Waʻa

Program Overview

 “Make One Family” is the vision for the Waa Village at Hakipuu-Kualoa, Oahu.  This manaʻo shared to us by our grand master navigator, Pius Mau Piailug, reminds us that the ocean connects us and that we are all part of the same family of the Moananuiakea. The Waa Village takes place at the birth sands of our beloved voyaging canoe, Hokuleʻa, launched in 1975 and is responsible for the revival of non-instrument navigation and for the growth of voyaging canoes and educational programs throughout Hawaii and beyond.  The waa programing seeks to build pilina-relationships, promote the exchange of knowledge through sharing of stories and practices, and to develop a larger understanding of our kuleana- responsibility as waa practitioners.  We hope to discover our commonalities and to build hope and resilience,  as we ensure, as one people, that our practice is never lost again.  We honor the legacy of Pius Mau Piailug and all of our voyaging teachers and ancestors for without them, we would not see.

Objectives:

• To bring waa practitioners and supporters together in the spirit of “Make One Family” by spending time together in Kualoa-Hakipuu, Oahu, the birthplace of modern day voyaging in Hawaii.

• To facilitate cultural exchange and collaboration among delegates and the public through programming and access to waʻa and crew members.

• To educate participants about traditional voyaging techniques, navigation methods, and craftsmanship associated with waʻa.

• To promote environmental stewardship and sustainability practices related to traditional voyaging.

Waʻa Festival (Saturday, 08 June 2024)

This public event invites attendees to immerse themselves in various waʻa activities, including waʻa tours, line handling, star compass activities, and many more. Participants will have the unique opportunity to tour traditional double-hulled canoes from Hawaiʻi and other Pacific nations, such as Aotearoa, Saipan, Rarotonga, and Tahiti. The festival will also feature captivating demonstrations, enriching cultural exchanges, and interactive workshops showcasing traditional canoe craftsmanship and navigation techniques.

Waʻa Symposium

The Waʻa Symposium serves as a platform for in-depth discussions on challenges, collaborative learning, and solution-driven conversations related to traditional voyaging and navigation. Delegates will engage in enlightening panel discussions, informative presentations, and interactive workshops focused on vital topics such as cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and the future of waʻa in the Pacific region.