Wa'a Build Updates 2020-2021
March 12, 2021
March 12, 2021
Hui waʻa kaulua o Punahou,
Piko o Wakea (the equinox) approaches, Hōkūleʻa gets back in the water and turns 46 years old (March 8th), the initial prep for a lauhala peʻa (sail) for Kamaola begins.
Mahina: Pō Mauli - Muku. Around 12:21am March 13th, ʻauinapō, the night will be at itʻs darkest as the moon slides past the moon. Excellent night to Kilo, fish and plant bananas depending on what the clouds, wind and rain decide to do.
Ka Lā: (-2). Just south of the equator the sun is rising in the house of Hikina soon to be at the Piko. Kilo and see how the sun tracks over your specific houses during this time of balance between night and day.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: E kanu i ka huli ʻoi hāʻule ka ua. Plant the taro stalks while there is rain. Do your work when the opportunity arises.
Hana: Mahalo to Chloe Yoshiki and the team who helped gather Lau Hala this past Saturday.
Piko o Wakea (the equinox) approaches, Hōkūleʻa gets back in the water and turns 46 years old (March 8th), the initial prep for a lauhala peʻa (sail) for Kamaola begins.
Mahina: Pō Mauli - Muku. Around 12:21am March 13th, ʻauinapō, the night will be at itʻs darkest as the moon slides past the moon. Excellent night to Kilo, fish and plant bananas depending on what the clouds, wind and rain decide to do.
Ka Lā: (-2). Just south of the equator the sun is rising in the house of Hikina soon to be at the Piko. Kilo and see how the sun tracks over your specific houses during this time of balance between night and day.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: E kanu i ka huli ʻoi hāʻule ka ua. Plant the taro stalks while there is rain. Do your work when the opportunity arises.
Hana: Mahalo to Chloe Yoshiki and the team who helped gather Lau Hala this past Saturday.
February 16, 2021
February 16, 2021
Hui waʻa kaulua o Punahou,
Changing weather. Transitioning seasons. Keep your eyes on the horizon.
Mahina: Pō Kūkolu. Rose around 10:17am. One definition of kūkolu is to stand in threes. huli or slips planted today will produce 3 shoots. Look for a growing smile in the sky after dark.
Ka Lā: ʻLā malanai (-11) Ka Lā is making his way back to the piko. See if you can notice the changes in shade and growth in your yards.
Na Hōkū: Ke kā o Makaliʻi is still high in the sky after sunset, opening up the eastern horizon for Nā hiku and the rest of our Kaiwikuamoʻo starline to enter.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: E ulu ka aina a wao, i hopo ole ia ke kumu. Let the lands grow into thick forests so that we do not need to worry about the tree(s).
Hana waʻa update:Had an exciting week last week as we stood the Kia, ʻOpeʻa and Paepae up and used the opportunity to check all our standing rigging and lashing that both exploration and club members have been working on for the past 5 weeks. Everything held through the weekend and it looks like we only have a few minor adjustments to make. There will be more photos and a formal update to come, but for now here are a few photos from my camera and a time lapse from Mr. Collo.
*See if you can notice a change in the sky when the Kia finally got tied down.
Changing weather. Transitioning seasons. Keep your eyes on the horizon.
Mahina: Pō Kūkolu. Rose around 10:17am. One definition of kūkolu is to stand in threes. huli or slips planted today will produce 3 shoots. Look for a growing smile in the sky after dark.
Ka Lā: ʻLā malanai (-11) Ka Lā is making his way back to the piko. See if you can notice the changes in shade and growth in your yards.
Na Hōkū: Ke kā o Makaliʻi is still high in the sky after sunset, opening up the eastern horizon for Nā hiku and the rest of our Kaiwikuamoʻo starline to enter.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: E ulu ka aina a wao, i hopo ole ia ke kumu. Let the lands grow into thick forests so that we do not need to worry about the tree(s).
Hana waʻa update:Had an exciting week last week as we stood the Kia, ʻOpeʻa and Paepae up and used the opportunity to check all our standing rigging and lashing that both exploration and club members have been working on for the past 5 weeks. Everything held through the weekend and it looks like we only have a few minor adjustments to make. There will be more photos and a formal update to come, but for now here are a few photos from my camera and a time lapse from Mr. Collo.
*See if you can notice a change in the sky when the Kia finally got tied down.
January 29, 2021
January 29, 2021
Hui waʻa kaulua o Punahou,
Mahina: Pō Kulu: Night after the full(est) moon. Mahina will be sharing space with Leo the lion. Plant bananas, potatoes, melon. Kulu means to drop or fall so be careful what you build.
Ka Lā: ʻAina/Lā Malanai (-17) The sun is on the border of ʻĀina getting ready to hiki into lā. The days are getting longer. Take notice of the sun as it makes the journey back northward.
