More than a thousand years ago, long before the arrival of the first Europeans, an intrepid seafaring people settled the islands of Polynesia. Where did they come from? How did they navigate vast ocean distances without instruments or charts? Writer, anthropologist and filmmaker Sam Low has sailed aboard Hokule’a – a replica of an ancient vessel used by Polynesians to explore one-third of earth’s surface (Hokule’a visited Martha’s Vineyard in 2016 on her voyage around the world). 

Sam will discuss how ancient canoe navigators found their way by a world of natural signs – the flight of birds, the winds, waves and stars – and he will share how these journeys are inspiring a cultural renaissance among Pacific peoples. His book, Hawaiki Rising – Hokule’a, Nainoa Thompson and the Hawaiian Renaissance is available at local libraries. His classic film – The Navigators – Pathfinders of the Pacific can be seen on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxgUjyqN7FU

Part of our 6th annual Maritime Month in honor of Gordon Goodwin and his family’s maritime heritage.