A Waka is a traditional Polynesian sailing canoe. It was used by the ancient people of the Pacific to travel and conquer it. The Polynesian culture is the most extensive culture on Earth. Expanding from Fiji and Samoa to New Zealand, to Easter Island and reaching the north in Hawaii.

This is called the Polynesian triangle and our ancestors traveled it thousands of years ago. This is an art and a form of science. Traveling around Polynesia was done by following and leaning hundreds of stars that come and go in our skies and by learning about the many ocean currents.

In 2008, seven voyaging canoes were built in New Zealand to travel through out Polynesia spreading a message of ocean conservation. The canoes are modern replicas of Polynesian voyaging canoes. They became floating classrooms and gave the opportunity to hundreds of Polynesian men and women to learn the ancient art of way finding or celestial navigation.

This ancient tradition is an accurate science. The role of the canoes on todays world is invaluable.
The Ocean Defender Ohana is honored to be able to collaborate and work with different Polynesian voyaging societies to provide this unique experience to our participants.