squawking in every home – the island’s only reliable communication service.

Of Jay Warren’s reply when asked if there was any crime on the island: “Not that I know of. The only time I remember the jail being occupied was in the sixties, and that was a ‘family matter.’”

Of pet frigate birds soaring over each house or settled into a tree branch overlooking the yard.

Of large freezers and shelves crammed with tinned goods to tide people over between the supply ships that arrive once every 4 months.

Of Charlene Warren telling us that once a year the entire population of Pitcairn goes to Oeno Island for a two-week vacation. They travel in two motorized lifeboats and spend their time fishing and living communally in a large tent.

Of Brenda Christian, 5th generation descendant of Fletcher, talking about the unique Pitcairn “language” – a heritage of the old style English spoken by the Bounty mutineers. Some examples:

“Bouyou gwen” / “Where are you going?”

“Fer yo nor lerna us yorly cumin des dey” / “Why didn’t you tell us you were coming today?”

“He yeckle ya es gudon” / “The food (victuals) here is good.”

Of the entire island gathering in the Town Hall to host us with a sumptuous potluck dinner and singing haunting 18th century songs in acapella harmony.

And most of all, of the kindness and generosity with which the people of Pitcairn shared their beautiful island home with us.

HawaikidustjacketrightcoverThe above moʻolelo was adapted by Hōkūleʻa crewmember and documenter Sam Low from his book – Hawaiki Rising, Hokule’a, Nainoa Thompson and the Hawaiian Renaissance.

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Hōkūleʻa Nav Report & Photos | Mar 18, 2017: Pitcairn Day 10

Today’s navigation video navigation report is for our native Hawaiian speakers out there.

Navigation Details

Calculations below via Kaleo:

Condition of of crew and vessels:  Happy and healthy
Speed: 2kts before 2p yesterday, 5.5kts after picking up tow
Direction: La Hoolua, changed Noio Hoolua at sunset, Aina Hoolua at sunrise
Miles covered In the last 24 hours: 74 miles, total so far 570 at sunset, 626 at sunrise, currently 646
Miles left to target:   494 miles left
Any important weather:  light and variable winds, clear skies, diminishing southerly swells about 7ft, seas 2-4
Anything interesting:  caught two ahi, one ahi has been swimming along the canoe for about an hour since we noticed it

For more, view the clip above or photos of the day below. And remember you can tracks Hōkūleʻa’s progress in real time from the Mālama Honua Tracking Map.

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Hōkūleʻa Nav Report | Mar 16, 2017: Pitcairn Day 6

Hōkūleʻa Nav Report | Mar 16, 2017: Pitcairn Day 8

Currently on the leg 29 leg from Rapa Nui to Pitcairn, apprentice navigator Kaleo Wong reports an extremely clear night revealing millions of stars – great for learning stars. There are currently light winds 10-15mph and southwest swell 15′ to 20′. The crew is taking advantage of the mild weather to care for Hōkūleʻa.

Specifics:

Condition of of crew and vessels: Happy, healthy and still hot
Speed: 3.5 – 4kts avg last 24hrs, current speed 4kts
Direction: La Hoolua
Miles covered In the last 24 hours: 49 miles, total so far 473
Miles left to target: 667 miles left
Any important weather: Seas are 2-4ft with a large SW swell about 15-20ft, oceans are malie, SE trades are beginning to fill in, we are no longer surrounded by thunder heads, currently light winds 10-20kts
Anything interesting: last night was clear skies perfect for viewing stars, able to see stars at 1 degree above the horizon

For more, view the clip above, or, for native speakers, the clip below. And remember you can tracks Hōkūleʻa’s progress in real time from the Mālama Honua Tracking Map.

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Kaleo giving Moku direction and heading

Hōkūleʻa Nav Report | Mar 14, 2017: Pitcairn Day 6

As voyagers make their way to Pitcairn from Rapa Nui, apprentice navigator Kaleo Wong estimates Hōkūleʻa is 360 mile along their reference course for an average of 4 knots per hour. Today the crew is enjoying great wind pushing the canoe at 7 knots. In the background, Kekama Helm and Captain Bruce Blankenfeld are preparing breakfast for the crew.

For more, view the clip above, or, for native speakers, the clip below. And remember you can tracks Hōkūleʻa’s progress in real time from the Mālama Honua Tracking Map.

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The crew finds their way with the night sky

Hōkūleʻa Nav Report & Gallery | Mar 12, 2017: Pitcairn Day 4

Hōkūleʻa crewmember and apprentice navigator Kaleo Wong is here with our Sunday morning navigation report as the crew makes their way west toward Pitcairn Island. He reports positioning to be about 150 miles west of Rapa Nui. Last night they used the moon and familiar stars Hikiananlia and Hōkūleʻa for guidance. Bonus: there’s a photo gallery of great pics below within this update.

