To view Day One - click here

To view Nihoa - click here

To view Snorkeling - click here

By expedition member and Monument staff writer Nai’a Watson
An interesting mix of people, culture and serendipity brought the expedition members and a number of the crew a unique bonding experience on the ninth day of the cruise. A plan to host a somewhat informal kava ceremony was put into motion by crewmember Jason Kehn, who had kava from Samoa, and expedition member Fatima Sauafea-Le’au, who is herself from Samoa. After the kava was mixed, the gathering began with Sauavea-Le’au providing simple directions and an overview of what was expected… in the end the group left with far more than expected.

As the informal ceremony began, a prayer was given in Samoan. The kava cup was then filled and then handed to Fiji expedition representative Margaret Tabunakawai, who passed the cup to each individual person. The men were served first, as is tradition, except for Kehn, who was gifted his cup last as the provider of the kava. In the very end Sauafea-Le’au and Tabunakawai took their cups and shared with the group.

Upon recieving the cup, each person shared a prayer or gave thanks for the trip in their own unique way. After speaking, the kava was consumed and the group acknowledged each sharing before the next person was called forth. Participants’ messages to the group ranged from a simple mahalo to the educators and crew for their efforts, to thanking akua, aumakua and kupuna (Hawaiian gods and ancestors), as well as well wishes for a safe journey home. All of the South Pacific based participants provided their prayers in their mother tongues.

A small contingent of the Hawaiian participants gathered and took a single cup of kava to the bow of the ship. Oli (chants) were shared and then the kava was offered to the gods as thanks. Everyone felt that the evening would bring a better day… It was noted by more than one person that the following morning brought a chance to snorkel and swim in the waters off Mokumanamana, where the conditions had been far too rough the day before.

Prior to the kava ceremony everyone knew that this expedition was special, but it was the friendship and aloha shared on this night that allowed for everyone to hear for themselves the amazing experience that was being had by all.

By expedition member Margaret Tabunakawai, Fiji
When I came on this trip, I had a lot of expectations and an open mind to the things i was coming to lern and share with my fellow participants.I had been to Hawaii before back in 2005 but most of that time was spent behind doors at a Conference and I left without having had really seen Hawaii. When this oportunity came up again I was humbled and honored to be nominated as i could alreay envision that this was going to be a different experience as we will be sharing on site and on a boat for 11 days. The longest i have ever been on a boat is 2 days and that was to my home island.
 
My most treasured memories from this trip that will be imprinted in my mind and heart was the inclusion in the cultural protocols that we were fortunate to share and experience with the Hawaiian team onboard. It was a very touching moment and at that instance i felt at peace and oneness with the environment around us. we may have been visitors to this beautiful place but I felt like was home because i always believe that the ocean connects us all, no matter where we come from. I applaud the Monument for considering this very important aspect in theri Plans to alwys uphold the cultural protocols because of the “mana’ that it holds.
 
My second most enligtening moment ws my sight of the turtles on Tern Island. I was numb and very very emotional that i cried when I saw this beautiful creature on shore. To think that they do not harm us but just want to live their turtles lives and all we ever do is harm them just by being human…its very hard to swallow. I was just awed by this sight and I could only wish that i had my two chidren with me…as they have become more attuned to all living things within the marine environment and they are fascinated by turtles.They just enjoy learning about the sea and all the marine animals.
 
I do’nt know if i will ever be given the same opportunity to come through this path again but i will definitelt take back the memories and the experiences that i have had here back home to share with all the wonderful work that is being down here. I will always be willing to offer and lend a hand in any way that will help contribute to maintianing the name and the status of this Monument. I have made some good friends and the crew of the “Hi’ialakai” need to be applauded for doing such a fine job of making sure we were well loked after and that we got back safe to our families.
 
Thank you to NO’AA, the crew of the “Hi’ialakai, the participants and especially to the people of Hawaii for sharing your world with us.
 
Vinaka Vakalevu and God Bless.

By expedition member Yalap P. Yalap
Palau Conservation Society

This is one of the sailing trips that I will never forget. When I first learned that I have been cleared to join the Teachers at Sea sailing expedition to Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, onboard the NOAA ship, Hi’ialakai, up the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, it all came back to me. Memories of sailing on a ship in the open ocean with the ship swaying side to side and the feeling of nausea during the first day. There were mixed feeling of excitement and wonder of what sights and sound will you see and hear. Just like my first sailing trip to the Southwest Islands of Palau, to the islands of Sonsorol, Fanna, Pulo Ana, Merir, Tobi and Helen Reef, in this respective order. It takes about 21 hours to reach the first island. This trip up to Papahanaumokuakea took about the same amount of time to reach the first island called Nihoa. The second island is Mokumanaman, and then the French Frigate Shoals. For the reader’s information, there are more islands, atolls, submerged banks and reefs up north in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument after the French Frigate Shoals.

I have never heard about these islands except for the French Frigate Shoals, Palmyra Island and Midway Island. Through this trip, it is my first time to learn about Nihoa, Mokumanamana and the rest of the islands in this area. It is good to know that there are more islands up north after the 8 main islands. It is important to know that these islands are still rich with marine diversity as well as intact marine ecosystems. It is equally important to know that as much as these islands are culturally, scientific and aesthetically important to the people of Hawaii, they are important globally as well.

In the Pacific the islands are not separated but connected by the sea. The Pacific people have always been connected through navigation, culture, food and the ocean. This trip has been educational. There are established protocols on the islands and the surrounding reefs. Visitors should pay close attention to instructions during group briefings. The monument itself is a conservation area with a management plan. It is just like all the other protected areas throughout the Pacific, except it is huge size. At one point in time it was the biggest protected area in the world. Kiribati now holds the record with their marine protected area established this year.

To view Day One - click here