Aloha, Konnichiwa. I am a Hōkūleʻa crewmember Tomoki Oku from the Japan National Institute of Sea Training. Today, we are anchoring in Cocos Keeling, a very beautiful island. Today, I want to send a message to people in Japan. We departed Bali on August 16th, and anchored at Cocos (Keeling) Island yesterday morning. After passing Christmas Island, we saw large 4-meter (13 feet) swells that made us roll and pitch heavily. However, we have continued sailing with the kind-hearted and reassuring Hawaiian crew. Today, we visited Home Island and West Island briefly. We had time to interact with local people, and were able to experience the culture here. We are leaving here tomorrow, weather permitting, for the next 2,200-mile voyage for the next destination – Mauritius. For the current status, updates, and beautiful photos, please follow Hokulea.com.