Native Hawaiian navigator. President, Polynesian Voyaging Society. Best known as the first Hawaiian to practice the ancient Polynesian art of navigation since the 14th century, having navigated two double-hulled canoes (the Hokule'a and the Hawai'iloa) from Hawai'i to other island nations in Polynesia without the aid of western instruments. Has developed a system of wayfinding, or non-instrument navigation, synthesizing traditional principles of ancient Pacific navigation and modern scientific knowledge. This system of wayfinding is being taught in schools throughout Hawai'i and the Pacific. Recipient of awards and honours, including: Unsung Hero of Compassion, His Holiness XIV Dalai Lama (2001); Educator of the Year - Native Hawaiian Education Association (2003); Maui Film Festival Visionary Award (2013); Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce 'O'o Award (2014); Order of Tahiti Nui (2014); Asia Pacific Community Building Award, East-West Center (2015); Peter Benchley Ocean Award, Excellence in Exploration (2015); Honorary Doctorate, University of Hawaii (2016); Ocean Conservation Legacy Award, BLUE Ocean Film Festival (2016); National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award (2016); National Geographic Society Hubbard Medal (2016); "O" in Life Award, Punahou Alumni Association (2017); Explorers Club Medal (2017).