Kawika Kapahulehua

Elia Kawika David Kuualoha Kapahulehua (July 13, 1930 – May 17, 2007) was a Hawaiian sailor who was the first to captain an ocean-voyaging canoe from Hawaii to Tahiti in modern times.

Background

Kapahulehua was born on Niihau, in 1930 and picked up the name "Kawika" as a young adult crewing catamarans on Waikiki Beach.Ohira, Rod (May 18, 2007)
Voyager was the 'perfect captain.'
'' Honolulu Advertiser''

Major accomplishments

The famed 1976 voyage of the ''Hōkūleʻa'' was beset with problems, but ultimately successful. The goal was to see if a , two-masted canoe that approximated ancient canoes could be sailed without navigational equipment on the journey. While navigator Mau Piailug guided the ship, Kapahulehua had to deal with 6 of 17 crew members who quit their duties at sea.

A 1978 attempt in which he did not participate capsized after six hours and led to the death of surfer Eddie Aikau.

Later life

In later life, he taught the Hawaiian language, wrote vocabulary books, and officiated at traditional Hawaiian rites. Kapahulehua died in Honolulu, Hawaii.Martin, Douglas (May 27, 2007)
Kawika Kapahulehua Dies; Hawaiian Seafarer Was 76
'' New York Times''

References

External links

Polynesian Voyaging Society

1930 births
2007 deaths
Hōkūleʻa
People from Niihau
Polynesian navigators

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