Learn the story of Hokule‘a

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center will host its Summer 2013 Wayfinding Talk on Friday, June 7, featuring presentations by author Sam Low and navigator Nainoa Thompson. The 2013-14 Wayfinding Talks are being sponsored through support from Matson.

Starting at 7 p.m., in the Earl and Doris Bakken Moanahoku Hall, Low will introduce his new book, “Hawaiki Rising.” The book is the epic tale of the formation of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, the 1976 and 1980 voyages, and the initiation in 2007 of five Hawaiian men into Pwo, a sacred initiation in the hierarchy of traditional navigators.

The story of Polynesian voyaging has fascinated Low most of his life. In 1983, after traveling throughout Polynesia, he produced his award-winning film, “The Navigators — Pathfinders of the Pacific,” shown nationally on PBS and internationally on television venues throughout the world. “Hawaiki Rising” is available in the ‘Imiloa Store and Low will sign copies.

Following Low’s talk, Thompson will speak on Malama Honua, the upcoming Worldwide Voyage. He will share the ambitious plans to sail two voyaging canoes, Hokule‘a and Hikianalia, around the planet on a voyage that aims to cover 45,000 nautical miles, visit 26 countries and stop at over 62 ports.

Born in Honolulu, Thompson graduated from Punahou School in 1972 and earned a bachelor’s degree in ocean science in 1986 from the University of Hawaii. Thompson was trained by master navigator Mau Piailug from the Micronesian island of Satawal. Thompson’s first solo, deep-sea navigation was from Hawaii to Tahiti in 1980. On March 18, 2007, Thompson and four other Native Hawaiian navigators were inducted into Pwo as master navigators.

Low has sailed aboard Hokule‘a on three voyages: from Mangareva to Rapa Nui in 1999, Tahiti to Hawaii in 2000, and from Chuuk to Satawal, both in Micronesia, in 2007. He is the author of many articles on Hokule‘a and her meaning to Polynesians.

The Friday night wayfinding program costs $10, with member discounts.