Ke ala i Kahiki

Ke ala i Kahiki

Ke ala i Kahiki , meaning ” the way to Tahiti”. This collage gives tribute to the maiden voyage of the “HOKULE’A”. A ship designed and sailed according to traditional Hawaiian way-finding (navigating only by the stars, Sun, wind and currents.) Which gave birth to the “Polynesian Voyaging Society” and what some call the beginnings of a Polynesian Cultural Revival, in 1976.
Such a feet, whilst being a brave adventure, is but a re-introduction of what was an integral part of Polynesian society, such voyages between Hawaii and Tahiti in ancient times was not by chance, but purposeful and common place, as was it else where in Polynesia and through out the Pacific.
“Hokule’a” is Hawaiian for “Star of Gladness” and gladness it was for many Hawaiians, in which what was rekindled was a link to their ancestors and distant cousins and thus a greater vision and awareness of being Polynesian.
The significance of this event can not be understated and must be placed along other notable and life changing events of the 20th century.
This Collage shows the “Hokule’a” and her crew crossing the equator toward Tahiti, lead by a pod of nai’a (dolphins). Green and verdant Tahiti stands, the sun rises as the moon above bids farewell.

A visit to http://pvs.kcc.hawaii.edu/index.html would feed the imagination concerning the triumph of this voyage and all that has sailed in wake of the “Hokule’a’s” first voyage.