Faafaite Getting Ready to Leave Hawai'i
/ 27 October 2011
A kava ceremony with Keone Nunes and Hawaiians was given before our departure from METC (Marine Educational Training Center) in Honolulu where Faafaite was docked. Friends, family and supporters were there to see us off for the start of our journey. It's always a sad and happy moment when we depart. There is no wind and all is calm. Nainoa Thompson tows us out a distance with the METC whale boat and at sunset he releases the cable as Faafaite slowly sails towards Moloka'i.
The winds pick up as we sail past Lana'i and Kahoolawe. It rains a bit and the Big Island comes into view. At around 6:00 am we are within reach of Kawaihae. Since we are early to arrive, we veer off to search for whales for filming and photographing but very few are found or they are out of distance. We seek to find different species of whales like the minke, Bryde's and pygmy sperm whales, to name a few.
We arrive at the district of Mahukona at the Ko'a Heiau Holomoana or the voyagers/navigators stone temple. There navigator Shorty Bertelmann and Hawaiians greet us as the crew members swim to from the canoe to the rocky shore. A marotai (offering) stone from the Hi'o nui or the place where the river meets the ocean from Papeno'o Tahiti is given to this sacred place. The upright stones on the rocky hill point in several directions to numerous destinations. Three upright stones show the way to Tahiti. The marotai is placed in line with them.
Back on board we continue to search for whales with no success. Navigator Chad Paishon of Makalik'i calls to invite Faafaite crewmembers for dinner as we dock next to Makali'i in Kawaihae. This gathering has strengthened relations between Faafaite and Makali'i Ohana. Special thanks to Makali'i and supporters for their warm welcome and hospitality.
Danee
Note : Faafaite is scheduled to leave Kawaihae tonight (Thursday, October 27th) for the island of Kahoolawe.
