Friday Night Gathering in the Chief's Canoe House

Fifty men gather in the chief's canoe house at about five in the afternoon to drink tuba (palm wine). Mau sits next to his cot, in the center of the house. The men drink in their individual circles (usually they would be at their own canoe houses, but the chiefs have asked them to all assemble here tonight). In the early evening, children gather outside to watch. There is the quiet rustle of surf on the reef. From time to time, the men speak out concerning various issues. As the evening progresses, guitars are removed from battered cases. Chad Paishon and the Maisu crew serenade Mau. Lambert responds with a song of his own. Chief Miko, from Tahiti, rises to dance. Outside the canoe house, the sky is clear and full of stars.

Chief's canoe house

 

Lambert Lokopwe

 

Chad Baybayan

Chad Paishon and Makali'i crew serenade

 

Lambert responds with a song of his own

 

Max and Innocente share stories

 

Mau's son Peter

 

Shorty, Nainoa, Mau and Chad Baybayan

 

Chief Miko from Tahiti dances to honor Mau

 

Chief Miko

 

Chad Baybayan and Peter

 

For information on Sam's New Book about

Hokule'a, Nainoa Thompson, Mau Piailug and the ohana wa'a

please see

Hawaiiki Rising