Aloha mai kākou,
Ke’ili, Chris and Kalani here - the whole Nāhōkūhoʻokelewa’a crew togetha and ready fo go!
We have spent the last year preparing, and the last two days doing final errands, double triple checks, and stocking up on provisions.
With a rare southern breeze visiting the west coast, we plan to take off Sunday morning headed to Oʻahu - hopefully to sweet waimanalo
Aunty Tracy and Monique helped us with a final Costco, REI, Trader Joe, and Water run - mahalo aunties for keeping us fed and nourished and organized!
Dad came to the rescue in his big ‘ol van accompanied by endless rations of breakfast burritos to keep us rolling through the days - thanks dad!!
Brian, Tracy, Elsa, Kholars, Bob and crew escorting us out the bay
Uncle Curtis sent us a last minute Venmo for our groceries! Mahalo uncle!!!!!
And to the mariner ʻohana always, for the over abundance of positive vibes and creative energy :)
Honestly, the first day of engine maintenance, last minute projects, and even the airport pickup wouldn’t have happened without the generosity and help of Andrew and his ‘ohana. Mahalo nui!
For all family and friends wondering - we will have a number of safety precautions on board including some modern technology which I go into more depth about on our Saftey First writings. A quick list include
Garmin inreach mini: Each of us have a personal satellite phone and tracking beacons.
AIS: we have a portable AIS beacon which will alarm us if boats are getting near.
Life jackets: each of us have nice life jackets and harnesses to stay near ‘A’Ā
EPIRB: staying with the boat, this will engage in case of any emergency and alert multiple response teams via satellite.
Life raft: a 6 person life raft which automatically inflates when fully submerged is strapped to our back trampoline.
Flares/ whistles/ emergency beacon: ways to call for help or get attention from nearby vessels
We hope to never need to use the last few. But best to know we are prepared best we can be!
Stocking up of gas and water ( we also have water catchment, desalinization pump, and tablets if need) we are blessed to have my dad come and hopefully escort us for the first part of our first day and top us off on gas. Annndddd possibly holoholo….
Mahalo Andrew & ola canvas ʻohana for the team jackets!
Ke’ili here.
It’s a sentimental and humbling feeling, departing from my childhood home of California towards my new home, Hawai’i, in the same fashion my ancestors traveled.
Knowing that this was a dream shared with my mom, it hurts not having her here. The community and new family I’ve found surrounding me leaves me with gratitude filling my thoughts and heart. Maybe that is the way she continues to hold me close :)
I am so blessed to be on this special quest with two of my favorite humans and many more in my heart. A hui hou, see you soon!
Aloha. Chris here,
as the moment of departure approaches, so does all the relief of preparation. Mahalo to every single one of you who made this happen. This past month has taught me so much mental resilience and attention to detail. The alanui ahead will be the proving grounds in both mind and spirit. I’m so grateful for Ke’ili my love and Kalani my right hand braddah; for such amazing comradery in our huakaʻi I ka piko. As summer approaches, our celestial Eponym will be rising with the sun. Our night eyes will be focused on the kaiwikuamoo starline and the following azimuths till sunrise. Looking forward for the koʻolau winds to bend behind us. However, the most important force behind us is our family. My amazing Momma flying out to see us off, Dad back home sending the mana, Uncle Brian, aunty Illa in heaven, uncle Aaron, aunty Paige… the Mariner ʻohana, the Atkinson ʻohana the Taylor ʻohana and all the pule and donations from home. We see you all!!! E ola mau na pua!!!
Aloha e friends and family! Kalani here!
All I have to say is mahalo mahalo mahalo! Mahalo to everyone who made every single piece of this adventure happen! The Atkinson Ohana for the tireless work and effort (hosting and feeding us!). Andrew, you and your family are forever family of ours! The Kona Village ohana for letting me partake on this adventure to further my knowledge of the Kai. Thank you to my family for the constant moral support and check ins! MY WIFE WHOS THE MOST AMAZING WOMAN IN THE WORLD! For being supportive of me in my endeavors (even though it’s a little stressful). I love you forever! And everyone else who has had a part in this, mahalo! See you in a bit!
