Hà Âkà «lea () is a performance-accurate waa kaulua, a Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe. Launched on 8 March 1975 by the Polynesian Voyaging Society, it is best known for its 1976 Hawaiûi to Tahiti voyage completed with exclusively traditional navigation techniques. The primary goal of the voyage was to explore the anthropological theory of the Asiatic origin of native Oceanic people (Polynesians and Hawaiians in particular) as the result of purposeful trips through the Pacific Ocean, as opposed to passive drifting on currents or sailing from the Americas. DNA analysis supports this theory. A secondary project goal was to have the canoe and voyage "serve as vehicles for the cultural revitalization of Hawaiians and other Polynesians."
Between the 1976 voyage and 2009, Hà Âkà «leâÂÂa completed additional voyages to Micronesia, Polynesia, Japan, Canada and the mainland United States, all using ancient wayfinding techniques of celestial navigation. On 19 January 2007, Hà Âkà «leâÂÂa left Hawaiûi with the voyaging canoe Alingano Maisu on a voyage through Micronesia () and ports in southern Japan. The voyage was expected to take five months. On 9 June 2007, Hà Âkà «leâÂÂa completed the "One Ocean, One People" voyage to Yokohama, Japan. On 5 April 2009, Hà Âkà «leâÂÂa returned to Honolulu following a roundtrip training sail to Palmyra Atoll, undertaken to develop skills of potential crewmembers for Hà Âkà «leâÂÂa's eventual circumnavigation of the Earth.
On 18 May 2014 Hà Âkà «leâÂÂa and its sister vessel, Hikianalia embarked from Oahu for "Malama Honua," a three-year circumnavigation of the earth. It returned to port in Hawaii on 17 June 2017. The journey covered 47,000 nautical miles with stops at 85 ports in 26 countries.
In between voyages, Hà Âkà «leâÂÂa is moored at the Marine Education Training Center (METC) of Honolulu Community College in Honolulu Harbor.
On 23 June 2023, Hà Âkà «leûa officially launched it's 15th major voyage named MoananuiÃÂkea from Juneau, Alaska. The voyage will circumnavigate the entire Pacific Ocean and take four years to cover the 43,000 mile voyage. As of January 2026, Hà Âkà «le'a is in Auckland, New Zealand undergoing routine maintenance mid-voyage.
Polynesian voyaging canoes were made from wood, whereas Hà Âkà «leâÂÂa incorporates plywood, fiberglass and resin. Hà Âkà «leâÂÂa measures LOA, at beam, displaces when empty and can carry another of gear, supplies and 12 to 16 crew. Fully laden, with its sail area, it is capable of speeds of . The twin wood masts were built by LeVan Keola Sequeira. They are rigged either crab claw or Marconi style with a small jib. It is steered with a long paddle. It has no auxiliary motor. Its escort vessel tows it into harbor when necessary. Its name means "star of gladness" in Hawaiian, which refers to Arcturus, a guiding zenith star for Hawaiian navigators. Arcturus passes directly overhead at Hawaiûi's latitude, helping sailors find the island.
Hà Âkà «leâÂÂa navigates without instruments. In 1975, no living Hawaiian knew the ancient techniques for blue water voyaging. To enable the voyage, the Polynesian Voyaging Society recruited the Satawalese Master Navigator Mau Piailug (of the Weriyeng school in the Caroline Islands () of the Federated States of Micronesia ()) to share his knowledge of non-instrument navigation. While as many as six Micronesian navigators had mastered these traditional methods as of the mid-1970s, only Mau was willing to share his knowledge.
Mau, who "barely spoke English", decided that by reaching beyond his own culture, sharing what had been closely guarded knowledge, he could possibly save it from extinction. Through this collaboration, Mau's mentorship helped "spark pride in the Hawaiian and Polynesian culture", leading to "a renaissance of voyaging, canoe building, and non-instrument navigation that has continued to grow, spreading across Polynesia () and reaching to its far corners of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Rapanui, Easter Island".
