The Stanford@SEA 2024 class came to a beautiful large coral atoll in the south Pacific called Hao, where we were greeted with open arms by the community that resides there. A welcome ceremony from the Mayor's office involved a remarkable gathering of the Mayor, several elders, as well as other residents who appeared with musical instruments, and taught us songs that originated in Haorangi along with the history of the Atoll. Our class representatives from Hawaii, Kanoe and Kai provided a moving Hawaiian welcome chant and we proceeded to have an enlightening conversation with the Mayor. She told us about the immediacy of the climate challenges (submergence, clean water) they all face, as well as the emerging conservation issues (Fads from fishers setting longlines or purse seines for tunas, and plastics) facing the island of approximately 1000 residents.
We proceeded to hike around the atoll, swim in the lagoon, meet people of all ages, and enjoy the beauty of this central part of the Tuamotu Archipelago. We ate at the local restaurant (just one) and shopped for soda and ice cream. Our ship team invited the kids of the community to visit and we had over 110 visitors enjoy the Robert Seamans, welcomed first by our French speaking students Meridith, Sophie, Erica and Ava, along with the rest of the students and crew. Chloe drew portraits that the children had us sign and wherever the Hao islanders went - John and Epo joined them - two men, one a tuna fisher the other a retired medical professional, who had creative talents with music, guitars and Ukuleles.
Hao was very special place, from the challenging channel entry that Captain Rick had to master to get us in under rapid currents and standing waves to the incredible welcome with food and music we received from this isolated Tuamotu community, gifts of honey and coconut rice. The visit taught us all a lot about the Tuamotu lifestyle and climate concerns, provided a beautiful two-day rest period for everyone on the ship, and enriched our French Polynesia travels by giving us the opportunity to view island life on Nuka Hiva, Mangareva and Hao along with Tahiti.
It is now 500nm to our final port call of Papeete. Students are busy finishing their final presentations and projects to be presented in just a few days.