Na Hōkū: Woke up early this morning before the sun rose delighted to catch a glimpse of Hanaiakamalama (southern cross), Manaiakalani (scorpio) rising and Nā hiku (big dipper) between rain squalls. Looking forward to these spring and summer stars.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia. ʻAʻohe puʻu kiʻekiʻe ke hōʻaʻo e piʻi. There is no big job when done together. No cliff is so tall that it cannot be scaled.
Mālama,KLM
Mahina: Pō Kulu: Night after the full(est) moon. Mahina will be sharing space with Leo the lion. Plant bananas, potatoes, melon. Kulu means to drop or fall so be careful what you build.
Ka Lā: ʻAina/Lā Malanai (-17) The sun is on the border of ʻĀina getting ready to hiki into lā. The days are getting longer. Take notice of the sun as it makes the journey back northward.
Na Hōkū: Woke up early this morning before the sun rose delighted to catch a glimpse of Hanaiakamalama (southern cross), Manaiakalani (scorpio) rising and Nā hiku (big dipper) between rain squalls. Looking forward to these spring and summer stars.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia. ʻAʻohe puʻu kiʻekiʻe ke hōʻaʻo e piʻi. There is no big job when done together. No cliff is so tall that it cannot be scaled.
Mālama,KLM
January 12, 2021
January 12, 2021
Hui waʻa kaulua o Punahou,
Mahina: Pō Mauli: New moon tonight. Good night to look at the stars and plant just about anything. Fishing of all styles is also good according to some.
Ka Lā: ʻAina Malanai (-21) The days are getting longer. Take notice of the sun as it makes the journey back northward.
Na Hōkū: Ke Kā o Makaliʻi rising higher in the sky after sunset as we start to see our next starline, Kaiwikuamoʻo, rising later in the evening. Keep an eye out for Nā Hiku (the big dipper) in the Northeastern sky (Koʻolau) as it makes its way fully above the horizon by midnight.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: Aia ma kahi o ka hana, he ola ma laila. Where there is work there is life.
Kamaola is her name. We had a beautiful, quiet ceremony to give our waʻa her name over the break. Big mahalo to Kumu Kimo Keaulana, Chaplain George, Kumu Kylee, Mr. Loveman, Dillyn Lietzke, Kila, Cole our photographers Maui and Jeremiah and all who turned out. Here is a description of of the inoa from Kumu Keaulana and a few photos from the ceremony for now. More to come:
"Kamaola" literally means "Living-child." This waʻa is a child that was brought into the world as all beloved children are. Every part of this waʻa will function with all its parts as all children do. The African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child" certainly applies to this child, this waʻa. It took, and will still take, a community to bring life, "ola," to this child.
The term, "kama," is not only an adolescent but it means to include everyone who is a part of a community. We know the word "kamaʻāina" meaning to be a "child-of-the-land." A "child" is anyone and everyone who belongs to a place as our waʻa belongs to us. The waʻa will ola, live and thrive, in all circumstances whether on land or on the sea.
Our waʻa is spoken of as a "she" which is interesting. People who are familiar with the domain of the major Hawaiian Akua know that Kanaloa is the Akua of the ocean. However, when it comes to the waves and the billows, it is Hina, a female, who is in control. Hina has a special place for the care of the wahine that she is in charge of.
"Kamaola" also tells us that generations of kama, children, will ola, thrive, in the care and experiences of all that this waʻa has to offer. Kamaola is a physical existence in a spiritual plane.
This is what Kamaola means. It is a name that bestows life to this waʻa from the moment it was brought to life and for all the days of her life. It is a good name.
Naʻu na,Kumu Kimo Keaulana
Mahina: Pō Mauli: New moon tonight. Good night to look at the stars and plant just about anything. Fishing of all styles is also good according to some.
Ka Lā: ʻAina Malanai (-21) The days are getting longer. Take notice of the sun as it makes the journey back northward.
Na Hōkū: Ke Kā o Makaliʻi rising higher in the sky after sunset as we start to see our next starline, Kaiwikuamoʻo, rising later in the evening. Keep an eye out for Nā Hiku (the big dipper) in the Northeastern sky (Koʻolau) as it makes its way fully above the horizon by midnight.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: Aia ma kahi o ka hana, he ola ma laila. Where there is work there is life.
Kamaola is her name. We had a beautiful, quiet ceremony to give our waʻa her name over the break. Big mahalo to Kumu Kimo Keaulana, Chaplain George, Kumu Kylee, Mr. Loveman, Dillyn Lietzke, Kila, Cole our photographers Maui and Jeremiah and all who turned out. Here is a description of of the inoa from Kumu Keaulana and a few photos from the ceremony for now. More to come:
"Kamaola" literally means "Living-child." This waʻa is a child that was brought into the world as all beloved children are. Every part of this waʻa will function with all its parts as all children do. The African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child" certainly applies to this child, this waʻa. It took, and will still take, a community to bring life, "ola," to this child.