Led by Captain Elia David Kuualoha "Kawika" Kapahulehua<sup>*</sup> and Navigator Pius "Mau" Piailug, a Carolinian master navigator<sup>*</sup>, Hà Âkà «lea departed Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaiûi for Papeete, Tahiti, (voyage map) as part of the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. Mau navigated from Hawaii to Tahiti without instruments. Due to a conflict between crew members which escalated into physical violence, Mau abruptly returned home to Micronesia after reaching Tahiti. Hà Âkà «leûa had to be navigated back using western instruments (compass, nautical charts, sextant, chronometer, dividers, parallel rulers, pencil, nautical almanac).
On board the inaugural voyage was Hoku, a golden hair Hawaiian Poi Dog backbred by Jack L. Throp of the Honolulu Zoo. Razor-backed pigs and Polynesian chickens were also bred at the zoo for the voyage, but the director would not part with them at the last minute. Instead, the voyage hurriedly brought a white domesticated pig from Kà Âkeûe, Kauai named Maxwell, and a cock and hen. The purpose of the animals was to study how to feed and care for these animals, which had been transported by the Polynesians during their voyages.
In English, the Hawaiian "Ke ala i kahiki" means "the path to Tahiti." The "Kealaikahiki Project" recreated the traditional Kealaikahiki Point departure of ancient voyages to Tahiti. Gordon Piianaia's idea to recreate traditional departures took Hà Âkà «lea southeast, across Kealaikahiki Channel between LÃÂnai and Kahoolawe Islands, past Kealaikahiki Point, into the AlenuihÃÂhàChannel and the northeast trade winds. The object was to determine whether Hà Âkà «lea, departing from west of the 1976 departure point, would bisect the more easterly 1976 voyage track, and so likely reach Tahiti were it to continue. After heading south for two days, Hà Âkà «lea did not bisect the 1976 voyage track, but likely would have (further south than anticipated). It came about and returned to Hawaiûi. The traditional departure point would be used for subsequent sailings to Tahiti.
Navigator: Nainoa Thompson; Captain: Dave Lyman; Crew: Teené Froiseth, Sam Kaai, Sam Kalalau, John Kruse, "Kimo" Lyman, Jerome "Jerry" Muller, Gordon Piianaia, Norman Piianaia, Michael A. Tongg<sup>*</sup>, Makaala Yates
Following the 1976 voyage, Nainoa Thompson attempted to teach himself how to navigate without instruments, using only the position of stars and ocean cues, based on information he learned from books, planetarium observations, and short voyages in Hawaiian waters. In 1978, the crew of Hà Âkà «lea attempted a second voyage to Tahiti, which was aborted when Hà Âkà «lea capsized in high wind and seas southwest of the Island of Molokai, five hours after departing Honolulu's Ala Wai Harbor. The crew hung on to the capsized canoe through the night. Flares were unseen by passing aircraft; the emergency radio reached no help. By mid-morning, with no sign of imminent rescue and the capsized canoe drifting farther from land, Eddie Aikau, a North Shore, Oahu, lifeguard and big-wave surfer, volunteered to paddle a surfboard to LÃÂnai for help. About nine hours later, flares launched by the crew were spotted by a Hawaiian Airlines flight which circled Hà Âkà «lea and radioed the United States Coast Guard ("USCG"). Half an hour later, a USCG search and rescue helicopter was hovering overhead; Hà Âkà «lea crew was rescued. The following morning, the USCGC Cape Corwin towed the vessel, from 22 miles southwest of LÃÂau Point, Molokai, back to Honolulu. Despite intensive land, air and sea search, Eddie Aikau was never seen again. Hà Âkà «lea carries a in his memory. Subsequent voyages were accompanied by an escort vessel.
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Navigator: Nainoa Thompson; Captain: Dave Lyman; First Mate: Leon Paoa Sterling<sup>*</sup>; "Snake" Ah Hee, Edward Ryon Makua Hanai "Eddie" Aikau<sup>*</sup>, Charman Akina, M.D., Wedemeyer Au, Bruce Blankenfeld, Kilila Hugho, Sam Kaai, John Kruse, Marion Lyman, Buddy McGuire, Norman Piianaia, Curt Sumida, Teikiheepo "Tava" Taupu.
