Headed for Kaua'i: Student navigator Lei Wann and Captain Dennis Chun discuss the course that would take them to Kaua'i.
The Beginning: Hokule'a's Statewide Sail - 2000
First leg: Honolulu to Nawiliwili, Kaua'i
by Captain Dennis Chun
Headed for Kaua'i:
Student navigator Lei
Wann and Captain Dennis
Chun discuss the course that would take them to Kaua'i.
It was a clear, hot, humid, and exciting day on Sept. 22, 2000 for eighteen Kaua'i crew members. This was the day on which Hokule'a was to embark on the first leg of its Statewide Sail in celebration of 25 years of voyaging. The Kaua'i crew consisted of experienced deep-sea voyagers John Kruse, Kawai Warren, Nalani Kaneakua, Billy Richards, Attwood Makanani, and Dennis Chun. Newer crew members with coastal and nearshore experience included Kaleo Ho'okano, Sid Kinney, Marshall Mock, Lei Wann, Imai Aiu, Keao Chun, Francis Keao, Kainani Kahaunaele, Keith Taguma, Kalani Dawson, Linda Hunt, and John Stem.
These dedicated volunteers, along with a strong land crew, proceeded to prepare Hokule'a for its journey across Ka'ie'ie channel to the island of Kaua'i. Supplies and provisions needed to be procured and stored. This task fell to our world renowned chef and experienced crew member Nalani Kaneakua. Led by Keao Chun, Imai Aiu, and John Stem, all canoe supplies and provisions were stowed in the appropiate holds and areas on board. Marshall Mock and Kawai Warren checked and double checked all electrical systems and radio gear that was part of the required safety and maritime gear of Hokule'a. Keith Taguma and Kalani Dawson inspected and prepared mooring, towing, and anchorage lines that were to be used. Kaleo Ho'okano and Sid Kini, our two safety officers, reviewed all safety procedures and equipment, then proceeded to brief the rest of the crew on safety and emergency procedures while on Hokule'a. In the meantime, Francis Keao readied his fishing gear as he had the task of attempting to procure fresh fish during the trip to Kaua'i. Each individual checked and double-checked their particular "kuleana" as the time for departure grew nearer.
Within the confines of what needed to be done prior departure, the crew also strived to recommitt themselves to tradition. The proper protocal and rituals needed to be reviewed and practiced. Learning the "Ha'a Hokule'a" was invigorating and reaffirming of this voyaging canoe that we were so priviliged to stand upon.
While this hustle and bustle of business surrounded Hokule'a, a quiet and studious Lei Wann reviewed notes and sketches of her projected course line to Kaua'i. As the apprentice/student navigator, Lei had taken on the responsibility of guiding Hokule'a to Nawiliwili harbor a distance near 90 nautical miles. Of course, following in the tradition of other navigators of Hokule'a, she was not using any instruments or charts on the trip. At 2:00 pm., Terry Hee, Bruce Blankenfield, and Ka'iulani Murphy arrived with the 28-foot Radon, Kamalani. This was to be the escort vessel for Hokule'a as she traveled throughout the State of Hawai'i. Casting off the mooring lines which tethered Hokule'a to the dock at Pier 7, we finally eased out of Honolulu harbor on our way to Kaua'i, with Kalani Dawson at the steering sweep. It was a moment of exhileration as we headed out to the open sea with the thought of bringing this icon of Polynesian and Hawaiian culture to our island community of Kaua'i.
Lei Wann along with the appointed Kapena for this trip, Dennis Chun, laid out the course that would take them to Kaua'i. It was estimated that the trip would take 17-18 hours to complete. Using the setting sun as their initial guide, Lei instructed the steersperson on the desired course and where to keep the sun in relation to the canoe.
Photo: The setting sun provided a reference point for navigation at the beginning of their trip.
With the sun setting, the crew settled into their watches and prepared for the night ahead. Lei had estimated that we should reach Nawiliwili by 10:00 am. the following morning. Because of this, watches were set up with John Kruse, Billy Richards, and Attwood "Maka" Makanani as watch captains. Crew were encouraged to "rest" and get some sleep if they were not on duty. A well rested crew wouldbe essential during the normally chaotic, busy, and stressful time of arrival ceremonies, anchoring maneuvers, and docking procedures. These were not times to have crew who were tired and not alert.
Throughout the night the crew followed the directions of navigators and captains as they sailed on a smooth and calm sea. The normally open channel that night welcomed the canoe with a very comfortable ride, a steady gentle wind, and clear skies. It was estimated that a steady 5 knots was made throughout the first four (4) hours of the trip. Taking advantage of these conditions, the experienced crew members pointed out various steering stars, steering techniques, sail trim strategies, and other important aspects of Polynesian voyaging that they had gained from their experiences. That night was one to remember as these intrepid voyagers from Kaua'i rode through the evening skies following star after star to reach their destination. In the early morning before the light of dawn, lights were seen in the distance directly in front of the canoe. As night turned to day and daylight returned, Haupu stood silouhetted in the distant clouds of the early morning. Of course, this only meant that Nawiliwili lay below that famous landmark of Kaua'i.
With the island in sight, the crew rallied around Nalani Kaneakua as she prepared another one of her flavorful meals from scant materials. The mood was joyous and satisfying, for many on the crew, it was a glimpse into the travels of their ancestors who traversed and settled the vast area of Polynesia. A true testament to their ingenuity, skill, bravery, and dedication, bringing with them the ideals and values of "island life".
