Six voyagers have been named pwo navigators, the highest rank in traditional Pacific wayfinding, in a milestone moment for Hawaii and for women in the practice.

• Pomai Bertelmann, Archie Kalepa, Kaiulani Murphy, Chantal Da Silva, Russell Amimoto and Lehua Kamalu received the honor.
• The ceremony was held in Hawaii for the first time, rather than in Micronesia where the tradition comes from.
• Pwo is the top rank in the Satawal school of navigation, earned over years of sailing without instruments.
• Those chosen are recognized for long service to voyaging and for teaching the next generation.

Outlook: The new navigators are expected to lead future deep-ocean sailings and train more students in Hawaii.