Luke Vaikawi, born and raised on Taumako, trained for a maritime career and served as Captain of the patrol boat Lata in the Solomon Islands Maritime Police. He supported his grandfather Kaveia in launching the Vaka Taumako Project in 1995–96. After retiring in 2019, he became Executive Director of the Holau Vaka Taumako Association (HVTA), which he co-founded with nearly the entire Taumako community. Luke now leads HVTA’s programs and manages complex logistics between Taumako, Honiara, and international partners. A passionate advocate for traditional voyaging, he envisions a future where Temotu youth sail freely across the Solomons and Vanuatu.