Crew View: Nikki

November 5, 2012

Aloha pumehana kākou,

Nikki Kamalu steering Hikianalia

We are three days out at sea and Hikianalia has been steadily making her way north, but she is slightly off the reference course line in the east-west direction.  We made our first tack today to gain some easting to get back on our desired track. This may factor into the trip’s overall length of time. (See the Tracking Map.)

Indeed, Hikianalia is new and impressive and in many ways different from Hōkūleʻa. Nonetheless the practice is the same.  Thanks to modern technology equipped onboard, we have the ability to communicate with folks on land via email.  We are constantly thinking of our families, friends, and loved ones that we left in Tahiti and those that we will soon reunite with back in Hawaii.

This is Hikianalia’s first voyage ever, and personally it is mine too.  I’m very grateful and privileged for this opportunity to gain more deep-sea experience on a double-hull voyaging canoe. I’m constantly learning so much about sailing, wayfinding, and the importance of safety, especially from my watch captain. I have the 6-10 watch with Maka, Mike, Hiapo, and Keli. Usually on our watch Hiapo is the first to take up the steering, Keli is preparing a delicious meal for the entire crew, Mike is working on his daily report while standing by to take the hoe ‘uli next, and Maka is always finding work to do.

As far as navigation, we are currently using a GPS device, but we are progressively learning to use the elements of our natural surroundings including the sun, moon, stars, wind, and swell. Last night I had the chance to observe the night sky with some fellow ho’okele hoa.  I was awake long enough to gaze at three of the major star lines:  Manaiakalani, Ka Lupe o Kawelo, and Ke Ka o Makaliʻi.  (See Hawaiian Star Lines.)

Life at sea right now is going splendidly, and I hope for a safe and pleasant journey for Hikianalia and its crew to Hawaiʻi. Mahalo and a hui hou!

Nikki Kamalu

(For more on Nikki and her watch crew, see  Hikianalia Crew List: Tahiti To Hawai‘i, 2012.)