Position: 31°18.1’ N / 159°42.4’ W (Somewhere in the North Pacific Ocean)
It’s a beautiful day, meaning sunny with low cumulus clouds and no other type above. We have north easterly swells and wind on our fine starboard beam; we’re a tad farther upwind from the rest of fleet and have received orders to change our course from direct north to 20 degrees west of north. This will bring us closer to the fleet (we’re slightly behind them at the moment but it’s not a big deal, we’re averaging 7 knots in winds of 8-14 knots) but still upwind from them so that when we’re given directions from our fleet Captain or leading Navigators to change course directly east we would have made good ground for the turn.
After a full hour of daily housekeeping we settled into breakfast, Lolesio made wholemeal bread garnished with onions, tomatoes and cheddar cheese, lightly grilled with boiled eggs with a large selection of hot beverages: tea (100 types!), real coffee and cocoa.
The whole morning we’ve had our radio on, a large variety of music blaring from our home made speakers: two large 20kg buckets with small speakers attached to the lids. We bring them out during days like this and store them when the weather is foul.
Lolesio has prepared roast lamb for lunch and we’re now trying to figure out what to have it with: rice or potatoes. Of course Lolesio has now vetoed both suggestions as there’s still left over taro from last night. Things become basic on board - safety, shelter and food are the usual challenges and cause most of the dynamics.
We’ve been going through our saimin (instant noodles) rations pretty quickly. Thank you to our new aiga(s) in Hawaii who have welcomed us into their homes and hearts and providing us with food provisions and grooming accessories (faafetai lava Talu J ). The crew would like to send their faafetai tele lava and alofa’aga to our new found families in the Hawaiian Islands, your endless generosity and support knows no bounds.
Faafetai faafetai tele lava.
Soifua,
FB
Gaualofa.
Samoa Voyaging Society - Aiga Folau O Samoa
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Farewell Hawaii
12th July 2011
Today we leave Hawaii and head to California. In the afternoon, after preparations had been made to the va’a, Nainoa Thompson briefed the navigators on the sail plan to San Francisco. Afterwards the fleet made their way to the beach for a final goodbye.
Marc joined us one last time for our custom belief ritual as we made our way out of Hanalei bay. In this ritual, held at every departure to sea, we open the way for a safe sail, and bind our crew together. And at every arrival we close this door. In joining us for this custom belief, knowing that he will not be in San Francisco to close the door, we are all assured that Skipper Marc will one day join us again to close the door; a time we all look forward to.
Once again we are out in the Moana Sausau; feeling the wind in our hair, having the sea spray stinging our eyes, and searching the sky for the night’s first star. It feels familiar. It feels comfortable - I guess we have made it our home out here.
We would like to send a big fa’afetai tele lava to all the families, churches and friends who have made Hawaii a second home to us.
In Hawaii Hilo thank you to Afioa Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, Afioga Muagututi'a Lima Tamasese
Susuga Talauega, Ekalesia Aso Fitu in Hilo, Ekalesia CCCs in Kona and Ese Uhrley.
In Maui thanks to the Canoe Club, to Una and Paul.
In Moloka’i, thank you to Iese Tanielu, our host for the Hawaiian 'Ava Ceremony.
In Oahu, thank you to Afioga Afimutasi Gus Hunneman and his good lady, AOG Samoan Congregation with Pastor Hunkin, Chief Malietoatauasa Folosielu Avea and ausiva, Susuga George Meleisea and family, Nainoa Thomson, the crew and management of Hokule'a, 'Alo from Fagasa Am.Samoa, the Tokelauan community, the American Samoan community, the Samoan community, the Filipino community, Olelo Television with Galumalemana Molesi, Hanna and Siiva, Live Sene and family.
In Kauai, thank you to Cordelia “Talu” Chang, Pastor Joe Hanneman and the Samoan aiga.
And many more individuals known to God.
Lea ua manuia uma matou ma fiafia.
Soifua,
FB
Gaualofa
Today we leave Hawaii and head to California. In the afternoon, after preparations had been made to the va’a, Nainoa Thompson briefed the navigators on the sail plan to San Francisco. Afterwards the fleet made their way to the beach for a final goodbye.
Marc joined us one last time for our custom belief ritual as we made our way out of Hanalei bay. In this ritual, held at every departure to sea, we open the way for a safe sail, and bind our crew together. And at every arrival we close this door. In joining us for this custom belief, knowing that he will not be in San Francisco to close the door, we are all assured that Skipper Marc will one day join us again to close the door; a time we all look forward to.
Once again we are out in the Moana Sausau; feeling the wind in our hair, having the sea spray stinging our eyes, and searching the sky for the night’s first star. It feels familiar. It feels comfortable - I guess we have made it our home out here.
