Nainoa Thompson: Native Hawaiian Master Navigator

This son of Hawai`i spent many years of his life pursuing unbelievably adventurous journeys. Since 1976, Nainoa has been a driving force in the design, construction, sailing, and navigation of the double-hulled canoe, Hōkūle`a (Star of Gladness) and other notable canoes. He is the first Hawaiian to have mastered the art of wayfinding, or the use of non-instrument navigation, which dates back to the 14th century. 

Nainoa’s first long journey was in 1980, when he navigated the Hōkūle`a  from Hawai`i to Tahiti and back using his knowledge of wayfinding. Five years later, he guided the Hōkūle`a across Polynesia from Hawai`i to New Zealand and back. His most well-known expedition, however, which spanned the period of 2013 – 2019, was the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage, (“to care for our Earth”), which included more than 150 ports of call (including MD, VA, and Washington, DC), 18 countries, and eight of UNESCO’s Marine World Heritage sites. 

Imagine … circumnavigating the earth’s oceans in a double-hulled canoe, using the stars and winds to guide a small crew. At one point in October 2015, they were approaching one of the most treacherous legs of their voyage, The Cape of Good Hope. The crew considered putting the Hōkūle`a on a cargo ship in order to safely guide her around South Africa’s southern tip, where the warm and cold currents of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans collide, thereby creating extremely perilous waves. Cautiously balancing risk-taking with preparedness, Nainoa chose to forge ahead, and the Hōkūle`a continued its goodwill stops, sharing their support of a “global indigenous revival and response to climate change.” 

Nainoa continues working with Hawai`i educators on programs for the school children of Hawai`i to teach them about Polynesian voyaging traditions and instill them with pride in their ancient seafaring heritage. The program focuses on combining ancient traditions with modern-day science and technology to learn about the ocean and sky and environmental principles and ethics based on traditional values.

"Onolicious!"

Furikake-Scallion Mayo Baked Salmon

This is a simplified version of one of Hawai`i’s local favorite dish that really doesn’t take that much time from preparation to the dinner table! 4 Servings.

Ingredients

• 4 6-oz salmon filets
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 large scallions (finely chopped)
• 2 TBS furikake (you can find this in any Asian market (small bottle of seaweed flakes and other ingredients) 
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. In a bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, scallions, furikake, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
3. Place the salmon on an oiled baking sheet, then divide the mayo mixture between the salmon.
4. Bake salmon until top becomes golden brown and salmon is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Serve with additional chopped scallions and lemon wedge.

A Peek Behind a Curtain

Did you know that `Iolani Palace offers “White Glove” tours, where guests are able to go beyond the stanchions during a private and intimate tour led by the palace’s historian?

Guests are able to get a closer look at many precious objects in the Throne Room, State Dining Room, and King Kalākaua’s Library. The historian shares mo`olelo (stories) of the distinguished monarchs and the notable impact on the world.

Here’s a great article from Honolulu Magazine: ‘Iolani Palace’s New Tour Provides a Behind-the-Ropes Experience

EHCC Activities

Jun 26 (Sat): Mahalo to all who attended June's E Pena Kākou! (Letʻs Paint!) Workshop. We loved sharing this time with all of you! 

Jul 1 (Thurs): We are extending the membership deadline to coincide with the date on which you submit your application. Reminder that for 2021, membership is FREE. Be sure to visit our website for more details (eligibility, steps, and FAQs) and apply. Application Deadline: July 1, 2021, 11:59 PM, ET. Learn more.

Jul 25-Aug 29 (Sundays): EHCC is pleased to present the third part of the Rise! Keiki Vibrancy Series featuring, Moana (Ocean/Voyaging). The time is from 11AM - 11:45AM EST. The cost is Free! Register here.

Community Connections

Jul 1-3: Watch the 58th Annual Merrie Monarch Hula Competition on Hawaiʻi News Now each night beginning at 6:00pm HST. Click here to stream the Merrie Monarch Festival online. Learn more here.

Jul 18: 51st Annual Ukulele Festival Hawaii - Oahu, presented by Hawaiian Host - Festival Day. On the day of the event, please visit the Official Festival Youtube Channel. The event will begin at 9AM HST (3PM EST). If you would like to join in on the LIVE CHAT, log in or create your free YouTube Account. This will give you a chance to say “Hello!” to us and your fellow ‘ukulele lovers! Join in here.

Jul 23: Pa`i presents Kuana Torres Zoom hula series "Waikahuli" Friday, July 23, 2021 at 10AM HST (4PM EST). Cost $40. Learn more here.

Jul 23: Pa`i presents Kuana Torres Zoom hula series "Palisa" Friday, July 23, 2021 at 1PM HST (7PM EST). Cost $40. Learn more here.

Interested in sharing something in our Newsletter? How about a special event or announcement?

Please send an email to: Marilyn@ealaehcc.org