Jul 25 / Ilima Choy

The Hawaiian Star Compass

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Hua ‘Ōlelo Hou

Here are some of the terms that you will find in this article and a definition based upon the context that they are used.
  • Hōkūle‘a:  a double hull voyaging canoe, Hawaiʻiʻs zenith star
  • ʻohana waʻa:  canoe family
  • hale: house or building
  • makani:  wind
  • waʻa:  canoe
  • hoʻopaʻa:  to make fast

“Mai ka hoʻokuʻi ā ka hālāwai.”

From the zenith to the horizon.

‘Ōlelo No‘eau #2059

The Star Compass used by Hōkūle‘a and ‘Ohana Wa‘a crewmembers to help them navigate the open ocean was developed by Pwo Nainoa Thompson. He developed the star compass based upon what he learned from Master Pwo Mau Piailug of Satawal, Micronesia. Papa Mau, as he is affectionately called, taught early modern Hawaiian voyagers to navigate Ka Moana Nui using traditional navigation methods without the aid of modern technology.
The Star Compass is designed to provide a framework to conduct wayfinding based upon the rising and setting of stars. Instead of a physical compass, a mental construct of the compass is formed dividing the horizon up into 32 hale. Each hale represents 11.25° of the horizon.
The hale are grouped into 4 hui with 7 hale in each hui. The four cardinal directions each have their own hale that are not included in the grouping. Each hui is grouped according to the general direction of the makani  that prevails in that direction.
The star compass that Nainoa Thompson developed utilizes hale in order to orient the wa‘a based upon the rising and setting of stars. The wa‘a is at the center and is like the needle to the compass. It takes years of practice to ho‘opa‘a the knowledge needed to utilize the Hawaiian Star Compass. However, you can begin your training by learning and memorizing the names of each hale, and recognizing where they are located in relation to you.
Check out Polynesian Voyaging Society’s website to learn more about the Star Compass developed by Nainoa Thompson.

Activities

Nainoa Thompsonʻs 

Hawaiian Star Compass