We would like to send a big fa’afetai tele lava to all the families, churches and friends who have made Hawaii a second home to us.
In Hawaii Hilo thank you to Afioa Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, Afioga Muagututi'a Lima Tamasese
Susuga Talauega, Ekalesia Aso Fitu in Hilo, Ekalesia CCCs in Kona and Ese Uhrley.
In Maui thanks to the Canoe Club, to Una and Paul.
In Moloka’i, thank you to Iese Tanielu, our host for the Hawaiian 'Ava Ceremony.
In Oahu, thank you to Afioga Afimutasi Gus Hunneman and his good lady, AOG Samoan Congregation with Pastor Hunkin, Chief Malietoatauasa Folosielu Avea and ausiva, Susuga George Meleisea and family, Nainoa Thomson, the crew and management of Hokule'a, 'Alo from Fagasa Am.Samoa, the Tokelauan community, the American Samoan community, the Samoan community, the Filipino community, Olelo Television with Galumalemana Molesi, Hanna and Siiva, Live Sene and family.
In Kauai, thank you to Cordelia “Talu” Chang, Pastor Joe Hanneman and the Samoan aiga.
And many more individuals known to God.
Lea ua manuia uma matou ma fiafia.
Soifua,
FB
Gaualofa
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Kauai - 11th July 2011
Position: Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands
Last night our crew and Hine Moana crew (who sailed last year under Marc) all got together for a farewell dinner for Marc. It was really beautiful and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. We were joined by Dieter Paulman and his wife Hanna who came to pay their respects to Marc and relay their never-ending support to the crews. After a sumptuous meal, and great company, we made our way back to the va’a to ready ourselves for the next day: our departure ceremony.
Today we took our Samoan hosts and local community for a day sail: it’s our way to express our gratitude for all they have done for us. After the sail, we went to the departure ceremony held in the communal tents. Each crew member was introduced to our Hawaiian hosts and gifts of respect and gratitude were given. When all was done, we had dinner and made our way back to the va’a. Onboard Gaualofa we held an informal ava gathering for Marc’s departure and to welcome our new skipper, Jef.
We were also introduced to our new crew member Makanani from Hawaii, a pioneering voyager from Hokule’a. We hope to learn more of traditional voyaging and are sure he will become an influential cultural leader.
Gaualofa
Last night our crew and Hine Moana crew (who sailed last year under Marc) all got together for a farewell dinner for Marc. It was really beautiful and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. We were joined by Dieter Paulman and his wife Hanna who came to pay their respects to Marc and relay their never-ending support to the crews. After a sumptuous meal, and great company, we made our way back to the va’a to ready ourselves for the next day: our departure ceremony.
Today we took our Samoan hosts and local community for a day sail: it’s our way to express our gratitude for all they have done for us. After the sail, we went to the departure ceremony held in the communal tents. Each crew member was introduced to our Hawaiian hosts and gifts of respect and gratitude were given. When all was done, we had dinner and made our way back to the va’a. Onboard Gaualofa we held an informal ava gathering for Marc’s departure and to welcome our new skipper, Jef.
We were also introduced to our new crew member Makanani from Hawaii, a pioneering voyager from Hokule’a. We hope to learn more of traditional voyaging and are sure he will become an influential cultural leader.
Gaualofa
Sunday, July 10, 2011
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
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
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Oahu, Hawai'i - 29th July 2011
Although there was plenty to do, it seemed that much of the day today was spent working hard to eat! After the usual huge a la carte breakfast, we set in to cleaning up and reorganizing the va’a. There was plenty to clear out, clean out, and even throw out (not too much interest in the lettuce on board!), and we all settled into a good morning of reggae and deck cleaning to prepare for another linseed oil coating. After a bit of scrubbing and singing we were greeted by Live who is a local Samoan here in Oahu, and a massive feed for Gaualofa! So big was his generosity, that we needed help from the other crews to make a dent in everything! We were very grateful, especially the other va’a, and just when we finished it was time to get cleaned up for the fiafia on the west side of the island that evening. And what a fiafia it was!
