Hometown
Honolulu, Oʻahu
Voyage(s)
Moananuiākea Voyage – Leg 1: Juneau to Yakutat
Bio
Dean Tomita is relatively new to Hōkūleʻa, having first sailed her in 2020. But, he has hundreds, if not thousands, of hours with her both because of his role as an educator in Information Technology at Kamehameha Schools, a key partner of PVS’, and as a key volunteer documenter for the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Most of the video he captures of sailing and crew training is for curriculum at Kamehameha Schools, but you will also see his footage on PVS’ social media and website, as well as in the news media. Dean says the Moananuiakea Voyage is an opportunity “to be a part of the legacy of Hōkūleʻa and to help create a digital legacy for future generations.”
Dean says “Hōkūleʻa is a platform to carry on Native Hawaiian culture and traditions and to instill core values in our youth who will become our future leaders.” He sees voyaging as a way to “inspire and educate our youth and bring together communities around the world.”
Dean admits that when he voyages, the two things he craves the most are a “bathroom and a hot shower.” On the other hand, after a voyage, when he’s back in his everyday life, he misses being surrounded by the “beauty of nature and seeing and experiencing (life) from a different perspective.
Dean says “Hōkūleʻa is a platform to carry on Native Hawaiian culture and traditions and to instill core values in our youth who will become our future leaders.” He sees voyaging as a way to “inspire and educate our youth and bring together communities around the world.”
Dean admits that when he voyages, the two things he craves the most are a “bathroom and a hot shower.” On the other hand, after a voyage, when he’s back in his everyday life, he misses being surrounded by the “beauty of nature and seeing and experiencing (life) from a different perspective.