After the 1978 disaster, Mau returned and gave Nainoa further training on traditional navigation techniques. In 1980, Nainoa Thompson recreated the 1976 voyage to Tahiti to become the first Native Hawaiian in modern times to navigate a canoe thousands of miles without instruments. Mau sailed as an observer. After 29 days at sea, before sighting Mataiva on the way to Tahiti, Mau offered Nainoa only one correction; of Nainoa's interpretation of sighting a land-based seabird in mid-morning flight. Such birds generally fly seaward for food at morning and return to land in the evening. While it can usually be assumed that land lies opposite the birds' morning flight direction, this bird spotted mid-morning (during nesting season), carried a fish in its beak. This detail suggested to Mau that the bird's morning flight was not away from land but toward it. The bird was not flying seaward to find more fish, but rather, was returning to land, to feed its young. Leading up to the voyage, an extensive, formal crew training program helped to ensure a safe voyage. Escort boat Ishka followed for safety.
Navigator: Nainoa Thompson; Captain: Gordon Piianaia; Chad Kalepa Baybayan, "Shorty" Bertelmann, Harry Ho, Sam Kaai, Michael "Buddy" McGuire, Marion Lyman-Mersereau, Mau Piailug, Steve Somsen, Joanne Kahanamoku Sterling<sup>*</sup>, Leon Paoa Sterling, "Tava" Taupu; Patrick Koon Hung Piimauna Charles "Pat" Aiu, MD<sup>*</sup>
Navigator: Nainoa Thompson; Captain: Gordon Piianaia; Wedemeyer Au, Chad Baybayan, Bruce Blankenfeld, "Snake" Ah Hee, John Kruse, Kainoa Lee, James "Kimo" Lyman, Mau Piailug, Steven Somsen, Leon Paoa Sterling, Michael Tongg, Nathan Wong.
In the "Voyage of Rediscovery", Hà Âkà «lea traveled to destinations throughout Polynesia. Inviting fellow Polynesians to join the crew on legs of the voyage extended Hà Âkà «lea's success in revitalizing interest in Polynesian culture. For instance, professional Tongan sea captain Sione Taupeamuhu was aboard during a night passage from Tongatapu to Nomuka in the northerly Haapai Islands group of Tonga (). He was skeptical that Hà Âkà «lea navigator Nainoa Thompson could find Nomuka without instruments. When Nomuka appeared on the horizon at dawn as anticipated, Taupeamuhu remarked, "Now I can believe the stories of my ancestors." Dorcas and Maalea served as escort vessels.
Navigator: Nainoa Thompson; Captain: "Shorty" Bertelmann; Crew: Clay Bertelmann<sup>*</sup>, Dennis Chun, Richard Tai Crouch, Harry Ho, Dr. Larry Magnussen, "Buddy" McGuire, Mau Piailug, Thomas Reity (Satawal), James Shizuru, "Tava" Taupu.
Navigator: Nainoa Thompson; Captain: Gordon Piianaia; Crew: "Snake" Ah Hee, Dr. Pat Aiu, Chad Baybayan, Karim Cowan (Tahiti), Bob Krauss, John Kruse, Vic Lipman, Mel Paoa, Mau Piailug, Abraham Piianaia, Chad Piianaia, Michael Tongg, Andrew Tutai (Cook Islands), Peter Sepelalur (Satawal), Leon Paoa Sterllng, Puaniho Tauotaha (Tahiti), Cliff Watson. (Bob Krauss, journalist; Karim Cowan, and Puaniho Tauotaha were crew members only from Tahiti to Raiatea)
Navigator: Nainoa Thompson; Captain and 1st Watch Captain: "Shorty" Bertelmann; 2nd Watch Captain: Leon Paoa Sterling; 3rd Watch Captain: "Tava" Taupu (Marquesas); Crew: Dr. Pat Aiu, Chad Baybayan, Bruce Blankenfeld, Stanley Conrad (New Zealand), Dr. Ben Finney, Harry Ho, "Buddy" McGuire, "Billy" Richards, James Shizuru, Michael Tongg
Navigator: Nainoa Thompson; Captain: Leon Paoa Sterling; Crew: "Snake" Ah Hee, Dr. Pat Aiu, Carlos Andrade, Chad Baybayan, Philip Ikeda*, John Keolanui, "Kimo" Lyman, Mau Piailug, Scott Sullivan, Michael Tongg, Sione Uaine Ula (Tonga)
