Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage: An Enduring Event Facilitating Momentary Connectedness via Transnational Publics

Social Networking Platforms can provide a public space for the formation and engagement of global transnational networks. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the unique "virtual wa'a (canoe)" community engagement model developed and utilized by the Polynesian Voyaging Society during the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage. Through the use of social network analysis, community detection and text analysis, this study examines the function of the Hokule'a Crew Facebook Page as a transnational public during the voyage, as well as the formation of smaller engaged communities within the global online network during the voyage. The sheer volume of actions and the overall positive affect in the liking and commenting centered on the Hokule'a Crew Facebook Page appears to be connected to the movements of Hokule'a and significant events that occurred throughout the voyage. The initial findings of this research support the Polynesian Voyaging Society's use of a "virtual wa'a" to engage individuals, organizations, and communities on a global level, and the ability of the virtual wa'a to serve as a transnational public for community engagement.