The term, "kama," is not only an adolescent but it means to include everyone who is a part of a community. We know the word "kamaʻāina" meaning to be a "child-of-the-land." A "child" is anyone and everyone who belongs to a place as our waʻa belongs to us. The waʻa will ola, live and thrive, in all circumstances whether on land or on the sea.
Our waʻa is spoken of as a "she" which is interesting. People who are familiar with the domain of the major Hawaiian Akua know that Kanaloa is the Akua of the ocean. However, when it comes to the waves and the billows, it is Hina, a female, who is in control. Hina has a special place for the care of the wahine that she is in charge of.
"Kamaola" also tells us that generations of kama, children, will ola, thrive, in the care and experiences of all that this waʻa has to offer. Kamaola is a physical existence in a spiritual plane.
This is what Kamaola means. It is a name that bestows life to this waʻa from the moment it was brought to life and for all the days of her life. It is a good name.
Naʻu na,Kumu Kimo Keaulana
December 16, 2020
December 16, 2020
Hui waʻa o Punahou,
Waves then wind. Wind then waves. Waves then wind then rain. I love this season in Hawaii.
Mahina: Hoaka at sunset. Look westward at nā poʻo ana o ka lā to see our Hoʻonui (waxing) crescent hanging with a very close Saturn and Jupiter tonight. Interesting thought: the moon has gone through 12 cycles and is currently in its 13th as we approach the end of the western calendar year. ---Good day to plant ʻuala and tuber type plants. Fishing may be good on reef, but according to some it is not the best fishing because ʻghostsʻ cast shadows (hoaka) to scare away fish.
Ka Lā: ʻAina Malanai (-23) In 5 days, the sun will be at its Southern limit along the horizon marking Ke ala polohiwa a Kanaloa (the Black Glistening Road of Kanaloa) also known as the winter solstice. After December 21st the days will begin to get longer.
Na Hōkū: Another rare event will happen for the first time in 800 years: The light that we see from Jupiter and Saturn will unite . Pay close attention after sunset in the coming days. Also keep an eye on the bright stars of Ke Kā o Makaliʻi as they creep higher and higher after sunset.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: ʻOlāʻolā ka huewai, hakahaka ʻo loko. The water calabash gurgles, inside is empty. Be mindful of the words you speak. Speak less with more substance rather than lots of words with no substance.
Hana Waʻa:
Haumana energy is slowly trickling back to the waʻa thanks to Kumu Kaʻai with the littles and a couple dedicated seniors finishing up the frapping on the Kia (I can only have small groups now).
Waves then wind. Wind then waves. Waves then wind then rain. I love this season in Hawaii.
Mahina: Hoaka at sunset. Look westward at nā poʻo ana o ka lā to see our Hoʻonui (waxing) crescent hanging with a very close Saturn and Jupiter tonight. Interesting thought: the moon has gone through 12 cycles and is currently in its 13th as we approach the end of the western calendar year. ---Good day to plant ʻuala and tuber type plants. Fishing may be good on reef, but according to some it is not the best fishing because ʻghostsʻ cast shadows (hoaka) to scare away fish.
Ka Lā: ʻAina Malanai (-23) In 5 days, the sun will be at its Southern limit along the horizon marking Ke ala polohiwa a Kanaloa (the Black Glistening Road of Kanaloa) also known as the winter solstice. After December 21st the days will begin to get longer.
Na Hōkū: Another rare event will happen for the first time in 800 years: The light that we see from Jupiter and Saturn will unite . Pay close attention after sunset in the coming days. Also keep an eye on the bright stars of Ke Kā o Makaliʻi as they creep higher and higher after sunset.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: ʻOlāʻolā ka huewai, hakahaka ʻo loko. The water calabash gurgles, inside is empty. Be mindful of the words you speak. Speak less with more substance rather than lots of words with no substance.
Hana Waʻa:
Haumana energy is slowly trickling back to the waʻa thanks to Kumu Kaʻai with the littles and a couple dedicated seniors finishing up the frapping on the Kia (I can only have small groups now).
November 16, 2020
November 16, 2020
Hui Waʻa,
The wind has calmed. The moon is new as the month of Makaliʻi is upon us with the season of Lonoikamakahiki.
Mahina: Hilo at sunset yesterday transitioning to Hoaka today. If you are up just before sunrise you may catch a glimpse of the sliver of mahina. Excellent day to plant all varieties except bananas, but it is harvest season so time to train and play. Keep the body and mind fit.
Ka Lā: ʻĀina Malanai (-18). The sun is slowing down on its journey to Ke ala Polohiwa a Kanaloa, the winter solstice.
Nā Hōkū: Ka Lupe o Kawelo is moving overhead while the Navigatorʻs triangle moves west. Ke Kā o Makaliʻi slowly making its way to brighten our night sky for the winter months. If you are up very early in the morning before sunrise you may catch a glimpse of the Nā Hiku, big dipper, Mercury and Venus.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: Lele ka ʻiwa, mālie kai koʻo. When the ʻiwa bird flies (out to sea) the rough sea will be calm. – Mary Kawena Pukui, ʻŌlelo Noʻeau No. 1979
Hana Waʻa:Lasing Pepeiao on the Kia. Also made some holes in the ʻiako for our standing rigging.