Navigator: Nainoa Thompson; Captain: Leon Paoa Sterling; Crew: Dr. Pat Aiu, Carlos Andrade, Gilbert Ane, Gail Evenari (California), Chad Baybayan, Hector Busby (New Zealand), Philip Ikeda*, Sam Kaai, John Keolanui, "Kimo" Lyman, Mau Piailug, Scott Sullivan, Jo Anne Sterling, Sione Taupeamuhu (Tonga), Michael Tongg, Sione Uaine Ula (Tonga)
Navigator: Nainoa Thompson; Captain: "Shorty" Bertelmann; Crew: Clay Bertelmann, Harry Ho, Pauahi Ioane, Bernard Kilonsky, Ben Lindsey, Mel Paoa, Mau Piailug, Tua Pittman (Cook Islands), "Tava" Taupu (Marquesas)
Navigator and Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Crew: Dr. Pat Aiu, Chad Baybayan, Dede Bertelmann, Bruce Blankenfeld, "Wally" Froseith, Pauahi Ioane, "Jerry" Muller, Mau Piailug, Tua Pittman (Rarotonga), Rio Tuiravakai (Aitutaki), Raukete Tuiravakai (Aitutaki)
Navigator and Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Crew: "Snake" Ah Hee, Dr. Pat Aiu, Chad Baybayan, Bruce Blankenfeld, Wallace "Wally" Froiseth, Harry Ho, Glen Oshiro, Mau Piailug, Richard Rhodes, Michael Tongg, Aaron Young
Navigator and Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Crew: U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, Chad Baybayan; "Wally" Froiseth, Harry Ho, Kilo Kaina, Michele Kapana, Will Kyselka, Russell Mau, Honolulu City Councilman Arnold Morgado; Abraham Piianaia, Tutaha Salmon (Tahiti), Cary Sneider (California), "Tava" Taupu (Marquesas), Michael Tongg, Aaron Young. Senator Akaka and Councilman Morgado joined the crew in Papeete.
Navigator and Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Crew; Chad Baybayan, Clay Bertelmann, "Wally" Froiseth, Rey Jonsson, Solomon Kahoohalahala, Will Kyselka, Charles Larson, Mel Paoa, Cary Sneider (California), "Tava" Taupu, Tracy Tong, Michael Tongg, Clifford Watson, Dr. Nathan Wong, Elisa Yadao, Aaron Young
Navigator: Nainoa Thompson; Captain: "Shorty" Bertelmann; Crew: "Snake" Ah Hee, Dr. Pat Aiu, Chad Baybayan, Bruce Blankenfeld, Stanley Conrad (New Zealand), Eni Hunkin (Samoa), Tua Pittman (Cook Islands), Dixon Stroup, Puaniho Tauotaha (Tahiti), Sione Taupeamuhu (Tonga), "Tava" Taupu (Marquesas), Michael Tongg, Clifford Watson, Elisa Yadao
Hà Âkà «lea sailed to Tahiti, Raiatea, and on to Rarotonga for the Sixth Festival of Pacific Arts, then, via Tahiti, sailed back to Hawaiûi. This voyage, known as "No NàMamo" or "For the Children", was designed to train a new generation of voyagers to sail Hà Âkà «lea, to share values and knowledge of voyaging and to celebrate the revival of canoe building and non-instrument navigation. The voyage included an educational component allowing Hawaiian students to track the progress of the canoe through daily radio reports. Kama Hele escorted the voyage.
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Crew: Nainoa Thompson, Sailing master; Chad Baybayan, Co-navigator; "Shorty" Bertelmann, Co-navigator; Clay Bertelmann, Captain; Nailima Ahuna, Fisherman; Dennis J. Chun, Historian; Maulili Dixon, Cook; Kainoa Lee; Liloa Long; Jay Paikai; Chadd Kaonohi Paishon; Ben Tamura, M.D.; "Tava" Taupu.
Crew: Nainoa Thompson, Sailing master; Chad Baybayan, Navigator; Keahi Omai, Navigator; "Billy" Richards, Captain; Gilbert Ane; John Eddy, Film Documentation; Clement "Tiger" Espere<sup>*</sup>; Brickwood Galuteria, Communications; Harry Ho; Sol Kahoohalahala; Dennis Kawaharada, Communications; Reggie Keaunui; Keone Nunes, Oral Historian; Eric Martinson; Nalani Minton, Traditional Medicine; Esther Mookini, Hawaiian Language; Mel Paoa; Cliff Watson, Film Documentation; Nathan Wong, M.D.
