October 12, 2023 | Leg 8, Day 11.
Monterey Bay, CA.

During our last few days in Monterey Bay, we had the opportunity to visit two local schools. At Robert Down Elementary, we talked to 200 students about voyaging and the mission of Moananuiākea. We also shared about life on the canoe and celestial navigation. Afterwards, we visited a classroom of very eloquent fifth graders at Forest Grove Elementary, whose questions we were happy to answer.

In the evenings, our new friend from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Kevin Wright, welcomed us into his home and shared an amazing meal with us. We also learned about his various hobbies, like woodworking.

Konrad Catolos, from the Hi’ilani ‘O Ke Kai Outrigger and Cultural Center blessed us with two amazing nights of stew that warmed our na’au, and had us all bugging him for the recipe, ua ‘ono no! His stew was just what wē needed the night before our 2 am departure.

-Noelani Kamalu