Voyage Update | Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia Set Sail for Papahānaumokuākea

It’s time to go.

As the crew formed a circle Pwo Navigator and PVS President, Nainoa Thompson gave the word; “it’s time to go”, and a few minutes later the deep-sea Polynesian voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia set sail on a two-week voyage to Papahānaumokuākea. Themed “Navigating the Kupuna Islands,” there will be five challenging deep-sea legs that will test six young navigators– a training sail which further connects the past with the present. The canoe classrooms will also serve as research vessels thanks to a partnership with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to do an underwater survey of Lalo to assess the damage to the atoll and coral reef from Category 3 Hurricane Walaka that swept through in 2018. This current voyage along with the Ka Houpo o Kane Voyage (April 12 – May 26, 2021) are part of preparations for the Moananuiākea Voyage, an effort to develop 10 million new crew members, navigators and leaders for the planet.

Here’s a few images of the crew, family and friends gathering on departure day. Leg 1 will have the crew navigating from Kaʻena Point (Oʻahu) to Kauaʻi. Follow along and check back for updates!

About Polynesian Voyaging Society

The Polynesian Voyaging Society was founded in 1973 on a legacy of Pacific Ocean
exploration, seeking to perpetuate the art and science of traditional Polynesian voyaging
and the spirit of exploration through experiential educational programs that inspire
students and their communities to respect and care for themselves, one another, and
their natural and cultural environments. For more information about the Polynesian
Voyaging Society and the Worldwide Voyage, visit www.hokulea.com or find us on
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