Influential Members

Pomai was born and raised on the island of Hawai'i. Her family has been part of Hōkūle'a's legacy from her inception. Pomai has been a ritualistic member of Polynesian Voyaging…

Gordon sailed on the return leg from Tahiti to Hawai'i of Hōkūleʻa's maiden voyage in 1976. He has served as Hōkūleʻa's captain on many voyages. Gordon is a retired naval…

Mel dedicated almost 40 years of service to Hōkūleʻa and our voyaging community.  He provided humble leadership from Molokai, always with deep affection in his actions and joy in his…

Richards serves as a director on several public service, Native Hawaiian and educational boards, including Paepae O Heʻeia, Bishop Museum Association Council, and ʻAha Kāne. He has held management positions…

Archie Kalepa is an accomplished waterman who has spent much of his life on the water surfing, paddling, sailing and keeping others safe. As a lifeguard captain, he helped develop…

Richard “Buffalo” Keaulana was one of the primary leaders of voyaging in the early years of Hōkūleʻa and was on the 1976 crew to Tahiti. (Additional content needed)

Dennis started volunteering on Hōkūleʻa in the 70's and 80's and he first sailed on her in 1985 from Hawai'i to Tahiti. For Dennis, Hōkūleʻa opens up a whole new…

After returning from the Vietnam War, John was introduced to Herb Kawainui Kane when Hōkūleʻa was still two hulls yet to be lashed together. John began helping in Hōkūleʻa's construction…

Myron B. "Pinky" Thompson provided visionary leadership as President of the Polynesian Voyaging Society for almost two decades before his passing in 2001 at 77 years of age. He was…