The National Park of American Samoa has assumed the role of playing host to the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s (PVS) Hokule’a and Hikianalia crewmembers that are in the territory for the second time in less than two months, and are scheduled to depart American Samoa next week.

This past Wednesday, a handful of representatives from the Hokule’a and Hikianalia conducted outreach through storytelling and informative sessions at Leatele Elementary School in Fagasa, as well as Coleman Elementary School in Pago Pago.

According to one of the teachers, the students benefited greatly in that they were able to hear stories about wayfinding and navigation the old fashioned traditional way, as taught by our ancestors and passed on from generation to generation.

During the outreach sessions, the PVS crewmembers shared their knowledge and experience of sailing on board the Hokule’a and Hikianalia, and how this all ties in with the mission of Malama Honua in conserving, preserving, and protecting our oceans.

During the upcoming week, the PVS representatives will be visiting other local schools, including the American Samoa Community College. The crews will depart next week and head over to the Kingdom of Tonga and then on to New Zealand.

The worldwide voyage is on a mission to circle the entire globe using nothing but a traditional vessel and the stars and ocean currents to direct them.