Hōkūleʻa Update | August 1, 2015 – Bali Arrival

BALI, INDONESIA – Hawai‘i’s treasured voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa arrived in Bali yesterday after sailing
through the Indian Ocean from Australia—the first time traveling in waters beyond the Pacific for the
vessel— and facing trying weather conditions with very light winds. The area, abundant with ancient
temples and traditional fishing villages and farms, is a global highlight that Hōkūleʻa crewmembers are
looking forward to exploring. The visit to Bali’s cultural and educational sites furthers the mission of the
Worldwide Voyage: to Mālama Honua, to care for our Island Earth.

The vessel arrived at Sanur Beach for the ceremony. Representatives of the governor of Bali, including
the lieutenant governor and cabinet members, hosted and welcomed the crew along with
representatives from the Hawaii‐Indonesia Chamber of Commerce. From Hawaii, Representative Gene
Ward, General Darryll Wong, David Day, Sydney Higa, Franky Pudja, Luis Gamarra and Freedom Dennis
were part of the welcoming party. Students and faculty from local grade schools were present at the
ceremony as well. Both the arrival and ceremony were open to the public, and attended by visitors from
many different countries around the world.  Traditional dancing and music were exchanged, with the
Hōkūleʻa crew performing hula and offering mele.
“We have been planning and training so hard for this moment for about six years. Thousands of people
were involved in this landfall and arrival to Bali. It is hard for me to go back and comprehend all that has
taken place to make this arrival successful,” said Nainoa Thompson, pwo (master) navigator and
president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. “Thirteen people may have sailed this canoe to Bali, but
there were at least another 1,300 people that were supporting behind the scenes to make this possible.
On behalf of the crew, I want to express our gratitude to all the hands and hearts who have helped to
bring Hōkūleʻa here.”

During their time in Indonesia, crewmembers will seek out stories of hope from the people of Bali, a
community rich with history, culture, and a combination of traditional and new approaches of
sustainable living.

Please help keep us sailing for future generations. All contributions make a difference for our voyage. Mahalo nui loa!