Hawaii - Update 14
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Friday 25th June, 2011

As we island hop through the Hawaiian islands from the Big Island in the South East towards Oahu in the North West, the crew on the Uto ni Yalo are reminded of why they make this sacrifice to sail the ocean and be away from family for so long.

Our Fijian communities on each island we visit have prepared for our visit for many weeks and the reception we receive is worthy of royalty. We are humbled by their kindness and gifts of food and much more.

In return, all we can leave behind is an experience of our culture for their children, many of whom have been born in Hawaii and have not had the opportunity to grow up witnessing Fijian protocol and tradition close hand.

What is evident to us is how quickly the Hawaiian born Fijian children embrace their culture and heritage with vigor and pride. Seeing the strong revival of Hawaiian culture makes them appreciate that they have their own identity.

In Hilo we wish to thank Angela and Lawrence Fong and Erin and David Vera and their lovely families plus all the support from the local Fijian Community like Steve Handy Jnr and Subway, Kim Bennett, David Brackterfield, Atelaite of UH, Bob and driver David Dugu.

We must not forget Chad Kalepa Baybayan and his organising committee for organising such a wonderful stay in Hilo plus Ka’iu Kimura for hosting everyone at IMILOA on our last evening.

Here is a letter we received from our hosts in Hilo:

 

To The Crew of The Uto Ni Yalo,

As i sit here and contemplate where to begin, i cannot seem to lose the feeling of missing you all. When Lawrence and i first met with Manoa and Colin last year in Hilo, i had no idea what i was getting myself into, i don't think Lawrence did either.

What my family and i have experienced in these last six days will remain with us for our lifetime, after you guys left Hilo this morning we went back to Lawrence and Angela's place and watched the voyage that some of you made to Aotearoa last year. We laughed a lot about what we had shared these past six days and how much we have enjoyed having shared this short time with everyone, you all have touched us in a way that i have difficulty explaining.

We are so proud of all of you, for what you are doing and the things that you have accomplished, following in the footsteps of our ancestors and paving the way for the generations to come. We wish you well on the rest of your voyage, be safe and God speed, as i am confident you will make our country proud and continue to put Fiji in the history books.

If any of you ever find yourselves back here in Hilo, please know that you have a home here with us. Thank you again for everything.

Loloma sara yani,

David & Erin Vera

 

After a glorious overnight sail in 15 – 20 knots of wind, we arrived in Maui to a wonderful ceremony on the beach. A tricky beach break caused some headache for the crew members arriving on shore by outrigger canoe.

The Uto crew performed an impromptu ‘Bole’ on the beach and sang a Fijian number for the Fijians that had showed up to greet us.

Eric Whippy and family hosted us for the evening at their home an hours drive from Lahaina. A lovo was followed by a kava ceremony and a huge feed.

Those who helped out were Cecilia, Foley and Ioane Tukuna, Liku Qanivere, Atu Laqeretabua, Jioji Piqi, Ateca Yacakalou, Lima McMaster and Taito Barrack.

Taito had earlier greeted us on his Stand Up Board just as we anchored. Following him out was Bronson Politini also on a Stand Up Board.

Before departing Maui, we welcomed Dieter Paulmann on board to sail with us to Molokai. Dieter made us feel very special by reminding us we were the first canoe he was sailing on after his own Vaka, Hine Moana.

Once underway the crew gathered on the aft deck to perform a traditional “Sevusevu” ceremony to welcome Dieter on board. Manoa presented a whales tooth to him, the highest honour reserved for high chiefs.

Dieter took the opportunity to remind the crew of the importance of the voyage and the message they were carrying. He expressed his gratitude that the Uto ni Yalo was carrying on to San Francisco.

After a lightening visit to Molokai, we are sailing to Oahu and will anchor at Kualoa for the evening. Prior to our departure from Molokai, Kalepa gathered all the crews ashore to remind them of the importance of the occasion. He said that this moment and time will never be repeated so we should savior the moment.

A solemn silence followed his words as everyone present reflected on the importance of the occasion.