Moce Hawaii
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Tuesday, 13th July, 2011

Report by Lee-Anne Lee

Leaving Kauai the last island for us to visit in the Hawaiian group was a very sad and emotional time for all of us. Saying bye to the many new friends we had met along the way was hard but we knew we would meet again someday. It was also a time to reflect on the many blessings we have had during this journey and I must say how lucky we are to be Fijians. The many Fijians and friends we met along the way from Hilo to Maui, Oahu and Kauai who welcomed us into their homes, from hot showers, food, taking the crew shopping and sight seeing, we couldn’t have asked for more. It’s no wonder why we are called the friendly Fijians. Even the crew from the other canoes commented on how lucky we have been.

It was also a difficult time for the crew as we sailed away from Kauai leaving our fellow crew member Kaiafa Ledua ashore who has to travel back home for personal reasons. He was not only our head Traditional Navigator but was also very instrumental in teaching the crew all we know. He will surely be missed on this leg of our journey. On the other hand we welcome Vilisoni Yalikanacea, Seru Saumakidonu, Kelekele Lausi and Lina Naigulevu who replaced William (Billy Boy), Christopher, Carson and Josua which left us in Oahu.


As we journey onto San Francisco we must now refocus on the purpose of our voyage which is saving our Ocean. After the 4 day conference in Oahu and learning more about how much danger our ocean is really in we all realize even more how important this voyage is and how we need to speak up and be heard. Voicing the purpose of this voyage to the many people we have met along the way we know that it is a start to saving our Ocean.


Vinaka Vaka Levu to the many people who helped us in so many ways and made our stay so memorable from Hilo to Maui, Molokai, Oahu and Kauai. A big vinaka vaka levu from all the crew of the UNY. We definitely miss you all already. The stories are spinning 24 hrs onboard.

To our family, friends and loved ones please keep us in your prayers as we sail onto San Francisco.

Mahalo and Lolomas from the Uto Ni Yalo crew!