Education

Education is a vital part of our mission at the Polynesian Voyaging Society. By incorporating lessons learned through voyaging and exploration into educational programs, we are able to impact the present and future generations of Hawai`i. Just as the themes of stewardship and sustainability are necessary for sailing on a canoe, they are the same for living on an island. PVS brings these themes alive through educational and community-based programs.

In addition to training new navigators and voyagers, PVS continues to reach out to thousands of school children throughout the State with the message of respect for the land, ocean, others and oneself. PVS supports the vision of Malama Hawaii – that Hawai`i, our special island home, is a place where the people, land and sea are cared for and communities are healthy and safe.

In 2001, a dream was unveiled with the Ocean Learning Academy. This charter school program is a combined effort of several organizations including PVS, and is open to junior and seniors from public high schools on O`ahu. Students at the Ocean Learning Academy learn about Hawai`i’s cultural, social and natural environments through education and active ocean stewardship.