Two Hokule’a crew members were at the White House today to join President Barack Obama for the second annual White House Astronomy Night, an event that aims to inspire children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue careers in space and science. 

Jenna Ishii, a principal crew member who guided the Hawaiian voyaging canoe to Swains Island in the South Pacific last year, said she brought a the star compass map designed by pwo (“master”) navigator Nainoa Thompson to the White House to teach the students there about traditional non-instrument navigation. Crewmember Ka’iulani Kimura also attended. 

On Friday, Obama tweeted from his official Twitter handle support of Hokule’a’s voyage around the world, which aims to promote conservation and cultural harmony. 

Congrats @HokuleaWWV on reaching Africa—midpoint of worldwide voyage to spread message of caring for the one planet we’ve got. #MalamaHonua

— President Obama (@POTUS) October 16, 2015

Representatives from the observatories atop Mauna Kea also attended the White House event and promoted a new initiative to give Hawaii residents 16 years and older free guided tours of the facilities there, according to a White House press release.