The wind has calmed. The moon is new as the month of Makaliʻi is upon us with the season of Lonoikamakahiki.
Mahina: Hilo at sunset yesterday transitioning to Hoaka today. If you are up just before sunrise you may catch a glimpse of the sliver of mahina. Excellent day to plant all varieties except bananas, but it is harvest season so time to train and play. Keep the body and mind fit.
Ka Lā: ʻĀina Malanai (-18). The sun is slowing down on its journey to Ke ala Polohiwa a Kanaloa, the winter solstice.
Nā Hōkū: Ka Lupe o Kawelo is moving overhead while the Navigatorʻs triangle moves west. Ke Kā o Makaliʻi slowly making its way to brighten our night sky for the winter months. If you are up very early in the morning before sunrise you may catch a glimpse of the Nā Hiku, big dipper, Mercury and Venus.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: Lele ka ʻiwa, mālie kai koʻo. When the ʻiwa bird flies (out to sea) the rough sea will be calm. – Mary Kawena Pukui, ʻŌlelo Noʻeau No. 1979
Hana Waʻa:Lasing Pepeiao on the Kia. Also made some holes in the ʻiako for our standing rigging.
October 30, 2020
October 30, 2020
SelaMoku,
New winds, big rains, different senses awakened by the changing atmosphere. Hoʻoilo season is upon us as Lonoikamakahiki approaches.
Mahina: Hoku. Look Hikina right around sunset. Depending on your horizon you will see our bright Hoku Mahina trailing behind a brilliant Mars. Lots of pull on the sea and soil. Good night for planting all types and fishing in deeper at sea. Tomorrow night is the second full moon this month! Spooooky.
Ka Lā: Lā Malanai (-14). Approaching ʻāina and (Manaiakalani) Scorpio. The days are getting shorter, leaving more time to observe the stars
Nā Hoku: Start to look for an array of bright stars emerging in the eastern part of Ka Lani Paʻa after sunset. With Jupiter and Saturn setting in ʻāina kona. Our brightest stars in Ke Kā o Makaliʻi will start to direct our attention to the coming season.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: Ka manu kaʻupu hālō ʻalo o ka moana (1479). The albatross that observes the ocean. Said of a careful observer.
Hana Waʻa: Splice and whipping work, and some Mālama ʻāina up Puʻu o Mānoa. Making ready to rig. Hopefully can get some student work days soon in the Yellow tier.
New winds, big rains, different senses awakened by the changing atmosphere. Hoʻoilo season is upon us as Lonoikamakahiki approaches.
Mahina: Hoku. Look Hikina right around sunset. Depending on your horizon you will see our bright Hoku Mahina trailing behind a brilliant Mars. Lots of pull on the sea and soil. Good night for planting all types and fishing in deeper at sea. Tomorrow night is the second full moon this month! Spooooky.
Ka Lā: Lā Malanai (-14). Approaching ʻāina and (Manaiakalani) Scorpio. The days are getting shorter, leaving more time to observe the stars
Nā Hoku: Start to look for an array of bright stars emerging in the eastern part of Ka Lani Paʻa after sunset. With Jupiter and Saturn setting in ʻāina kona. Our brightest stars in Ke Kā o Makaliʻi will start to direct our attention to the coming season.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: Ka manu kaʻupu hālō ʻalo o ka moana (1479). The albatross that observes the ocean. Said of a careful observer.
Hana Waʻa: Splice and whipping work, and some Mālama ʻāina up Puʻu o Mānoa. Making ready to rig. Hopefully can get some student work days soon in the Yellow tier.
October 19, 2020
October 19, 2020
Ola i ka wai a ka ʻōpua. There is life in the water from the clouds
Malama: Transitioning to Hoʻoilo, our wetter, cooler season, notice the change from ʻIkuwa to what some call Welehu, a time when we start to see Makaliʻi earlier in the night sky after sunset and Kona storms become more frequent (Pukui).
Mahina: Kūlua - ʻāina malanai. Good day for fishing on the reef. Keep an eye on the tides. Plant ʻuala and upright (kū) plants such as trees.
Ka Lā: lā malanai (-10). The days are getting shorter. Pō is expanding.
Nā Hoku: Keep an eye out after sunset for Ke Kā o Makaliʻi rising with an array of bright stars following along with Saturn and Jupiter setting with Mars illuminating the night sky.
Hana WaʻaSome students back on campus for block 2 bringing their energy and voices to the waʻa and finished lashing the last ʻiako outside section on Hōkūleʻa. The pola is next.
Malama: Transitioning to Hoʻoilo, our wetter, cooler season, notice the change from ʻIkuwa to what some call Welehu, a time when we start to see Makaliʻi earlier in the night sky after sunset and Kona storms become more frequent (Pukui).
