HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing traditional Polynesian navigation and voyaging techniques.
It was founded in Hawaiʻi in 1973 and promotes cultural heritage through educational programs and epic ocean voyages using traditional double-hulled canoes like the Hokule'a.
KHON2.com was able to walaʻau with Chris Blake, who is a member of the crew and an active volunteer in preserving the rich traditions of Native Hawaiian culture.
We were able to explore the summer solstice, a special time of year that holds great significance for Native Hawaiians.
Blake explained that the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, is a time of great importance to Native Hawaiians. Long before Europeans arrived, the ancestors of Native Hawaiians were the world's greatest navigators.
They traveled vast distances across the Pacific Ocean, guided by their deep understanding of the natural world.
"Our ancestors were incredible observers of the stars, the sun, the weather, the winds and the waves," Blake said. "They had a profound connection to what we call the language of nature."
During the summer solstice, the sun reaches its furthest point north in the sky. Ancient Pacific Islanders knew this because they carefully tracked the sun's movement throughout the year. They understood that the Earth was round long before it was widely accepted by other cultures, thanks to their observations and travels.
One special place that holds great significance during the summer solstice is Mokumanamana, a small island located near the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5 degrees north latitude.
This line, known as ke ala polohiwa a Kāne, marks the boundary between the world of humans and the realms of the gods and spirits. It is a place where ancient Hawaiians made important observations about the sun and the stars.
Blake shared that Mokumanamana was not a permanent settlement but a site for significant rituals and observations. During the summer solstice, the sun would appear directly overhead at this latitude, making it a crucial marker for understanding the changing seasons.
"Our ancestors knew that this was the northernmost point the sun would reach," Blake explained. "After the solstice, the sun begins its journey southward again."
This knowledge was essential for navigation and for understanding the cycles of nature. The summer solstice marked the beginning of the drier months in Hawaiʻi, a time known as kauwela. It was a period when the days were longest, allowing for more daylight to conduct important activities and ceremonies.
Blake's passion for sharing this knowledge was evident as he spoke. He emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring these ancient traditions, which connect modern Native Hawaiians to their ancestors and the natural world.
As the summer solstice approached, Blake reflected on the wisdom of his ancestors. They had used their keen observations and understanding of nature to thrive in the vast Pacific Ocean. The solstice was more than just a day on the calendar; it was a reminder of the deep connection between the Hawaiian people and the world around them.
With the longest day of the year upon them, Blake and the people of Hawaiʻi looked forward to the changing seasons. Guided by the wisdom of their ancestors and the enduring language of nature, they celebrated the summer solstice with gratitude and respect for the natural world.
Blake's story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring cultural traditions. The summer solstice, with its rich history and significance, continues to inspire and connect the people of Hawaiʻi to their roots and the ever-changing world around them.