For more, view the clip above, or, for native speakers, the clip below. And remember you can tracks Hōkūleʻa’s progress in real time from the Mālama Honua Tracking Map.

Pitcairn 2017 Day 2 Photo Gallery

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Rapa Nui departure ceremony

Hōkūleʻa Departs Rapa Nui for the Pitcairn Islands

The crew of Hawaii’s legendary Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa yesterday departed from Rapa Nui as they continue on their Malama Honua voyage and head to Pitcairn. Hokulea returns to the Pitcairn Islands for the first time since her voyage in 1999, when the canoe sailed around the Polynesian Triangle.

While in Rapa Nui, the crew worked alongside the Nahiku Student Delegation to help fulfill the mission of the Worldwide Voyage by connecting with the local community and representing Hawaii. The Nahiku Student Delegation and Hokulea crew activities included meetings with both the Governor and Mayor of Rapa Nui, a visit to the Kupuna (elders) of Hare Koa Tiare Care Home, and a tour of Museo Rapa Nui.Hōkūleʻa was honored with a traditional landing ceremony on Anakena Beach, the site of historic seafaring welcomes for the small island community of Rapa Nui.

“Returning to Rapa Nui and reconnecting with our ohana and other community members is an important milestone for Hokulea and the Worldwide Voyage, marking our return to the Polynesian triangle and the deep history of Polynesian voyaging,” said pwo navigator Bruce Blankenfeld, captain of the Hokulea. “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared commitment to preserving traditions, values, and environment, but also to discuss the challenges that we face in light of changes to our ocean and well-being as island people.”

The Pitcairn Islands are a cluster of volcanic islands and atolls in the southern Pacific Ocean forming the last British Overseas Territory in the Pacific. The area around Pitcairn Islands is one of the most pristine places on the Earth.Following Pitcairn, Hōkūleʻa will head to the Marquesas Islands and to Tahiti, where she will be greeted by the local community in mid-April.  From Tahiti,  the crew will continue their journey home to Hawaii and will be welcomed at Magic Island, on June 17, 2017

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Leg 29 crew after the umu made dinner.

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau e Hōkūleʻa: Rapa Nui Birthday Celebration

Aina PaikaiBy ʻĀina Paikai

Built as an experiment, designed for only one voyage, Hōkūleʻa has practically circumnavigated the globe over the past three years. And today, on her 42nd birthday, she gleefully celebrated in the familiar comforts of her home in the Pacific.

The calm swells of Hanga Roa Bay have caressed the canoe over the past week during her stay. Along with the ocean swells, pleasant trade winds keep the clouds rolling, providing the perfect amount of shade, showers, and sunshine throughout the day.

After years on the other side of the world, Hōkūleʻa has entered into the Polynesian triangle once again and for all of us, it absolutely feels like home. So many Rapa Nui supporters have shown us that “southern” hospitality that is quite unique to these parts. Aloha for the canoe is definitely present around the globe, but her 40-year history in these waters garners much adoration from the locals here.

Taka, a local fisherman, born and raised in Rapa Nui, has forgone his livelihood for the past week to boat us back and forth upon our request. He motors about 1000 meters each round-trip on his fishing boat, Moana Nui, which does multiple laps a day, lugging our gear and crew too and fro without hesitation.

Ben has helped do the same on land, loading whatever gear we need transported onto the back of his pick-up truck. Today it was 66 empty 5 gallon water jugs to the bottling station, that will provide our crewmembers with safe drinking and cooking water.

Sam helped with our permitting fees, allowing the crews to visit some of the famous Moai structures free of charge.

Sina from the souvenir shop, demanded that all Hōkūleʻa crew see her selection of gifts and wares, and with each eager shopper, she adds a few extras to their fill up their bags and widen their smiles.

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Riti sawed down some bamboo from his yard so that the canoe has fishing outriggers before their long voyage.

IMG_1618Alicia invited the crew to a home-cooked meal, made from a traditional umu (underground oven), stocked with ancestral foods like ʻuala (sweet potato) and poʻe (sticky dessert).

More sweet than that was the entertainment that followed performed by Alicia, Haumoana and crewmember Kekama Helm.

Later in the evening, Rene, the owner of the Te Moana Bar & Restaurant, invited the crew to another dinner by the sea. It is lovely that dinners here have been frequent for both outbound and incoming crews, yet each meal continues to get more exquisite!

These are just a few of the experiences that have made a lasting impression on us all. These connections and bonds are seldom lost, as these relationships build a stronger ‘ohana wa’a (family of voyagers). Hōkūleʻa, the mother of modern day Polynesian voyaging, continues to attract and broaden this extended families. Today, on her 42nd year, she continues to inspire through the Worldwide Voyage. Her message of Mālama Honua has found its way back to Te Pito o Te Henua… her home; and what a way to celebrate… with family.

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