n the past few years, the use of the word “waterman” has become a popular way to describe someone with a certain mastery of the ocean. Using a variety of tools, they interact with the water in a way that leaves most people in awe. They have an uncanny ability to read the signs of the sea and use it to their benefit—whether to harvest fish, navigate between islands, or to catch a perfect wave.
Yet some people out there defy the basic definition of waterman. Archie Kalepa is one of those people. One of very few inducted into the Hawaiian waterman hall of fame, Kalepa has spent decades of sharing his knowledge and love for the ocean. As the head lifeguard for Maui County, he is also responsible for guiding an entire generation of waterman to protect the ocean and those who interact with it.
Of all the recognition and honor Kalepa has received throughout his life, his recent trip aboard Hokulea was likely one of the most profound. On his 56-day voyage he traveled throughout the south pacific as the crew navigated without any modern instruments—using only the methods that the ancient Polynesians used for thousands of years. Their mission was to spread the message of “Malama Honua,” which means “To care and respect the Earth.” Archie’s leg aboard Hokulea was part of a larger, 4-year mission to navigate around the world, spreading goodwill to everyone they met.