‘Imiloa navigator-in-residence to talk about Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center will welcome back Chad Kalepa Baybayan, who recently returned to Hawaii after three years as captain and senior crew member on the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage.

Baybayan is resuming his position as ‘Imiloa’s navigator-in-residence, a role in which he will lead the continuing development of the center’s diverse portfolio of wayfinding-themed educational curricula, activities and materials.

‘Imiloa will host a special evening with Baybayan, who will present his experiences in a talk titled “Bringing Home the Lessons of the Worldwide Voyage.” The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 22 in Moanahoku Hall.

Guests will have an opportunity to hear a firsthand report about the epic journey of the iconic double-hulled sailing canoe Hokule‘a, which traveled 42,000 nautical miles in three years, visiting 150 ports in more than 20 countries, while training a new generation of navigators, educators, scientists and community stewards.

In addition to lessons learned, Baybayan will discuss voyage’s mission to grow a global movement to “malama honua,” or “care for our place on island Earth and its people.”

Baybayan has been an active participant in the Polynesian voyaging renaissance since 1975. In 2007, he was one of five Hawaiian men initiated into the order of Pwo, a 2,000-year-old society of deep-sea navigators, by their teacher, master navigator Mau Piailug on the island of Satawal.

Baybayan has served as ‘Imiloa’s first navigator-in residence since his appointment in 2009 and staff members are thrilled to welcome him home.

Space is limited. General admission tickets are $10, $8 for ‘Imiloa members. Pre-purchase tickets at ‘Imiloa’s front desk or by phone at 932-8901.