A new Hawaiian-themed iPad and iPhone app is available and geared toward children ages 5-8.  It’s a fantastic way to introduce Hawaiian culture to children before making a trip to the islands.   Malama Honua: My Voyage, the 35-minute “appisode” presents video storytelling and hands-on activities centered around the ancient Polynesian tradition of voyaging. Today, that tradition is alive and well on the Hawaiian double-hulled canoe Hokulea, which is currently sailing around the world using age-old navigational techniques.  With the interactive app, your children can learn how to make their own canoe while exploring Hawaii from the mountains to the sea. Taking part in various activities, young players gather and prepare materials such as island wood for the masts and local plants for the rope. Their guide, an animated white tern, leads children through the steps for becoming a junior navigator.  By the time they arrive in Hawaii, your chidlren will be able to teach you about the destination, from commonly-used Hawaiian words to the importance of the kukui nut!