Nainoa

Nainoa is a Hawaiian given name. It is most widely associated with Nainoa Thompson, a navigator and leader of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Thompson trained as a navigator under Mau Piailug of Satawal, learning traditional Polynesian celestial navigation and wayfinding. He joined the Hokule'a's 1976 voyage from Hawaii to Tahiti, a landmark revival of ancient navigation techniques after centuries of interruption. He later became president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, guiding the organization in its education programs and voyaging efforts.

In 2014, Hokule'a, accompanied by the sister canoe Hikianalia, began a World Wide Voyage to demonstrate the viability of traditional navigation and to engage communities in science and cultural learning. Thompson served as lead navigator during this project, which involved port visits across the Pacific, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, and continued through 2017. The voyage showcased a return to long-distance, non-instrument navigation using stars, winds, and currents, supported by modern science and education programs.

Thompson's work has been influential in cultural preservation, STEM education, and indigenous voyaging networks, and he has received numerous honors for his contributions to navigation, education, and cultural revitalization. The name Nainoa remains primarily associated with this notable figure, though it can be used as a given name for others in Hawaiian communities.