Chief Sielu Avea, who earlier greeted us at Kualoa with his performance group, does shows at Ko Olina twice a week for the tourists, but this one was special. In perfectly manicured surroundings the Chief - who incidentally has starred in a 20 minute short film (fittingly called ‘Chief’) that has won heaps of awards including Sundance Film Festival honours - began his show by warming up the crowd and paying tribute to the crew of the Gaualofa. His humble and skilful mastery of performance was sharp straight through, from honouring Samoan traditions of ‘ava to paying respects to those before us. With a break to enjoy a traditional luau with roast pork cooked underground and fresh poi, everyone was well fed once again. The performers were especially happy to pay tribute to the voyage by doing their best, and it was nothing short of fantastic. They jumped from island to island doing impressions of the cultural traditions of the pacific from Aotearoa, Tonga, Rarotonga, Tahiti, Hawai’i, and finally Samoa. There was singing, dancing, haka, the whole lot all in one show. Everything was so entertaining; his humour especially cracked us off! They even organized a perfect sunset over the lagoon.
With a final Tau’alunga and the entire crew joining in on the outdoor stage, everyone roared applause at the ailao afi finale to conclude a very special fiafia evening. People were very kind and offered donations and even requests to come visit the crew, not only here but also in California when we arrive! With a final prayer after the show, we bid our farewells to the performers and Chief Sielu Avea, just in case they were not able to come out for a sail this weekend, and then headed back to the va’a. It was a beautiful night, and with warm hearts we went to sleep smiling.
The community here has truly shown what hospitality and kindness is all about. Their generosity and support has rivalled even the Hawai’ian hosts at times. We have been blessed by their assistance of food, fundraising, and alofa, and the pride they fill us with is immeasurable. To Siaosi, Live, Chief Sielu Avea, and High Chief Afimutasi Gus Hannemann, e kore e mutu nga mihi ki a koutou katoa nga whaanau whaanui o Gaualofa, fa’afetai tele atu.
Jef Ikenn
Gaualofa
Chief Sielu Avea, who earlier greeted us at Kualoa with his performance group, does shows at Ko Olina twice a week for the tourists, but this one was special. In perfectly manicured surroundings the Chief - who incidentally has starred in a 20 minute short film (fittingly called ‘Chief’) that has won heaps of awards including Sundance Film Festival honours - began his show by warming up the crowd and paying tribute to the crew of the Gaualofa. His humble and skilful mastery of performance was sharp straight through, from honouring Samoan traditions of ‘ava to paying respects to those before us. With a break to enjoy a traditional luau with roast pork cooked underground and fresh poi, everyone was well fed once again. The performers were especially happy to pay tribute to the voyage by doing their best, and it was nothing short of fantastic. They jumped from island to island doing impressions of the cultural traditions of the pacific from Aotearoa, Tonga, Rarotonga, Tahiti, Hawai’i, and finally Samoa. There was singing, dancing, haka, the whole lot all in one show. Everything was so entertaining; his humour especially cracked us off! They even organized a perfect sunset over the lagoon.
With a final Tau’alunga and the entire crew joining in on the outdoor stage, everyone roared applause at the ailao afi finale to conclude a very special fiafia evening. People were very kind and offered donations and even requests to come visit the crew, not only here but also in California when we arrive! With a final prayer after the show, we bid our farewells to the performers and Chief Sielu Avea, just in case they were not able to come out for a sail this weekend, and then headed back to the va’a. It was a beautiful night, and with warm hearts we went to sleep smiling.
The community here has truly shown what hospitality and kindness is all about. Their generosity and support has rivalled even the Hawai’ian hosts at times. We have been blessed by their assistance of food, fundraising, and alofa, and the pride they fill us with is immeasurable. To Siaosi, Live, Chief Sielu Avea, and High Chief Afimutasi Gus Hannemann, e kore e mutu nga mihi ki a koutou katoa nga whaanau whaanui o Gaualofa, fa’afetai tele atu.
Jef Ikenn
Gaualofa
Monday, June 20, 2011
Hawaii - 18th June 2011
Position: Radio Bay- Waimea- (Hilo, Hawaii)
Talofa Lava to Aiga, Friends and Everyone who have been devotedly following our voyage. We’d like to formally apologise to the lateness in our updates, it’s been quite an event while in Hilo and we’ve been having slight technical logistic challenges in getting this off to you. Enough with the excuses and on with what had happened today.
It was an early day as the fleet was treated with a tour and ceremony today hosted by the Makali’i family (Na Kalai Wa`a Moku o Hawai`i). Makali’i for those who are not aware is a double hull voyaging canoe which is based in Hawaii and has similar missions and goals as Gaualofa. We had three buses for our tour and everyone started loading up, as we had a strict schedule to stick to according to our Makali’i family. Our first stop was in Waimea, for a scenic tour of the two valleys by the Pacific Ocean, it was also a much needed bathroom break for the crews as the drive there from Hilo was about 1 and a half.!