Mahina: Kūlua - ʻāina malanai. Good day for fishing on the reef. Keep an eye on the tides. Plant ʻuala and upright (kū) plants such as trees.
Ka Lā: lā malanai (-10). The days are getting shorter. Pō is expanding.
Nā Hoku: Keep an eye out after sunset for Ke Kā o Makaliʻi rising with an array of bright stars following along with Saturn and Jupiter setting with Mars illuminating the night sky.
Hana WaʻaSome students back on campus for block 2 bringing their energy and voices to the waʻa and finished lashing the last ʻiako outside section on Hōkūleʻa. The pola is next.
October 2, 2020
October 2, 2020
North swell increasing, light winds and low pressure approaching. Season has visibly changed.
Malama: ʻIkuwa (October-November) "Loud Voice" This is the time of thunder in the uplands, wind in the lowlands, and crashing surf along the shore. It is said that a child who is born in this month will be a loud talker. (Pukui, Handy).
Mahina: Mahealani. The last few nights have been beautiful amidst the glow of our Mahina Piha: Akua, Hoku, and tonight Mahealani as it slowly starts to ʻemi, wane into the moonset. Challenge your eyes to see the change. Kumu Chris Blakeʻs instagram, @papakilohoku, has some beautiful photos and manaʻo of the latest moon cycle.
Good night to plant just about anything and excellent night for fishing. Look for moi, ʻanae, and red fish.
Ka Lā: Hikina (-4). Ka lā is rising in the southern part of the house of Hikina getting close to lā malanai.
Nā Hoku: Keep an eye our for the starline Ka Lupe O Kawelo with the constellation Iwakeliʻi (Cassiopia) in the north east. Ke Kā o Makaliʻi will be following starting to rise around 9pm. Mars is hanging with the moon and Jupiter and Saturn are still lighting the way for Pimoe (Sagittarius).
ʻOlelo: Reminiscing about our last long voyage with Uncle Bruce Blankenfeld and a quote he repeated pre-departure: "I am not afraid of the storm, for I am learning how to sail my ship." -Louisa May Alcott. Kihe ka ihu i ka ʻale.
Hana WaʻaBeen putting some energy back into the big canoes as we are starting to lash Hōkūleʻa and just did the monumental task of putting Hikianalia back in the water. Check out the photos from Dan Kinzer:
Malama: ʻIkuwa (October-November) "Loud Voice" This is the time of thunder in the uplands, wind in the lowlands, and crashing surf along the shore. It is said that a child who is born in this month will be a loud talker. (Pukui, Handy).
Mahina: Mahealani. The last few nights have been beautiful amidst the glow of our Mahina Piha: Akua, Hoku, and tonight Mahealani as it slowly starts to ʻemi, wane into the moonset. Challenge your eyes to see the change. Kumu Chris Blakeʻs instagram, @papakilohoku, has some beautiful photos and manaʻo of the latest moon cycle.
Good night to plant just about anything and excellent night for fishing. Look for moi, ʻanae, and red fish.
Ka Lā: Hikina (-4). Ka lā is rising in the southern part of the house of Hikina getting close to lā malanai.
Nā Hoku: Keep an eye our for the starline Ka Lupe O Kawelo with the constellation Iwakeliʻi (Cassiopia) in the north east. Ke Kā o Makaliʻi will be following starting to rise around 9pm. Mars is hanging with the moon and Jupiter and Saturn are still lighting the way for Pimoe (Sagittarius).
ʻOlelo: Reminiscing about our last long voyage with Uncle Bruce Blankenfeld and a quote he repeated pre-departure: "I am not afraid of the storm, for I am learning how to sail my ship." -Louisa May Alcott. Kihe ka ihu i ka ʻale.
Hana WaʻaBeen putting some energy back into the big canoes as we are starting to lash Hōkūleʻa and just did the monumental task of putting Hikianalia back in the water. Check out the photos from Dan Kinzer:
September 14, 2020
September 14, 2020
Last week sailed away from me. Letting the sails back out. The wind is light and the air is hot. Wela i ka lā.Mahina: Lono. The sun is getting ever closer to the moon as she wanes into the darkness or the light rather. You may have caught a glimpse of Mahina if you were up at 4:30am. If you are on Instagram, check out @homaikapono as they have shared a really useful time lapse throughout the last moon phase that gives an excellent visual of the relationship between the sun and the moon. Good night to plant just about anything.
Ka Lā: Hikina (+2). Ka lā is rising in the house of Hikina. One more week and we have Ke ala i ka Piko o Wākea where the sun will reach the equinox on September 21st. The season is changing. Pay attention.
Nā Hoku: Continue to get maʻa with the starline Manaiakalani with the dominant constellations Kamakaunuiomaui (Mauiʻs fishhook) and the Navigators triangle: Keoe (vega), Humu (Altair) and Piraʻetea illuminating the night sky after sunset. We will start to see our next starline: Ka Lupe O Kawelo as Manaiakalani makes its way to the western horizon.
