By Stacy Potes
In June 2026, the UH Mānoa College of Education (COE) partnered with Kānehūnāmoku Voyaging Academy (KVA) to offer an immersive experience for teacher educators to learn aboard the 29-foot double hull sailing canoe, Kānehūnāmoku. Led by Captain and Executive Director, Bonnie Kahapeʻa-Tanner (Aunty Kahaz) and Program Director and Curriculum Specialist, Mieko Māhealani Treaster (Māhea), students in EDCS 433 Introduction to Voyaging Education: Centering Place and Community in the Curriculum gained hands-on experiences and foundational waʻa knowledge grounded in the moʻokūʻauhau of Kānehūnāmoku.
Through sailing the canoe, maritime skills, non-instrumental navigation, elemental observation, teamwork, and communication, participants learned valuable skills to bring back to their classrooms. They spent two synchronous online sessions, six days on the waʻa, one day learning about the stars at the Imaginarium, and one day observing students through a KVA program. During this time, they learned to steer the hoe uli, prepare and adjust the lines, tie basic knots with kaula, and of course, understand both the Micronesian and Hawaiian star compass.
Hōkūlani Imaginarium welcomed student teachers in a “Wayfinders” exercise led by Bonnie Kahapeʻa-Tanner and Hōkūlani staff, Dineene O’Connor, Imaginarium Manager and Krissie Kellogg, Aerospace Exploration Lab and Imaginarium Specialist. This exercise facilitated their use of ancient and modern Wayfinding knowledge, the Hawaiian Star Compass, and the Hawaiian Starlines to enhance their classroom activities and Hawaiian studies units. In doing so, they celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hōkūleʻa’s inaugural voyage. They honor those who came before and the enduring legacy of our “Wayfinding” culture for future generations.
Aunty Kahaz assisted participants as they put down the kia of Kānehūnāmokuʻs new sister learning waʻa, Kuʻupōkiʻialoha. This land-based learning waʻa was built in response to the adverse weather and community needs. It travels by land across the windward coast of Oʻahu.
Participants designed grade-specific lesson sketches based on their experience. They left the course inspired and eager to apply their learning in their classrooms. Māhea teared up as they shared their lesson sketches, witnessing the beauty and impact on the teachers. Based on participant feedback, we are discussing the possibility of a second course. Stay tuned.
For more information, contact: Stacy Potes, Assistant Professor, College of Education, spotes@hawaii.edu
