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Nā ‘Aumākua

A photo. of Judson Brown, used for the Nā ‘Aumākua Project

Judson Brown

A Tlingit elder and Sealaska board chairman, Judson Brown played a pivotal role in supporting PVS during the construction of the Hawaiʻiloa canoe. His leadership helped secure the donation of ...

Nā ‘Aumākua

A photo of Katharine Luomala, used for the Nā ‘Aumākua Project

Katharine Luomala

A respected scholar in Polynesian anthropology, Luomala’s extensive research and writings on Pacific cultures enriched the understanding and increased awareness of Polynesian voyaging traditions. Her academic contributions supported the broader ...

Nā ‘Aumākua

A photo of Buffalo Keaulana by Jonathan (Sal) Salvador for PVS, used for the Nā ‘Aumākua Project

Buffalo Keaulana

Buffalo Keaulana, affectionately known as "Uncle Buff," played a pivotal role as an original crew member on Hōkūleʻa's first historic voyage from Hawaiʻi to Tahiti in 1976. His presence on ...

Nā ‘Aumākua

A photo of Penny Rawlins, used for the Nā ‘Aumākua Project

Penny Rawlins

Penny Martin (formerly Rawlins) has had a profound impact on the voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa and the Polynesian Voyaging Society. As one of the youngest crewmembers and one of only two ...

Genealogy | Hōkūleʻa History & Moʻolelo | Teachers

Featured image for Hokulea's 50th Anniversary Post

Hōkūleʻa: 50 Years 

Hōkūleʻa, Hawaiʻi’s legendary voyaging canoe, first launched on March 8, 1975. In celebration of a half-century of influencing cultural revival, environmental advocacy, and a renewed connection to the earth and ...

Nā ‘Aumākua

A photo of Dr. Ben Finney for the Nā ‘Aumākua Project

Ben Finney

Dr. Ben Finney, as co-founder of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and pioneering anthropologist, breathed life into Hōkūleʻa, transforming a voyaging canoe into a vessel of cultural renaissance that definitively proved ...
A photo of Penny Rawlins, used for the Nā ‘Aumākua Project

Penny Rawlins

Penny Martin (formerly Rawlins) has had a profound impact on the voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa and the Polynesian Voyaging Society. As one of the youngest crewmembers and one of only two women on Hōkūleʻa’s first iconic 1976 journey, she helped rekindle a cultural renaissance by demonstrating that traditional Polynesian navigation could guide a canoe across the Pacific. Over the decades, Penny has dedicated herself to educating future generations, helping bring Hōkūleʻa to her home island of Molokai for cultural events and school visits. Her commitment has strengthened community ties to Hōkūleʻa’s legacy, ensuring its role as a symbol of cultural pride and resilience.

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Featured image for Hokulea's 50th Anniversary Post

Hōkūleʻa: 50 Years 

Hōkūleʻa, Hawaiʻi’s legendary voyaging canoe, first launched on March 8, 1975. In celebration of a half-century of influencing cultural revival, environmental advocacy, and a renewed

Read More »
A photo of Dr. Ben Finney for the Nā ‘Aumākua Project

Ben Finney

Dr. Ben Finney, as co-founder of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and pioneering anthropologist, breathed life into Hōkūleʻa, transforming a voyaging canoe into a vessel of cultural renaissance that definitively proved ancient Polynesians were masterful navigators who intentionally settled the Pacific. His unwavering dedication to revitalizing traditional navigation techniques not only restored Native Hawaiians’ connection to their seafaring ancestors but ignited a cultural revival that continues to inspire Indigenous communities throughout Oceania to reclaim their maritime heritage.

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A photo of Clement Tiger Espere steering the Hōkūle‘a, used for the Nā ‘Aumākua Project

Clement “Tiger” Espere

Clement “Tiger” Espere was involved in the original construction of the Hokuleʻa, helping to ensure that she had a design consistent with a traditional Hawaiian Canoe. In addition, Tiger sailed with the Hokuleʻa in the mid-1990s.

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A photo of Michael Buddy McGuire at the Outrigger Canoe Club, used for the Nā ‘Aumākua Project

Michael “Buddy” McGuire

Michael “Buddy” McGuire joined the Polynesian Voyaging Society in 1977 after a chance encounter led him to prepare Hōkūleʻa for its second voyage to Tahiti. His involvement spanned over 40 years, during which he saw Hōkūleʻa as a vessel for reclaiming Polynesian navigation history and sharing it with the world. Buddy became a cultural mentor and board member, helping to pass on his voyaging knowledge to a new generation through the Kānehūnamoku Voyaging Academy.

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‘Enehana of the Month 

The ʻOkakopa edition of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education’s monthly digital magazine is now available! Published by the Digital Design team, ‘Enehana showcases the latest

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Notable Native People

Notable Native People, written by Dr. Adrienne Keene, is a beautifully illustrated book featuring profiles of 50 notable American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian

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