Storytelling and Stargazing with Kala Tanaka, March 22

Apprentice navigator Kala Baybayan Tanaka is partnering with the Mākena Golf & Beach Club to host a free evening of storytelling and stargazing at Maluaka Beach tonight, Friday, March 22 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Along with the crew of Maui’s own traditional double-hull voyaging canoe Mo‘okiha o Pi‘ilani, Mākena Golf & Beach Club will host the evening of storytelling and stargazing for the Maui community. The event will be held on Mākena’s lawn fronting Maluaka Beach.

Kala Tanaka points to constellations during Mākena Golf & Beach Club stargazing event in July 2017. Photo courtesy of Mākena Golf & Beach Club.

Maui’s Kala Baybayan Tanaka captained Hōkūle‘a’s sister canoe, Hikianalia, to Tahiti in mid-April, 2017 to join Hōkūle‘a on her final leg home to Hawai‘i. Maui’s voyaging canoe, Mo‘okiha o Pi‘ilani, and all of Hawai‘i welcomed back Hokule‘a following her Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage. In addition to being a captain and navigator on Mo‘okiha o Pi‘ilani, Tanaka is also the Education Coordinator for Hui o Wa‘a Kaulua, a non-profit dedicated to the practice and perpetuation of Hawaiian canoe building, wayfinding and voyaging arts.

“We are thrilled that Kala and the crew of Mo‘okiha o Pi‘ilani will once again be able to share their passion for wayfinding with the community and inspire future sailors with the stories of the stars that have led the way forward and always guided the way home,” said Leahi Hall, Mākena Golf & Beach Club’s Community Engagement Director.

The evening will delve into Hawaiian lore, explore traditional navigational techniques and provide an intimate look at the relationship between the celestial bodies and history. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, a light jacket and flashlights.

This is a free public event. Parking is limited and available at Maluaka Beach parking lots located at the north and south end of the beach.

For information on Mākena’s Storytelling and Stargazing event visit www.makenamoments.com/events.