November 6, 2023 | Leg 9, Day 15.
Dana Pt., California

Our day began with a touch of serenity as the crew took to the water for a morning surf session. The waves may have been small, but they were filled with laughter and camaraderie, bringing a smile to the captain’s face and reminding us of the simple joys of life at sea.

Later in the day, we hosted public tours aboard Hōkūleʻa. It’s always a privilege to share our traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe with those eager to learn about our mission and heritage. The tours on this day were particularly special for me because I got to share information regarding the waʻa and our voyage in one of my native languages, as we received a visit from a group of Spanish immersion school students.

In the evening we screened the documentary,””Hōkūleʻa: Finding the Language of the Navigator.”” The film beautifully captures the essence of our journey and the importance of navigation in Polynesian culture. After the screening, we were introduced to the audience, and some participated in a panel discussion to address commonly asked questions about voyaging on Hōkūleʻa. We cherished the opportunity to engage with the audience, sharing our experiences, knowledge, and passion for this incredible voyage. It’s moments like these that remind us of the profound connection between our crew and our global community, strengthening our commitment to preserving and celebrating the art of wayfinding.

-Noah Paoa