Crew: Nainoa Thompson, Sailing master; Chad Baybayan, Navigator; Gordon Piianaia, Captain; Moana Doi, Photo Documentation; John Eddy, Film Documentation; Ben Finney, Scholar; "Wally" Froseith, Watch Captain; Brickwood Galuteria, Communications; Harry Ho; Kaau McKenney; Keahi Omai; Keone Nunes, Oral Historian; "Billy" Richards, Watch Captain; Cliff Watson, Film Documentation. Cook Islands Additional Crew: Clive Baxter (Aitutaki); Tura Koronui (Atiu); Dorn Marsters (Aitutaki); Tua Pittman (Rarotonga); Nga Pouao (Mitiaro); Maara Tearaua (Mangaia); Peia Tuaati (Mauke).
Co-navigators: Bruce Blankenfeld, "Kimo" Lyman; Captain: Michael Tongg; Sailing Master: Nainoa Thompson; Watch Captain and Cook: "Snake" Ah Hee; Watch Captain: Aaron Young; Ship's Doctor: Pat Aiu, M.D; Historian: Carlos Andrade; Fisherman: Terry Hee; Communications: Scott Sullivan; Crew: Archie Kalepa, Suzette Smith, Wallace Wong, Gary Yuen.
In the spring, Hà Âkà «lea, along with sister ships HawaiâÂÂiloa and MakaliâÂÂi, sailed from Hawaiûi to Tahiti. They participated in a gathering of voyaging canoes from across Oceania at nearby Marae Taputapuatea, Raiatea, which led to the lifting of a six-centuries-old tapu on voyaging from Raiatea. Then all the canoes returned to Tahiti, sailed to Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas and on to Hawaiûi. This was only the first part of a voyage spanning spring and summer known as "NàOhana Holo Moana" or The Voyaging Families of the Vast Ocean. Hà Âkà «lea was escorted by Gershon II under Steve Kornberg; Rizaldar, under Randy Wichman, also escorted.
Sailing Master: Nainoa Thompson; Navigators: Kaau McKenney, Keahi Omai; Crew: Shantell Ching, Junior Coleman, Catherine Fuller, Harry Ho, Mau Piailug, Sesario Sewralur (son of Mau Piailug), Ben Tamura, MD; "Tava" Taupu, Michael Tongg, Kamaki Worthington. After Hà Âkà «lea sighted Tikehau on 2 March 1995, Navigators Kaau McKenney and Keahi Omai turned over navigation to their apprentices, Junior Coleman and Sesario Sewralur, who guided the vessel to landfall in Papeete, Tahiti.
The crew may be the same as on the previous leg, but this is speculation.
Navigator and Captain: Chad Baybayan;
Navigator and Captain: Chad Baybayan; Co-assistant navigators: Moana Doi, Piikea Miller; Watch Captains: "Snake" Ah Hee, "Tava" Taupu, Michael Tongg; Medical Officer: Mel Paoa; Fisherman and Teacher: Nainoa Thompson; Cook: Gary Yuen; Crew: Clyde Aikau, Sam Pautu, Mau Piailug, Sesario Sewralur, Gary Suzuki
In the summer: Hà Âkà «lea and HawaiâÂÂiloa sailed the West Coast of the United States. Both vessels were shipped from Hawaiûi to Seattle, Washington, after which they sailed to Vancouver, British Columbia. They visited intermediate ports, where local American Indian tribes often hosted them to a dinner and gift exchange. From Vancouver, HawaiâÂÂiloa sailed as far north as Haines, Alaska. Hà Âkà «lea sailed south to San Diego via Portland, Oregon, and the California ports of San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Long Beach. The voyaging canoes were shipped back to Hawaiûi: Hà Âkà «lea from San Pedro; HawaiâÂÂiloa from Seattle. This summer part of the voyage promoted cultural and educational exchanges with Hawaiians (some of whom had never been to Hawaiûi), Native Americans, and other people living on the United States West Coast.
