Crew Reflection: Mahalo Piha Kalaupapa ʻOhana, Kai Hoshijo
Last weekend, wa‘a Hōkūle‘a departed Mala wharf in Lahaina, Maui for Kalaupapa, Kalawao on Moloka‘i Island. Our light crew prepared the canoe to depart after a beautiful week with the Maui community to continue onto Kalaupapa by towing up to Honolua Bay where our sails could catch a breeze, and crossing the Pailolo channel. The winds welcomed us as the canoe became the school of balancing wind and wave to sails and weight. As Nainoa encouraged us to watch the weather, the beauty and condition of the north Moloka‘i cliffs captured the crew’s attention and respect for an island we only know as visitors. In the quiet moments between reflection and conversation, we all found a moment to appreciate being together. As crewmembers, we are students of place, opening the sails to the genealogy of relationships from those who have come before us. It resonated heavily with us sailing to Kalaupapa because we learned from our teachers that Kalaupapa is their teacher. We are so grateful – mahalo piha Kalaupapa ‘ohana.