HANA, Maui » They were from the Big Island, Oahu, Molokai and Tahiti.

Some didn't personally knew native Hawaiian fisherman Sam Kalalau Jr., but all were inspired by his contribution to the restoration of voyaging canoes in the Pacific.

The voyaging canoe Hokule'a and other Hawaii voyaging canoes sailed to Maui to say goodbye yesterday to the 85-year-old Kalalau, a crew member on Hokule'a during its historic Hawaii-Tahiti voyage in 1976.

Polynesian Voyaging Society president Nainoa Thompson praised Kalalau.

“;Of all the crew members, he was the one with the most experience,”; Thompson said. “;He was one of the pioneers. Without them, there would have been no voyaging.”;

Thompson said the 1976 voyage and subsequent voyages of the Hokule'a in the Pacific have helped to restore pride and rekindle interest in Hawaiian culture.

Thompson said Kalalau was a strong but kind man.

“;He took care of everybody. He made sure everybody came home.”;

With the blowing of the conch shell, Hokule'a sailed with Kalalau's family outside Hana Bay for the spreading of his ashes.

Kalalau, who died Oct. 21 at his home in Hana, was known as the best steersman on the Hokule'a crew and helped to train other crew members.

The 1976 Hawaii-Tahiti voyage supported the assertion that Polynesians were capable of navigating and traveling thousands of miles across the ocean, placing them at the forefront of exploring the Pacific before westerners.

The voyage has inspired native people in the Pacific to form canoe voyaging groups, as a means of retaining their traditional culture and values.

Before arriving in Hana, crew members aboard the Hokule'a helped to deliver the masts and spars for a sister voyaging canoe, or wa'a, being built in Lahaina.

“;We're all part of the wa'a ohana (family),”; said Tim Gilliom, crew captain and a project leader in the building of the Lahaina voyaging canoe.

Tahiarii, who lives in Raiatea in the South Pacific and goes by one name, said he had plans to start a voyaging group on his home island and was training with the Hokule'a to learn about Pacific voyaging.

“;It's a huge privilege,”; he said. “;It's very important we bring this to our island to keep our traditions.”;