Crew: Captains: Gordon Piianaia, "Kimo" Lyman, Michael Tongg, Chad Baybayan; Crew: Gil Ane, Beth Atuatasi (née Saurer), Moana Doi, Laulima Lyman, Leon Sterling, Matthew Tongg
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Hà Âkà «lea sailed from Hawaiûi to Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and back, via the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. While in the Marquesas, short trips were made between principal islands of the group (). A brief stop was made at Pitcairn Island on the Mangareva â Rapa Nui leg. A technically challenging voyage due to Rapa Nui's isolation and location over 1,000 miles upwind; it is known as "Closing the Triangle" because it took the canoe to the southeastern Pacific for the first time. Kama Hele escorted the voyage.
Navigator and Captain: Bruce Blankenfeld; Apprentice Navigator: Piikea Miller; Watch Captains: Dennis Chun, Terry Hee, Leon Paoa Sterling; Crew: Russell Amimoto, Desmon Antone, Darcy Attisani, Kekama Helm, Kaau McKenney, Atwood Makanani, Hauoli Smith, Wallace Wong
Navigator and Captain: Chad Baybayan; Apprentice Navigators: Moana Doi, Catherine Fuller; Student Navigator: Aldon Kim; Watch Captains: Terry Hee, Mel Paoa, "Tava" Taupu; Protocol Officer: Kaniela Akaka; Crew: Tim Gilliom, Kealoha Hoe, Aeronwy Polo, Mona Shintani, Gary Suzuki, Nalani Wilson, Gary Yuen
Navigator and Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Navigators: Bruce Blankenfeld, Chad Baybayan; Medical Officer: Ben Tamura, MD; Photographer and Videographer: Sonny Ahuna; Crew: Shantell Ching, Terry Hee, Mel Paoa, "Tava" Taupu, Michael Tongg, Max Yarawamai, Aaron Young
Navigator: Bruce Blankenfeld; Captain: "Wally" Froiseth; Crew: Naalehu Anthony, Bob Bee, Blane Chong, Dennis Chun, Terry Hee, Nalani Kaneakua, Kawika Crivello, Kealoha Hoe, "Kimo" Lyman, Kawai Warren, Kamaki Worthington
Navigator: Nainoa Thompson; Navigator: Shantell Ching; Crew: "Snake" Ah Hee, Chad Baybayan, Pomaikalani "Pomai" Bertelmann, Bruce Blankenfeld, Sam Low, Joey Mallot, Kahualaulani Mick, Kaiulani Murphy, Kaui Pelekane, "Tava" Taupu, Michael Tongg, Dr. Patrice Ming-Lei Tim Sing, Kona Woolsey
In 2003, Hà Âkà «lea sailed to Nëhoa, the closest of the "leeward," or Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (maps: and scale), to set the stage for the 2004 voyage to the furthest, most westerly of them, Kure Atoll. Hà Âkà «lea's 2004 voyage took the canoe through the area now comprising the PapahÃÂnaumokuÃÂkea Marine National Monument to promote stewardship and awareness of this area. Hà Âkà «lea participated in an interagency initiative with this voyage named after it, called "Navigating Change". Upon reaching the remote islands, the crew helped remove hundreds of pounds of washed-up fishing nets that threatened Hawaiian monk seals and Hawaiian Green sea turtles and also helped with plant conservation. About 1,600 schoolchildren linked to the vessel by daily satellite phone calls. Teachers prepared with curriculum guides, video and web resources. Navigating Change was supported by US Fish & Wildlife Service, Polynesian Voyaging Society, Bishop Museum, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hawai'i Department of Education, Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaiûi Maritime Center, University of Hawaiûi, The Nature Conservancy, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, Coastal Zone Management Hawaiûi, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation and the Pacific American Foundation. Kama Hele escorted the voyage.
