HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The current activities and goals of the Polynesian Voyaging Society are fascinating and packed with exciting adventures. So, KHON2.com decided to dive into what they're doing to help our planet and share their knowledge with the world. Chris Blake, a crew member and volunteer with the Polynesian Voyaging Society, shared some cool details about their recent voyages and missions. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The Polynesian Voyaging Society is a group that uses traditional Polynesian canoes, like the Hokule'a, to sail across the ocean and teach people about ancient navigation techniques and the importance of taking care of our environment. One of the society's main goals is to connect people with the "language of nature". This means understanding how the sun, stars, weather patterns, winds and waves work together. By learning this, they can sail across the vast Pacific Ocean just like their ancestors did. Blake said, "The oceans never separated us; the oceans connected us." Blake also talked about their recent voyage called the "Moana Nui Akea", which started in 2022. They aimed to circumnavigate the Pacific Ocean by traveling all around it. Their journey took them to amazing places like Alaska and down the West Coast of the United States. But it wasn't just about sailing for fun. They had important reasons for their travels. Due to challenges in Hawaii, the leadership decided to bring the canoe home. Blake explained, "It was very important for us to understand our responsibilities and to take care of home first." They also wanted to study the effects of climate change, especially as we are moving into an La Niña year. La Niña is a weather pattern that can cause higher temperatures in the ocean, leading to more storms. One of the most exciting parts of their mission is to study the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This area in the ocean is full of plastic and other trash that gets trapped in a huge, swirling current. Blake said, "We're going to go up and take a look at the health of our oceans by going into that space." They want to see how much waste is there and understand its impact on marine life. During their voyages, the Polynesian Voyaging Society also focuses on education. They want to teach people about the importance of sustainability, which means using resources wisely so that future generations can enjoy them too. Blake mentioned that they use the Hokule'a and its sister canoe, Hikianalia, as "important learning tools". Blake shared an inspiring story about a voyage in 2019 where they sailed to a small island called Mokumanamana. The crew prepared for two years by learning how to grow and can their own food to make the trip sustainable. This voyage helped show how traditional knowledge and modern sustainability practices can work together. You can click here to experience what the society has done with social media and websites to share their adventures and teach people around the world. They have a tracker that shows where the Hokule'a is at any given time, and they post updates and stories from their voyages. Blake emphasized that understanding and protecting our oceans is crucial. He said, "It's hard to defend what you don't understand." By sharing their experiences and knowledge, the Polynesian Voyaging Society hopes to inspire others to take action and care for our planet. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 The Polynesian Voyaging Society, led by passionate people like Chris Blake, is on a mission to explore, educate and protect. Their voyages are not just about sailing but about understanding our world and making it a better place for everyone.