ʻOlelo: This last paragraph really stood out to me in Kumu Kyleeʻs recent update about one of our unsung heroes, Laura Thompson. To me, it embodies the ultimate goals of waʻa education: Laura’s greatest joy would be for every one of us to be kind – kind to each other, kind to this land and kind to all living things. We believe what mom would want would be that every day every one of us will give a gift of kindness and compassion to earth, nature and humanity, with the belief that this will be the path to peace.
Hana Waʻa (See photo)Sand-Varnish-Repeat. Got some tiny doughnuts that the KRLL team helped me with. They are modeled after uncle Archie Kalepaʻs canoe on Maui. Gonna put a couple more coats and then send them out to some willing hands to eye splice.
Ka Lā: Hikina (+2). Ka lā is rising in the house of Hikina. One more week and we have Ke ala i ka Piko o Wākea where the sun will reach the equinox on September 21st. The season is changing. Pay attention.
Nā Hoku: Continue to get maʻa with the starline Manaiakalani with the dominant constellations Kamakaunuiomaui (Mauiʻs fishhook) and the Navigators triangle: Keoe (vega), Humu (Altair) and Piraʻetea illuminating the night sky after sunset. We will start to see our next starline: Ka Lupe O Kawelo as Manaiakalani makes its way to the western horizon.
ʻOlelo: This last paragraph really stood out to me in Kumu Kyleeʻs recent update about one of our unsung heroes, Laura Thompson. To me, it embodies the ultimate goals of waʻa education: Laura’s greatest joy would be for every one of us to be kind – kind to each other, kind to this land and kind to all living things. We believe what mom would want would be that every day every one of us will give a gift of kindness and compassion to earth, nature and humanity, with the belief that this will be the path to peace.
Hana Waʻa (See photo)Sand-Varnish-Repeat. Got some tiny doughnuts that the KRLL team helped me with. They are modeled after uncle Archie Kalepaʻs canoe on Maui. Gonna put a couple more coats and then send them out to some willing hands to eye splice.
August 8, 2020
August 8, 2020
Nā Hoʻokele,
Hurricane Douglas passed us to the North with some beautiful waves on the East side then the north pacific high pressure sprung back into force with strong trades and passing showers.
Malama: Mahoe Mua the first twin also known as Hilinaehu- This is a month with changeable weather conditions with plenty of tradewinds, sun, and rain showers. It can be the hottest month of the year and represents part of the height of the hurricane season for the Central Pacific. Mahina: Olekukahi. Moon is waning, ʻemi. Moonset this morning right on Komohana. Unproductive fishing and average day for planting.
Ka Lā: lā koʻolau (+15). Back into lā koʻolau. Pay attention to the various places the sun is hitting around your homes and how it is slowly changing as the sun moves south.
Nā Hoku: The starline Manaiakalani with the dominant constellations Mauiʻs fishhook and the Navigators triangle: Keoe (vega), Humu (Altair) and Piraʻetea fill the night sky after sunset. Check out this link from ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo for some more information on the night sky through August.
ʻOlelo: Ma ka hana ka ʻike. In doing, one learns. Keep those hands moving and your minds and bodies.
Hana WaʻaWorking on finishing up two Heiau, mast steps, while also continuing some detail work on the steering blades. I have been checking in with Pete Balding and master shaper, Keone Downing, on my paddle shapes periodically and there never seems to be enough sanding. Keep on sanding... The large light colored paddle was made from the invasive species, African Tulip. The wood is amazing to shape as it is incredibly soft and easy to sand. Balancing the shaping with the hard strips of Sapele is tricky.
Mālama,Kaniela
Hurricane Douglas passed us to the North with some beautiful waves on the East side then the north pacific high pressure sprung back into force with strong trades and passing showers.
Malama: Mahoe Mua the first twin also known as Hilinaehu- This is a month with changeable weather conditions with plenty of tradewinds, sun, and rain showers. It can be the hottest month of the year and represents part of the height of the hurricane season for the Central Pacific. Mahina: Olekukahi. Moon is waning, ʻemi. Moonset this morning right on Komohana. Unproductive fishing and average day for planting.
Ka Lā: lā koʻolau (+15). Back into lā koʻolau. Pay attention to the various places the sun is hitting around your homes and how it is slowly changing as the sun moves south.
Nā Hoku: The starline Manaiakalani with the dominant constellations Mauiʻs fishhook and the Navigators triangle: Keoe (vega), Humu (Altair) and Piraʻetea fill the night sky after sunset. Check out this link from ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo for some more information on the night sky through August.
ʻOlelo: Ma ka hana ka ʻike. In doing, one learns. Keep those hands moving and your minds and bodies.
