Trained by our most prized kumu and kūpuna, Kaleomanuʻiwa Wong on the lāhui horizon. As a part of the next generation of Hōkūle’a's core crew, Kaleo was the first Native Hawaiian navigator to chart a course and navigate outside of the Pacific, setting the tone for a number of Mālama Honua firsts. When on land, Kaleo is the full-time kahu (caretaker) for the lands of Kūkanono at the foot of Ulupō heiau along the banks of Kawainui fishpond. Through community-based, land reclamation efforts and cultural education initiatives on these lands, he works with Hikaʻalani, a non-profit organization, to fulfill its mission to restore ʻāina and identity to Kailua. Both on land and on the sea, Kaleo is literally and figuratively charting the course for our people to thrive. – Lisa Okinaga Takatsugi, Next Generation Kanaka Leaders
Photo: Polynesian Voyaging Society