Welina mai, Welcome

And thank you for following our journey

Aloha,

For those of you who are new to Ethnomads, welcome! My name is Keili; my boyfriend Chris and I have been learning to wayfind together on our voyaging vessel, Nāhōkūhoʻokelewaʻa (‘AʻĀ for short).

What we didn’t know was all the amazing lessons we would learn, people we would meet, and skills we would gain along the way!

Here will be our space to share those lessons and exchange our stories. Hoping to engage with and inspire others dreaming of embarking on a journey!

‘AʻĀ - Who we are.

Welina mai, Chris here. ʻAʻĀ is the shortened name for our waʻa kaulua (double hulled canoe) a Wharram Pahi 26’. The designers, Hanneke Boon and the Late James Wharram have created a maritime legacy influenced by ancient polynesia. These voyaging canoes blend contemporary craftsmanship with ancient designs and contribute to answering questions of how humans migrated the pacific.

I am born and raised on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, and Keʻili from Carlsbad, California with Kauaʻi roots. Our surfer upbringing has naturally fostered our love for the ocean and sailing was the next step in understanding our environment. Voyaging canoes are the symbol that connects all the dots throughout oceania and it is our privilege to explore this rich history. ʻAʻĀ found us during a challenging time traveling through southern California, and she has and continues to teach us not only how far we have come but where we have going. Mahalo for joining us as we learn how to navigate life both on and off our waʻa.

Newsletters posted weekly

We will be writing to you same day every week with a new story, tips, videos, and of course ‘A’Ā updates!

Mahalo to all of our family and loved ones who have helped us. Special mahalos to Anakala Kiko, Rafael, Chromwell, Dana, Jeff, Titus, Mia, Marriner ʻohana, and especially our parents; for supporting us on earth and in heaven.

Dedicated to and in loving memory of my mother, Illa McEvilly.