Iosepa, BYU–Hawaii’s traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe, recently completed its sail around the island of Oahu and returned to Laie Bay on August 28.
The students who trained and traveled on the canoe learned more than just traditional navigation and sailing techniques. “They are trained in leadership, collaboration, and responsibility, to know their kuleana, (stewardship),” said Hiagi Wesley, Director of the Jonathan Napela Center for Pacific Studies. “If they do not do their part they could sink; but working together, they can reach their destination.” The destination is both literal and figurative. “When we are out on the water, we have no modern amenities,” said Jared Kahaialii. “We are able to appreciate God’s creations, and are given the opportunity to think and reflect; I learned so much about myself and where I am going.”
Iosepa serves as a floating classroom for the students in the Hawaiian Studies program at BYU–Hawaii, as well as a bridge between the Polynesian Cultural Center, BYU–Hawaii, and the community. “I learned so many lessons from my fellow crewmembers including teamwork, unity, and especially humility,” said Madison Lenhart. “Your weaknesses have the tendency to be magnified on the canoe, and you have to learn to rely on each other. You learn an absolute acceptance of each other is necessary, or else the right environment of unity would not exist on the canoe.”
This voyage was a collection of firsts. It was the first time Iosepa sailed around the island of O‘ahu, the first time it used its large kite sail, and, for the first time since it was berthed, the Iosepa carried Kupuna and community members on a series of day-sails. “It was great to see the younger generation working and interacting with the older generation,” said Kahaialii. “You could see the way the Kupuna lit up when they were on the canoe – they helped us pull rope, steer the canoe and taught us about their ancestors.” BYU–Hawaii President Steven C. Wheelwright shared, “When I first came to BYU–Hawaii, many of the Kupuna asked me to let them on the canoe, this year we’re grateful were able to make it a reality.”
Several weeks leading up to the launch of the Iosepa, trainings were held in the Halau Wa‘a at the Polynesian Cultural Center to certify people to be aboard the canoe while in the ocean. “We had wonderful participation from the community members,” said Wesley. “This voyage helped us to connect to the community that supports our campus and activities.”
“This time around, I was able to see everything from a different perspective,” said Ryan Hanohano, who traveled with the canoe before. “I was on the escort boat. When you are on deck, you are focused on your work and all the details; being on the escort boat I got to see how all the pieces fit together in harmony. It looked so peaceful and beautiful.”
Iosepa was captained by Chad Paishon of the island of Hawaii; he is also the captain of the Makalii, a canoe based on the Big Island of Hawaii. “I have always told people when I am going to Laie that I am going home. Laie is home to me, and I was honored to be here with you for this historic occasion,” said Paishon at the welcome ceremony for the Iosepa.
Following the trip around the island, the Iosepa, its captain and crew were greeted at Hukilau beach with a large welcome ceremony attended by the Kupuna, community members, President and Sister Margaret Wheelwright, and the many others who helped support the sailing of this floating classroom.