Hana WaʻaWorking on finishing up two Heiau, mast steps, while also continuing some detail work on the steering blades. I have been checking in with Pete Balding and master shaper, Keone Downing, on my paddle shapes periodically and there never seems to be enough sanding. Keep on sanding... The large light colored paddle was made from the invasive species, African Tulip. The wood is amazing to shape as it is incredibly soft and easy to sand. Balancing the shaping with the hard strips of Sapele is tricky.
Mālama,Kaniela
July 24, 2020
July 24, 2020
Aloha nā Hoʻokele,
Kilo. Keep your eyes on the sky and significant changes in the atmosphere. Weather is coming.
Malama: Close to the end of Hinaiaʻeleʻele (dark clouds towards the mountains) moving towards Mahoe Mua. Time for hot weather, sudden storms, occasional showers. Hurricanes can be expected. If you got some binoculars, check out Jupiter. You can see her moons. Also keep on eye out for Hokuwelowelo (comet or shooting star), Neowise near Nāhiku in the north west sky after sunset.
Mahina: Kūpau. Moon is waxing, hoʻonui. Look for a beautiful crescent to the west after sunset setting in Komohana (+3). Generally a good day for fishing and planting ʻuala and Kalo.
Ka Lā: ʻāina koʻolau (+19). Making her journey back to the piko. Almost to Lā Koʻolau.
ʻOlelo: Ua ho'i ka noio 'au kai i uka, ke 'ino nei ka moana (2787). "The seafaring noddy tem has returned to land, for a storm rages at sea." A weather sign. -Keep an eye on the behavior of the birds in the coming days. They tend to be better weather forecasters than us.
Hana WaʻaOur Peʻa, sail, arrived. It looks amazing, but we may need to make some adjustments when we put it up depending on how are rig sets up. Been continuing to shape steering paddles and started working on the Heiau, mast step. One of my favorite ʻohana waʻa legends, Moani Heimuli, visited today to talk story and offer advice as she just finished building Manaiakalani on Maui.
With the pending storm coming we took off the tent tarp and moved all loose items into Mamiya. She looked liked she enjoyed a bit of sun under the Hala Tree.
Be safe, be vigilant. Watch for the changes in the sky. Hope for the best prepare for the worst.
Mālama,Kaniela
Kilo. Keep your eyes on the sky and significant changes in the atmosphere. Weather is coming.
Malama: Close to the end of Hinaiaʻeleʻele (dark clouds towards the mountains) moving towards Mahoe Mua. Time for hot weather, sudden storms, occasional showers. Hurricanes can be expected. If you got some binoculars, check out Jupiter. You can see her moons. Also keep on eye out for Hokuwelowelo (comet or shooting star), Neowise near Nāhiku in the north west sky after sunset.
Mahina: Kūpau. Moon is waxing, hoʻonui. Look for a beautiful crescent to the west after sunset setting in Komohana (+3). Generally a good day for fishing and planting ʻuala and Kalo.
Ka Lā: ʻāina koʻolau (+19). Making her journey back to the piko. Almost to Lā Koʻolau.
ʻOlelo: Ua ho'i ka noio 'au kai i uka, ke 'ino nei ka moana (2787). "The seafaring noddy tem has returned to land, for a storm rages at sea." A weather sign. -Keep an eye on the behavior of the birds in the coming days. They tend to be better weather forecasters than us.
Hana WaʻaOur Peʻa, sail, arrived. It looks amazing, but we may need to make some adjustments when we put it up depending on how are rig sets up. Been continuing to shape steering paddles and started working on the Heiau, mast step. One of my favorite ʻohana waʻa legends, Moani Heimuli, visited today to talk story and offer advice as she just finished building Manaiakalani on Maui.
With the pending storm coming we took off the tent tarp and moved all loose items into Mamiya. She looked liked she enjoyed a bit of sun under the Hala Tree.
Be safe, be vigilant. Watch for the changes in the sky. Hope for the best prepare for the worst.
Mālama,Kaniela
July 9, 2020
July 9, 2020
Aloha nā Hoʻokele,
The wind is up and the surf is down. Beautiful tradewind days gracing our shores. Go sail!
Malama: Hinaiaʻeleʻele. Look for Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia high in the sky after sunset and Leo to the west with Regulus making her way back home to Lā Hoʻolua. Low clouds and consistent trades.
Mahina: Olekukahi. Moon is waning, Emi, after a brilliant full moon a few nights ago. Poor fishing and unproductive planting today. Good day to prune, prep and rest.
Ka Lā: ʻāina koʻolau (+22). Making her slow journey back to the piko.
ʻOlelo: E iho ana o luna E piʻi ana o lalo E hui ana na moku E ku ana ka paia.The high will be brought low. The low will be lifted up. The islands will be united. The walls shall stand upright. Adapted from David Malo, Hawaiian Antiquities. Pay attention. the times are changing. Fast.
