Vaka Marumaru Atua voyage to the Festival of Pacific Arts in Hawaii aims to revive traditional navigation techniques and celebrate cultural heritage, with a young crew mentored by experienced navigators.

The Cook Islands Voyaging Society’s Vaka Marumaru Atua will set sail for Hawaii next week to participate in the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (Festpac 2024) in Honolulu from June 6-16.

On Thursday, the Ve’eve’e farewell ceremony was held for the crew hosted by the Ui Ariki and the Government through the Tauranga Vananga (Ministry of Cultural Development) at Tuituikamoana (Avarua Wharf).

The voyage is more than a mere sea voyage, it represents the revival of traditional navigation techniques and a celebration of cultural heritage.

One advocate for the preservation of this traditional knowledge is Peia Patai, a revered navigator who believes in the importance of passing on this heritage to future generations.

Patai will serve as the captain of Vaka Marumaru Atua for this upcoming voyage.

Traditional navigator, Peia Patai is farewelled by Kaumaiti Nui, Tou Travel Ariki at the Ve’eve’e farewell ceremony. MELINA ETCHES/24050206

“It is very important that our traditional navigation techniques are passed down through generations,” says Patai, who highlights the significance of traditional knowledge and the impact of providing youth the opportunities to experience vaka voyages.

“I think now there is more urgency for us to pass that knowledge on, and that’s the biggest thing behind this, behind this voyage … for me to pass the knowledge on to our young people so that we are not going overseas to seek out more knowledge again.

“This knowledge will stay here, it is ours, so we have to grab it with both hands and pass it on to our young people.”

The vaka was initially scheduled to depart Rarotonga for Hawaii on yesterday, but unfavourable winds have delayed the trip until next week.

Patai says according to forecasts, the winds will likely be favourable for the vaka to leave this coming Tuesday.

Although Hawaii lies directly north of the Cook Islands, the vaka will need to track east to maintain course.

Marumaru Atua has a full crew of 16, which includes seven men from the Pa Enua.

“I’m pretty sure the young people who will be sailing with us are more excited than I am,” Patai says.

“I’m looking forward to how they will face the challenges and to see the outcome, and I don’t have any doubt in their ability.”

Daryl Ngaoire is 24 years old and is from the island of Mauke.

The voyage to Hawaii will be his first and longest trip sailing beyond Cook Islands waters.

“I’m keen to try this out, I know it’s going to be a long trip but I’m excited, there’s nothing to be afraid of,” says Ngaoire.

In his opening address at the Ve’eve’e ceremony, House of Ariki president, Kaumaiti Nui Tou Travel Ariki, noted the achievements of the late Sir Tom Davis, regarded as the “father” of voyaging in the Cook Islands.

Tou Ariki also acknowledged traditional navigator Tua Pittman, and patron of the Cook Islands Voyaging Society, Ian Karika, who along with Patai have each continued to teach and pass on their knowledge of voyaging.

Kaumaiti Nui gave his blessings and thanked the crew and the government for their support through Tauranga Vananga.

Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas farewells Vaka Marumaru Atua crew. MELINA ETCHES/24050219

Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas, who represented the Government, was proud to see the “resilient” crew ready to set sail to represent the country at the Festpac 2024.

“To our courageous, today we gather not only to bid farewell but also to send forth our vessel Marumaru Atua on a sacred mission to represent our culture and heritage at the Festival of Arts in Hawaii,” said Nicholas.

“Your skills, perseverance, and unity have brought us to this moment, and I have full confidence in your ability to navigate the seas to steer our vessel safely to its destination.

King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters, and Kaumaiti Nui, Tou Travel Ariki with the crew from Mitiaro. MELINA ETCHES/24050220

“As you embark on your voyage, may you find solace in the knowledge that you are not alone, and just as our ancestors traversed these waters with courage and resilience, so do you carry their legacy within you.”

Nicholas encouraged the crew to rely on the strength of one another.

“We offer our prayers for fair winds and smooth seas, and let the Spirit of God be your guiding light.

“May your voyage be filled with moments of wonder, camaraderie, and joy.”

The Vaka Marumaru Atua crew sailing to Hawaii are: Peia Patai, Deon Charles Wong, Olliver Murray David Oolders, Zebadiah Tetonga Revake, Steven Daniels, Ngatama Ria Tuakanangaro, Vaine Aue Metua Tauirarii, Tutere Peter Moetaua, Antony Sean Tekau-Ariki Vavia, David Roimata Rouru, Tuainepatira Ngametua, Moana Tamahae Ignatius Rakei, Daryl Ngaoire, Vavia Winaldo Puapii, Noah K L Nunokawa, and Kelii Justin Tsuyoshi Kaneshiro.

The Vaka Marumaru Atua crew sailing from Hawaii to Rarotonga are: Peia Patai, Deon Charles Wong, Olliver Murray David Oolders, Zebadiah Tetonga Revake, Steven Daniels, Ngatama Ria Tuakanangaro, Vaine Aue Metua Tauirarii, Teariki Gardner, Ian Karika, Evangelene Joy Kia Wong, Ben Raela, Jon Gossling, Josh Rowles, Sandy Ankli, and Andre Akavi.