Ceremony at Taputapuatea

In the early morning of July 16, Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia crew made their way onto the marae at Taputapuatea on Raʻiatea. They gave offerings at Auroa Heiau first and then at the navigators heiau near the water. They also planted two coconut trees that community members say will be fully grown and bearing coconuts by the time the canoes pass through here again in 3 years. Heart felt goodbyes were had at the waters edge as crew loaded on to waiting canoes.

More information about Taputapuatea, including a ceremony in 1995 involving waʻa from throughout Polynesia, can be found here.