Aloha mai, Keili here!
Before I start talking about all the things, just wanted to mention that I checked our Substack stats before writing to you and we have 10 payed subscribers and have fundraised almost $1,000 on this platform. We do not get get payed normally on here and have been completing these writings for about a year now, really just for archives (and so we don’t forget all we learned and have done with ʻAʻā). So MAHALO to all those who have supported us on here. Being in school and working, sometimes writing gets pushed off to the side but seeing that made me inspired to write more!
ʻAʻĀ today
We are very blessed to have perhaps the best dock setup for Nāhōkūhoʻokelewaʻa in the entire world. She is safely tied up at a family friends hale in Kahaluʻu where we visit frequently. After a short time away from waʻa life, we have been starting to clean her up from the voyage and sail her around the reef maze that is Kaneohe Bay.
Our intention is to continue her legacy in teaching others, especially the youth of Hawaiʻi, about waʻa life. Getting people comfortable with uncomfortable practices, working with their hands and tuning in to the natural world. Looking for ways to do this while continuing our other pursuits is something we are still navigating, but no doubt will someday master - just like the Kaneohe reef!
Just a heads up before watching the next video,
I DID sail during the night hahahaha - but Chris was asleep during my shifts from 2am - 6am and Kalani and I were soaking wet somehow every shift… he also could not film due to reasons that will be explained in the video…. but for real - every time we would get somewhat dry, a huge wave would come over the side and soak Kalani entirely or thoroughly rinse my one pair of pants (which is why you see me pantsless in the video BTW - def NOT because it was warm… it was not that warm…yet).
There actually was one wave - probably over 20feet high - that came during my shift in pitch darkness that had me holding my breath. I tried to wake Kalani from his nap on the deck but, alas, he woke to a face full of white wash instead… ooops. bumbai.
Also, I was not the only one peeing or pooping - even though I guess I was the only one filmed… Just know that I had a pretty gnarly potty situation since I obviously don’t have a super convenient weener like my some people. And that, yes, they both had to often glance over while I was trying to go shishi or doodoo over the side of the aggressively rocking boat… and not get my only pair of pants soaked… and not flash my purple starfish. Too much information? Yeah, that is what I felt like too.
Anyway, sorry for disclaimers but I felt like I did want to share some background just based on questions I am getting from people who watched so far!
Mahalo Chris for putting these video diaries together, I hope you all Enjoy :)
Disclaimer: Kalaniʻs phone was not harmed in the making of this video. He was able to get a new phone and coverage from his insurance plan. He was also able to enjoy the voyage phone free! Cheehoo.
Come say Hi,
I donʻt know about Chris, but I have really missed everyone. One of the most difficult parts on the voyage was about halfway through. I was just so homesick for all of my people. Cassidy, Daena, Schuyler, Sage, Noel, Luis and a few other friends wrote Chris and I love letters that we were able to read around that time. It completely shifted my perspective. It reminded me that I had so many people who loved me that were thinking of us, and praying for us back home in Hawaiʻi and California. Despite me being out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, they were all going about their day. I began finding a new determination to create memorable moments in order to share them when I returned.
Sorry, that was a rant… and it was all basically saying that I would love to see everyone! Especially before I start school back up next week. Chris and Hana both have art shows coming up - I hope to see you there!
A hui hou,
Keili
Mahalo Ke Akua. Mahalo nui loa to everyone who supports this Substack and the many other art forms and practices that we explore! As always, this post is dedicated to my mother, Illa McEvilly, who continues to shine light upon the path. Thank you to all my family and generations before me, without whom I would not be here.