Captain: Bruce Blankenfeld; Crew: Carey Amimoto, Anela Benson, Leimomi Dierks, Timmy Gilliom, Kiki Hugho, Nohea Kaiaokamalie, Jerry Muller, Dean Nikaido, Mel Paoa, Ronson Sahut, Jan TenBruggencate, Boyd Yap
Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Crew: Russell Amimoto, Naalehu Anthony, Bruce Blankenfeld, Nohea Kaiaokamalie, Cindy Macfarlane, Mel Paoa, Jan TenBruggencate, Kana Uchino, Alex Wegman, Aulani Wilhelm
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Navigator: Kaiulani Murphy; Captain: Russell Amimoto; Crew: Jan TenBruggencate,
Navigator: Kaiulani Murphy; Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Sailing Master: Bruce Blankenfeld; Watch Captain: Russell Amimoto; Crew: Naalehu Anthony, Ann Bell; Leimomi Kekina Dierks, Randy Kosaki, Keoni Kuoha, Cherie Shehata, MD, "Tava" Taupu, Jan TenBruggencate, Kanako Uchino, Kaleo Wong
Navigator: Bruce Blankenfeld; Captain: Mel Paoa; Terry Hee, Kealoha Hoe, Nohea Kaiaokamalie, Keoni Kuoha, Kaiulani Murphy, "Tava" Taupu, Mike Taylor, Gary Yuen
Captain: Russell Amimoto; Gerald Aikau
The One Ocean, One People theme united two voyages in celebration of Pacific voyaging, Pacific Islands, and cultural ties, in passages to Micronesia and Japan. These voyages were named Kà « Holo Mau and Kà « Holo LàKomohana. Kama Hele escorted the voyage.
Accompanied by the canoe Alingano Maisu and specialized escort boat Kama Hele, (photo below, in gallery) Hà Âkà «lea sailed from Hawaiûi to the Federated States of Micronesia, 23 January to 7 April 2007. This voyage is known as "Kà « Holo Mau", or "Sail On, Sail Always, Sail Forever." While on the island of Satawal, the crew of the Hà Âkà «lea presented the Alingano Maisu to Mau Piailug. While at Satawal, some Hà Âkà «lea navigators who had proven their mastery of non-instrument sailing and navigation over many ocean passages were inducted into Pwo, pronounced "poh." This was the first Pwo ceremony on Satawal in five decades, and the first time Polynesians were inducted.
Navigator and Captain: Bruce Blankenfeld; Watch Captains: Tim Gilliom, Attwood Makanani, Kaiulani Murphy; Medical Officer: Dr. Ben Tamura; Crew: Russell Amimoto, Bob Bee, Terry Hee, Nohea Kaiokamalie, Kaleo Wong, Palani Wright
Navigator and Captain: Bruce Blankenfeld; Watch Captains: Tim Gilliom, Attwood Makanani, Kaiulani Murphy; Medical Officer: Dr. Gerald Akaka; Crew: Russell Amimoto, Terry Hee, Nohea Kaiokamalie, Gary Kubota, Kaleo Wong, Palani Wright
Navigator and Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Watch Captains: Tim Gilliom, Attwood Makanani, Kaiulani Murphy; Medical Officer: Dr. Marjorie Mau; Crew: Naalehu Anthony, Pomai Bertelmann, Gary Kubota, Keoni Kuoha, Nick Marr, "Billy" Richards, Ana Yarawamai, Max Yarawamai, Pauline Yourupi
Navigator and Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Watch Captains: Tim Gilliom, Attwood Makanani, Kaiulani Murphy; Medical Officer: Dr. Marjorie Mau; Crew: Naalehu Anthony, Chad Baybayan, "Shorty" Bertelmann, Pomai Bertelmann, Bruce Blankenfeld, "Snake" Ah Hee, John Kruse, Gary Kubota, Keoni Kuoha, Nick Marr, "Billy" Richards, Ana Yarawamai, Max Yarawamai, Pauline Yourupi
Navigator and Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Watch Captains: Tim Gilliom, Attwood Makanani, Kaiulani Murphy; Medical Officer: Dr. Marjorie Mau; Crew: Naalehu Anthony, Chad Baybayan, "Shorty" Bertelmann, Pomai Bertelmann, Bruce Blankenfeld, "Snake" Ah Hee, John Kruse, Gary Kubota, Keoni Kuoha, Nick Marr, "Billy" Richards, Ana Yarawamai, Max Yarawamai, Pauline Yourupi