Hana WaʻaBeen playing with some different steering paddle templates and serious trigonometry with Mr. Collo to measure out some of our lines for the Kaula Kia (standing rigging). Also been trying to get down to Hōkūleʻa during the week to help relash her monster ʻiako. It takes at least 4 large humans to pull the line tight enough. Holding that tension is another challenge all together. Respect.
Iʻve also attached a video of Kapena Archie Kalepaʻs Waʻa, Manaiakalani. She just made her maiden voyage from Hawaiʻi to Maui. I hope to pay her a visit when Iʻm on Maui this weekend.
Mālama,Kaniela
The wind is up and the surf is down. Beautiful tradewind days gracing our shores. Go sail!
Malama: Hinaiaʻeleʻele. Look for Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia high in the sky after sunset and Leo to the west with Regulus making her way back home to Lā Hoʻolua. Low clouds and consistent trades.
Mahina: Olekukahi. Moon is waning, Emi, after a brilliant full moon a few nights ago. Poor fishing and unproductive planting today. Good day to prune, prep and rest.
Ka Lā: ʻāina koʻolau (+22). Making her slow journey back to the piko.
ʻOlelo: E iho ana o luna E piʻi ana o lalo E hui ana na moku E ku ana ka paia.The high will be brought low. The low will be lifted up. The islands will be united. The walls shall stand upright. Adapted from David Malo, Hawaiian Antiquities. Pay attention. the times are changing. Fast.
Hana WaʻaBeen playing with some different steering paddle templates and serious trigonometry with Mr. Collo to measure out some of our lines for the Kaula Kia (standing rigging). Also been trying to get down to Hōkūleʻa during the week to help relash her monster ʻiako. It takes at least 4 large humans to pull the line tight enough. Holding that tension is another challenge all together. Respect.
Iʻve also attached a video of Kapena Archie Kalepaʻs Waʻa, Manaiakalani. She just made her maiden voyage from Hawaiʻi to Maui. I hope to pay her a visit when Iʻm on Maui this weekend.
Mālama,Kaniela
June 25, 2020
June 25, 2020
Hoʻokele,
Malama: Hinaiaʻeleʻele. Look for Manaiakalani (Mauiʻis fish hook, or Scorpio) dominating the evening sky from Malanai (SE) to Kona (SW) while the Navigatorʻs Triangle: Keoe, Humu, and Piraʻetea, fills the northern heavens. Also look for Jupiter and Saturn in the east after sunset and Venus if youʻre up before sunrise. Humid weather and possible sudden storms. Keep an eye out for more south swells and steady trades.
Mahina: Kukolu. Huli or slips planted today that produce three shoots. Fish abundant during dry season. Canoe and pole fish on reef in morning. Clear weather, wind blows til ʻole night
Ka Lā: ʻāina koʻolau. Declination +23 making its way back south along the compass after it reached the northern limit on June 20th, Ke Ala Polohiwa a Kāne.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: E Kaupē aku nō i ka hoe a kō mai. Put forward the paddle and draw it back. One step at a time.
Hana Waʻa:Mr. Collo and I finished the lashing on the spreader that the students built this past week and we worked to sand and varnish our additional pola (outer deck pieces). Mr. Jenkins and I went on a shopping spree at West Marine for all the safety equipment we will need when we get to the water.
Also got a chance to sail our sister waʻa, Wanana Paoa from Waimea back to Haleiwa this past Sunday. Check out the photos and video so you can see a similar waʻa fully rigged in action.
Hope you are all safe and healthy and finding some time to disconnect. Keep looking up.Mālama,Kaniela
Malama: Hinaiaʻeleʻele. Look for Manaiakalani (Mauiʻis fish hook, or Scorpio) dominating the evening sky from Malanai (SE) to Kona (SW) while the Navigatorʻs Triangle: Keoe, Humu, and Piraʻetea, fills the northern heavens. Also look for Jupiter and Saturn in the east after sunset and Venus if youʻre up before sunrise. Humid weather and possible sudden storms. Keep an eye out for more south swells and steady trades.
Mahina: Kukolu. Huli or slips planted today that produce three shoots. Fish abundant during dry season. Canoe and pole fish on reef in morning. Clear weather, wind blows til ʻole night
Ka Lā: ʻāina koʻolau. Declination +23 making its way back south along the compass after it reached the northern limit on June 20th, Ke Ala Polohiwa a Kāne.
ʻOlelo Noʻeau: E Kaupē aku nō i ka hoe a kō mai. Put forward the paddle and draw it back. One step at a time.
Hana Waʻa:Mr. Collo and I finished the lashing on the spreader that the students built this past week and we worked to sand and varnish our additional pola (outer deck pieces). Mr. Jenkins and I went on a shopping spree at West Marine for all the safety equipment we will need when we get to the water.
Also got a chance to sail our sister waʻa, Wanana Paoa from Waimea back to Haleiwa this past Sunday. Check out the photos and video so you can see a similar waʻa fully rigged in action.
Hope you are all safe and healthy and finding some time to disconnect. Keep looking up.Mālama,Kaniela