(BIVN) – The ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo held its 10th Annual Wayfinding Festival on Sunday.

This year’s theme, Bringing Home Lessons of the Worldwide Voyage, featured a special panel discussion with crewmembers from the recently completed Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage, along with exciting wa‘a (canoe) activities themed around Hawai‘i’s iconic double-hulled sailing canoe, Hōkūleʻa. The epic 3-year journey traveled 42,000 nautical miles, visiting 150 ports in more than 20 countries, while training a new generation of navigators, educators, scientists and community stewards.

“‘Imiloa’s Wayfinding Festival is our way of honoring our deep sea voyaging ancestors who sailed across the open ocean using the light of the stars to guide them to new lands. And at the same time it is a chance to celebrate our modern day navigators who are transmitting celestial navigation skills into the next generation,” said Ka‘iu Kimura, ‘Imiloa’s Executive Director, in a media release. “And, of course, our major focus this year is applauding the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage and the successful completion of Hōkūleʻa’s epic journey across the globe. ‘Imiloa was privileged to be able to join Hōkūleʻa during her stops in New York City and Washington, D.C. in 2016. Following her 3-year long-distance journey has truly been an honor for our entire community and we’re thrilled to have returned crewmembers share their experiences and ‘ike (knowledge) with us at ‘Imiloa’s upcoming Wayfinding Festival.”

The event was sponsored by the Ama OluKai Foundation.