The HIST 365: Hawaiian History class is hosting a forum for 'Aunofo Havea, the first female licensed sea captain in Polynesia. All are invited to attend.
Havea is originally from Vava'u, Tonga. She graduated top of her class (as the only female in a class of men) in a maritime course offered by the Royal New Zealand Coast Guard and became licensed and later graduated from the Northeast Maritime Institute in Massachusetts. She has captained voyages on traditional canoes throughout the Pacific, in particular, Te Hine Moana, and has been integral in ecotourism in Tonga involving whale watching and traditional voyaging in place of fueled-powered ships.
For those interested, there are many videos online highlighting Havea and documenting the work she has done in the Pacific and the significance of her work.