Made from all wood, the 57-foot Iosepa canoe lays stored at the Hawaiian Village in the Polynesian Cultural Center. It is used as a sailing classroom for students and brought out to the ocean every two years, according to PCC’s website.
It was stated the Iosepa was originally carved and launched in Laie, Hawaii in 2001 as part of BYU–Hawaii’s Hawaiian Studies program. The goal as for students to learn how to sail and live as the ancient Hawaiians did.
“This makes it so significant,” said Jim Ng, a senior business management major from the Philippines. “The fact that it was made as a way for them to relive the past, pass on their culture, traditions and teachings to the youth is amazing.”
Ng explained that part of the pride of the Iosepa was that the Hawaiians were really good navigators. “They used the currents, winds, and the stars as a compass,” he shared. “I always feel like there is so much to their culture, and I feel that connection with them especially since I am from Asia, in an island too. This makes me respect and enjoy their culture,” Ng continued.
For Eegii Tsagaankhuu, a senior from Mongolia majoring in human resources, the Iosepa helped her feel the Aloha Spirit. “I love the word ‘aloha’ because ‘Alo’ means share and ‘Ha’ means breath of life. I think the Iosepa symbolizes that because it shares the Polynesian voyaging story with the rest of the world.”
With her experience as a tour guide at the PCC, Tsagaankhuu learned the aspects of the Iosepa that stayed true to Hawaiian traditions. She explained the canoe is constructed with twin-hulls where one hull is for males and the other for females, which is a Hawaiian tradition.
“This structure shows how we need both the male and female to work together to survive in the ocean and go the distance. I think about my family and how we need everyone in each family. The focus on families is my favorite part of the Hawaiian culture,” continued Tsagaankhuu.
The name Iosepa which means “Joseph” in the Hawaiian language was meaningful to the Hawaiian LDS members because according to LDS news, “the name has special significance Joseph F. Smith, sixth president of the Church and one of the early missionaries in the island.”
Because of this, Rachel Chambers, a freshman general education major from Utah, feels the love the church has for Hawaii. “President Joseph F. Smith was such an important part of BYUH and Hawaii with all that he had done for the people here.
With the Iosepa, it shows how we are prepared for our own voyages in life. And that all President Joseph F. Smith’s dreams and aspirations for this place can come true. I feel great to be a part of that.”
Rika Ni, a psychology freshman from Japan and a tour guide at the PCC, explained the Iosepa is hand-carved out of dakua wood transported from Fiji and involved community members in the canoe-building process. “It goes out to the ocean every two years and many people continue to support the voyages. It is amazing how it connects BYU–Hawaii, the PCC, and the entire Hawaiian community.”
The Iosepa was showcased to the public at the PCC on June 28, 2008. According to PCC’s website, there is a presentation twice a day where visitors learn about how a celestial navigation compass is used, how the canoe is prepared, and the activities the crew will perform during an ocean voyage.