The tour continued onto Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site in Kawaihae. The Heiau (stone temple or paepae) is quite majestic, measuring 68. 2 metres in length and 30 metres in width, made of large red stones said to be from Polulu Valley and moved by a human chain over 22.5 km long. The Heiau, considered to be the last one constructed in Hawaii, was built by King Kamehameha I in dedication to Kūkā'ilimoku (a war god). It was prophesied by the high priest Kāpoūkahi that only after building the temple would King Kamehameha be able to conquer the whole of Hawaii. The king directed that the temple be built immediately on Puukohola (Whale Hill). Less than a year later the temple was finished. King Kamehameha invited his rival Keō Kūahu’ula to the dedication, who was sacrificed on the spot. The death of his rival quickly ended all resistance and the prophesy was soon fulfilled - in 1810 King Kamehameha I was the revered sovereign of all the Hawaiian Islands.
After our tour we made our way down to the Makali’i base which is within walking distance from the Heiau. The base is pretty cool: it’s a couple of old movie sets that have been reinforced and reconstructed to suit the voyaging society. The base is right by the water and it was quite windy that day, possibly 18+ knots - really great sailing weather. While we had lunch and caught up with the Makali’i family we could see shark fins in the water - quite a sight.
We were soon back on the bus and making our way to another base of the Makali’i family. On arrival our hosts directed us to a hill right over a cliff overlooking the channel between Hawaii and Maui, where a ceremony would take place. You could almost see the currents between the islands. The Honourable Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin was present for this ceremony as it was quite an important binding ceremony and show of support. The fleet was greeted with chanting and hula dances by our Hawaiian cousins; each va’a participated in a braiding ceremony connecting tea leaves to a set of stones in the middle. The inspiration of this ceremony reflects the braided leaves as tentacles of the fe’e (octopus) reaching out to everyone.
Regardless of the distances and differences each Island is connected. Afterwards, the navigators and captains were invited to take the braided tea leaves up to a hill next to the cliffs. According to oral history this hill was used for training by the navigators of old. The hill had a sense of tranquillity to it, quite relaxing. The group stayed a bit longer then what was required while the rest of the fleet and Makali’i family found time to connect.
It’s a great feeling to be finally on land again as well as being in Hawaii. It’s been one of our goals from the beginning to meet our cousins in the Northern Hemisphere. This goal has been marked, though our voyage is far from over.
Mahalo nui loa
Fealofani Bruun
Gaualofa
Talofa Lava to Aiga, Friends and Everyone who have been devotedly following our voyage. We’d like to formally apologise to the lateness in our updates, it’s been quite an event while in Hilo and we’ve been having slight technical logistic challenges in getting this off to you. Enough with the excuses and on with what had happened today.
It was an early day as the fleet was treated with a tour and ceremony today hosted by the Makali’i family (Na Kalai Wa`a Moku o Hawai`i). Makali’i for those who are not aware is a double hull voyaging canoe which is based in Hawaii and has similar missions and goals as Gaualofa. We had three buses for our tour and everyone started loading up, as we had a strict schedule to stick to according to our Makali’i family. Our first stop was in Waimea, for a scenic tour of the two valleys by the Pacific Ocean, it was also a much needed bathroom break for the crews as the drive there from Hilo was about 1 and a half.!
The tour continued onto Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site in Kawaihae. The Heiau (stone temple or paepae) is quite majestic, measuring 68. 2 metres in length and 30 metres in width, made of large red stones said to be from Polulu Valley and moved by a human chain over 22.5 km long. The Heiau, considered to be the last one constructed in Hawaii, was built by King Kamehameha I in dedication to Kūkā'ilimoku (a war god). It was prophesied by the high priest Kāpoūkahi that only after building the temple would King Kamehameha be able to conquer the whole of Hawaii. The king directed that the temple be built immediately on Puukohola (Whale Hill). Less than a year later the temple was finished. King Kamehameha invited his rival Keō Kūahu’ula to the dedication, who was sacrificed on the spot. The death of his rival quickly ended all resistance and the prophesy was soon fulfilled - in 1810 King Kamehameha I was the revered sovereign of all the Hawaiian Islands.
After our tour we made our way down to the Makali’i base which is within walking distance from the Heiau. The base is pretty cool: it’s a couple of old movie sets that have been reinforced and reconstructed to suit the voyaging society. The base is right by the water and it was quite windy that day, possibly 18+ knots - really great sailing weather. While we had lunch and caught up with the Makali’i family we could see shark fins in the water - quite a sight.
