Hawaiki Rising

Hawaiki Rising chronicles the revival of traditional Polynesian voyaging through the story of the Hōkūle'a, a double-hulled canoe built in Hawaii in 1973. The narrative follows navigators and crew members who sought to prove that ancient Polynesians could have intentionally settled the Pacific using non-instrument navigation. The book centers on Hawaiian navigator Nainoa Thompson and his quest to learn the art of wayfinding from Micronesian master navigator Mau Piailug. Their journey spans years of training, sea trials, and long-distance voyages as they work to recover knowledge that was nearly lost to colonization. Through firsthand accounts and historical research, Sam Low documents the cultural impact of the Hōkūle'a movement on Hawaiian identity and pride. The book covers key voyages across the Pacific that demonstrated the capabilities of traditional navigation methods. This account of seafaring and cultural renaissance explores themes of indigenous knowledge, mentorship, and the endurance of traditional wisdom in the modern world. The story serves as both maritime history and a testament to Hawaiian cultural persistence.

Readers consistently highlight the book's detailed accounts of the Hokule'a voyages and Hawaiian cultural renaissance. Many appreciate Low's firsthand perspective as both participant and chronicler, with several noting his ability to weave technical sailing details with personal stories of the crew. Readers praised: - Clear explanations of Polynesian navigation techniques - Balance of cultural history and modern voyage accounts - Profiles of key figures like Mau Piailug and Nainoa Thompson - Quality of the photographs and illustrations Common criticisms: - Some sections become repetitive - Navigation details can be overwhelming for non-sailors - Cost of hardcover edition Ratings: Goodreads: 4.39/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (156 ratings) Representative review: "Low manages to explain complex navigation concepts while keeping the human element front and center. The book works both as a historical record and an adventure story." - Amazon reviewer

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🌊 The Hōkūleʻa, the voyaging canoe at the heart of this story, was named after the star Arcturus, known in Hawaiian as Hōkūleʻa, or "Star of Gladness." 🗺️ Nainoa Thompson, featured prominently in the book, became the first Native Hawaiian in 600 years to navigate a deep-sea vessel without modern instruments. 🏆 Author Sam Low spent more than 30 years researching and documenting the Polynesian Voyaging Society, including sailing aboard Hōkūleʻa for multiple voyages. 🌺 The traditional navigation techniques described in the book rely on reading nature's signs: wave patterns, cloud formations, bird behavior, and star positions. 🌟 Mau Piailug, the master navigator who taught the Hawaiians their ancient art, came from the tiny Micronesian island of Satawal, where his ancestors had preserved the ancient wayfinding traditions for countless generations.