Ho'okele ka wa'a: Recalibrating the sail plan for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the ocean sciences

Since the beginning of time, we have relied upon precise observations of marine and celestial realms to intentionally navigate thousands of miles across vast expanses of open ocean. Through our migrations, we have created-and continue to create-purposeful relationships by observing the movements of swells, weather patterns, celestial bodies, and marine life.

In direct opposition to colonial Western thought, we view Oceania as a metaphorical road that connects rather than separates island people (Hau'ofa, 1994). As descendants of the ocean, the dearth of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) in ocean science seems inconsonant. We wonder, where are all our island people in the ocean sciences?