We were soon back on the bus and making our way to another base of the Makali’i family. On arrival our hosts directed us to a hill right over a cliff overlooking the channel between Hawaii and Maui, where a ceremony would take place. You could almost see the currents between the islands. The Honourable Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin was present for this ceremony as it was quite an important binding ceremony and show of support. The fleet was greeted with chanting and hula dances by our Hawaiian cousins; each va’a participated in a braiding ceremony connecting tea leaves to a set of stones in the middle. The inspiration of this ceremony reflects the braided leaves as tentacles of the fe’e (octopus) reaching out to everyone.
Regardless of the distances and differences each Island is connected. Afterwards, the navigators and captains were invited to take the braided tea leaves up to a hill next to the cliffs. According to oral history this hill was used for training by the navigators of old. The hill had a sense of tranquillity to it, quite relaxing. The group stayed a bit longer then what was required while the rest of the fleet and Makali’i family found time to connect. It’s a great feeling to be finally on land again as well as being in Hawaii. It’s been one of our goals from the beginning to meet our cousins in the Northern Hemisphere. This goal has been marked, though our voyage is far from over.
Mahalo nui loa
Fealofani Bruun
Gaualofa
Friday, June 3, 2011
Nuku Hiva, Marquesas, Islands - 1st June 2011
Position: Taiohae; Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands
Today is Samoan Independence Day and we're celebrating it a little bit different here in Nuku Hiva. As today's the last day of provisioning and cleaning and the next couple of days are just for rest and recreation that is what we are actively working at: restocking and cleaning the va'a. Later this afternoonwe will have the closing ceremony for our time here in Nuku Hiva. The mayors of many other villages will be in attendance. With the closing ceremony only a few hours away we know that our time on land will end soon.
Yesterday was a good day. The district of Nuku Hiva gave the fleet a treat by taking us on a tour around the island, mainly to the north eastern side. The area is known for its paepae, valleys, rivers and good anchorage, just to name a few. On our way to the eastern side we stopped at an archaeological site called Kamuihei. The site was a gathering place for the people of Nuku Hiva and the whole Marquesas island group. The site is on the face of a mountain, and has stone structures in it. It’s as large as a Rugby field. There are structures made out of large stones that have been placed in a paepae format and then set up as terraces going up the mountain. The terraces are actually called paepae just like in Samoa. Aside from the paepae there are carved stone structures of animals: turtles, an animal that is in harmony with both the land and sea.
Later in the tour we were driven down to the village, Hatiheu, to where the local community there has just opened a museum. The mayor of the village, Ivonne Katupa, was there to welcome us. The museum is dedicated to restoring artefacts from the site as well as preserving their culture.
While some of Gaualofa crew were on the trip the other half stayed behind to give a few of the local kids a tour of our va'a. They had such a good time that more will be coming later today. The people here are as beautiful as their motu. W its lush forests and sheer mountains. their hospitality is never ending. We've eaten like kings here: taro, goat, pua’a, povi, moa, fai, manioca and more; it reminds us a little bit of home, lo'u Samoa.
Faafetai tele samoa mo le taupuaiga
Gaualofa
Today is Samoan Independence Day and we're celebrating it a little bit different here in Nuku Hiva. As today's the last day of provisioning and cleaning and the next couple of days are just for rest and recreation that is what we are actively working at: restocking and cleaning the va'a. Later this afternoonwe will have the closing ceremony for our time here in Nuku Hiva. The mayors of many other villages will be in attendance. With the closing ceremony only a few hours away we know that our time on land will end soon.
Yesterday was a good day. The district of Nuku Hiva gave the fleet a treat by taking us on a tour around the island, mainly to the north eastern side. The area is known for its paepae, valleys, rivers and good anchorage, just to name a few. On our way to the eastern side we stopped at an archaeological site called Kamuihei. The site was a gathering place for the people of Nuku Hiva and the whole Marquesas island group. The site is on the face of a mountain, and has stone structures in it. It’s as large as a Rugby field. There are structures made out of large stones that have been placed in a paepae format and then set up as terraces going up the mountain. The terraces are actually called paepae just like in Samoa. Aside from the paepae there are carved stone structures of animals: turtles, an animal that is in harmony with both the land and sea.
Later in the tour we were driven down to the village, Hatiheu, to where the local community there has just opened a museum. The mayor of the village, Ivonne Katupa, was there to welcome us. The museum is dedicated to restoring artefacts from the site as well as preserving their culture.
While some of Gaualofa crew were on the trip the other half stayed behind to give a few of the local kids a tour of our va'a. They had such a good time that more will be coming later today. The people here are as beautiful as their motu. W its lush forests and sheer mountains. their hospitality is never ending. We've eaten like kings here: taro, goat, pua’a, povi, moa, fai, manioca and more; it reminds us a little bit of home, lo'u Samoa.
Faafetai tele samoa mo le taupuaiga
Gaualofa
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