The Sāmoan Star Compass will illuminate the dome of the Clark Planetarium—marking a historic return to ancestral skies, stories, and navigation. Guided by Sāmoan wayfinders Tuloutele Celeste Manuia Haʻo (Hōkūleʻa, apprentice navigator) and Fealofani Bruun (Samoan Voyaging Society, Captain), Tōloa Rising invites you to discover the basics of Oceanic wayfinding as we chart a celestial course from Utah to the heart of the Pacific—retracing pathways that unite our islands, cultures, and shared ancestral memory.

Meet the Presenters

• Tuloutele Celeste Manuia Ha'o

  Tuloutele Celeste is a Hawaiian-Sāmoan wayfinder, educator, designer, and storyteller from Hilo, Hawaiʻi. She trained under the late Pwo Navigator Kālepa Baybayan and co-navigated Hōkūleʻa on a historic journey that fulfilled her grandfather’s prophecy—returning to their village of Faleapuna, Sāmoa, “by way of sea and stars.”

  At 17, Celeste was named Tuloutele, the Taupou of Faleapuna. Instead of remaining in the village, her grandfather directed her to return to Hawaiʻi, learn all she could, and one day teach their people. That calling guides her work today—blending ancestral intelligence with bold innovation to design learning experiences that reconnect ʻōiwi communities with identity, language, and place.

• Fani Bruun

  Fani is the current Tapena/Captain of Gaualofa, Samoa’s very own traditional va'atele (ocean voyaging canoe), and the first Samoan Woman to qualify as a yachtmaster. Dedicated to preserving Pasefika traditional navigation, she empowers Pacific communities through cultural education and voyaging.

  Fani is a Sue Taei Fellow; her project, Women, Va’a, and Whales, focuses on documenting whale lore in Samoan communities, practicing STEM activities and sharing her knowledge of voyaging to inspire the next generation of female leaders in ocean conservation and maritime skills. 

Event Details

• 6:00pm-7:30pm. Please arrive early; once the theatre doors are closed, we will not allow late arrivals as the theatre dome must remain dark for the duration of the presentation.

• Location: Clark Planetarium 110 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101

• This event is free and open to the public, RSVP is required.

• Parking Information

  Clark Planetarium is located at 110 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101

  Convenient underground parking, with two direct entrances to Clark Planetarium (on Levels 0 and -1), is available in the Gateway’s South Parking Garage.

  The most convenient parking entrance for Clark Planetarium is off of 100 South between 400 West and Rio Grande Street (450 W).

  Discount validations are available for patrons at the ticketing desk and Planet Fun Gift Shop.

  For More Information on Parking: https://atthegateway.com/visit-explore/getting-here/

Utah Wayfinding Week is made possible by our wonderful community partners. Fa’afetai Tele Lava!