Oahu

Location: Maritime Education Center, Sand Island; Honolulu Oahu (Home of the Hokule’a)

3rd July 2011

The crew of Gaualofa was invited to church by Pastor Joe Hunkin and his congregation at the Church of Life Samoan Assembly of God. We were picked up by the church shuttle in the morning and made our way Waipahu where the service was held. The sermon was a powerful message that was delivered by the daughter of Pastor Joe. She spoke of getting out of your comfort zone. You had to be there to feel the message - the majority of us had wet checks at the end. After the service the church had us over for to’ona’i as well. The meal was just great as it was typical island food. We made our way back to Sand Island to take some delegates out for a day sail for the finale of the Kava Ocean Summit 2011. At the end of the day we were tired but satisfied.

4th July 2011

We started the day relaxing with a little maintenance and enjoying the company of our Samoan hosts. Kalolo and Fani went on an excursion to the North Shore in Haleiwa to swim with sharks. The invitation to swim with the sharks was extended by Stephanie “The-Shark-Lady”, who sailed with us from Hilo to Kualoa Bay. They took a boat out to the shark cage, which measures 8 by 8 metres, by 9 metres deep, and in two groups took turns swimming in the cages using snorkel gear. The sharks are attracted to the noise of the engine as crab/fishing boats come through the site. About 17 Galapagos sharks came close to the cage. They had an amazing time, which they kept on and on about!

Around 20:00 in the evening we took our Samoan hosts out to watch the American Independence Day fireworks out on the water in front of Waikiki Beach. It was such a spectacular sight – watching it from the moana we were all in awe. After the fireworks we made our way back to pier and had a bit of ava with a few of our Samoan hosts to wind down the day.

Soifua,
Gaualofa