Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage

Posted on May 30, 2014

Hokule'a and Hikianalia are departing from Hilo today on the first leg of the three-year Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage. The traditional polynesian voyaging vessels are expected to arrive in Tahiti around June 26th. Kamanu Composites is honored to have played a small role in contributing to the voyage. Three Kamanu canoe builders are active contributing members of the Polynesian Voyaging Society: Keho’oulu Fukumitsu, Gregory Eckart, and Jason Patterson. And, over the past several years they have used Kamanu as an unofficial "satellite shop" for certain parts of the refurbishment of Hokule’a, including the finishing of her deck boxes and other small composites related tasks.

But, what we are most proud of today is the fact that Jason and Greg are about to embark on this historic first leg of the worldwide voyage. Greg is a crew member on Hikianalia and is the assistant carpenter, medical liaison, science educator, and rescue swimmer. Jason is a crew member on Hokule'a and his kuleana include student navigator, documenting assistant, still photographer, sail maintenance, and repair and rescue swimmer. From all of us at Kamanu, good luck and safe travels as you perpetuate the ancient art and science of traditional Polynesian voyaging.

A hui hou.