Navigator: Kaiulani Murphy; Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Watch Captains: Tim Gilliom, Attwood Makanani; Medical Officer: Dr. Marjorie Mau; Crew: Naalehu Anthony, Chad Baybayan, Pomai Bertelmann, Gary Kubota, Keoni Kuoha, Nick Marr, "Billy" Richards, Ana Yarawamai, Max Yarawamai, Pauline Yourupi
Navigator and Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Watch Captains: Tim Gilliom, Attwood Makanani, Kaiulani Murphy; Medical Officer: Dr. Marjorie Mau; Crew: Naalehu Anthony, Chad Baybayan, Pomai Bertelmann, Bruce Blankenfeld, Dr. Thane Hancock, "Snake" Ah Hee, John Kruse, Gary Kubota, Keoni Kuoha, Nick Marr, "Billy" Richards, Ana Yarawamai, Max Yarawamai, Pauline Yourupi
Navigator and Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Watch Captains: Tim Gilliom, Attwood Makanani, Kaiulani Murphy; Medical Officer: Dr. Vernon Andsell; Crew: Aaron Akina, Naalehu Anthony, Pomai Bertelmann, Dennis Eric Co, Emily Fielding, Keoni Kuoha, Waimea McKeague, Tommy Remengesau (President of Palau), Pauline Sato, Patti Ann Solomon, Jennifer Yano
Navigator: Kaiulani Murphy; Captain: Naalehu Anthony; Watch Captains: Tim Gilliom, Attwood Makanani, Nainoa Thompson; Medical Officer: Dr. Vernon Andsell; Crew: Aaron Akina, Pomai Bertelmann, Dennis Eric Co, Emily Fielding, Keoni Kuoha, Waimea McKeague, Pauline Sato, Patti Ann Solomon
From Yap, the Hà Âkà «lea sailed to Yokohama, Japan, from 11 April 2007 to 8 June 2007. Upon sighting Kyà «shà «, navigation of coastal and inland seas utilized landmarks and aids to navigation. From departure to landfall at Okinawa, Japan, Hà Âkà «lea was guided by Nainoa Thompson. Chad Baybayan then guided the vessel to further stops at Amami, Uto, Nomozaki, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Shinmoji marina in Moji-ku, Iwaishima and Suà Â-à Âshima (à Âshima). Nainoa Thompson resumed as captain for stops at Miyajima and Hiroshima (). Bruce Blankenfeld took over for stops at Uwajima, Muroto, Miura and Kamakura before concluding the voyage in Yokohama. This is known as "Kà « Holo LàKomohana", or Sail on to the Western Sun. While Hà Âkà «lea was shipped back to Honolulu, escort vessel Kama Hele sailed back to Oahu under German Captain Mike Weindl with six Japanese crewmembers.
Navigator and Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Crew: Takuji Araki (Japan), Pomai Bertelmann, Timi Gilliom, Kaina Holomalia, Attwood Makanani, Kaiulani Murphy, Maile Neff, Chadd Kaonohi Paishon, Dr. Pete Roney, Kanaka Uchino (Japan).
Captain: Chad Baybayan; Crew: Imaikalani P. Aiu, Takuji Araki, Kalepa "Kala" Baybayan, Stephanie M. Beeby, Anela K. Benson, Dennis J. Chun, Monte Costa, Derek Ferrar, Timmy Gilliom, Heidi K. Guth, Kaimi C. Hermosura, Kiyoko Ikeda, William Keala Kai, Attwood Makanani, Chadd Kaonohi Paishon, Makaala Rawlins, Dr. Cherie L. Shehata, Van K. Warren
Navigator and Captain: Nainoa Thompson; Watch Captain: Kaiulani Murphy; Crew: Imaikalani P. Aiu, Takuji Araki, Nanea Baird, Stephanie M. Beeby, Anela K. Benson, Pomai Bertelmann, Dennis J. Chun, Monte Costa, Heidi K. Guth, Kaimi C. Hermosura, Kiyoko Ikeda, William Keala Kai, Attwood Makanani, Chadd Kaonohi Paishon, Dr. Cherie L. Shehata, Sky Takemoto, Kanako Uchino, Van K. Warren
Navigator and Captain: Bruce Blankenfeld; Senior Officers: Norman Piianaia, "Tava" Taupu; Watch Captain: Naalehu Anthony; Crew: Takuji Araki, Chris Baird, Dennis Kawaharada, Attwood Makanani, Dr. Cherie L. Shehata, Patti-Ann Solomon; Watch Captain: Kaiulani Murphy; Crew: Pomai Bertelmann, Dean Nikaido, Chadd Kaonohi Paishon, Leighton Tseu (representing the Royal Order of Kamehameha), Kanako Uchino, Kiyotsugu Yoshida (Sunset Films)
A re-launch occurred during favorable conditions in June 2025.