Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia have arrived in Tahiti! This arrival marks the first time the sister canoes have reunited since the vessels embarked on separate Mālama Honua sail plans in spring of 2015 – when Hikianalia sailed for the Hawaiian Islands to advance the education mission of the Worldwide Voyage while Hōkūle‘a continued on her unprecedented circumnavigation of the globe. The canoes’ arrival will be celebrated with the Tahiti community on April 14, 2017.

Master Navigator Bruce Blankenfeld on deck as the canoe approaches Tahiti.

Tahiti holds special historical significance for the Polynesian Voyaging Society as the destination of Hōkūle‘a’s first deep sea voyage in 1976, over 40 years ago. Tahiti is the largest island of French Polynesia and shares origins with the rest of the Polynesian Triangle. The mountain, Moua Orohena, tops the island and stands 7,352 feet tall, earning the distinction as the highest point in French Polynesia; its height has made Tahiti the home base of voyaging for generations.

Sister canoes Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia will travel to Raiatea for a ceremony in Taputapuatea on April 25. Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia will sail home in early May to begin the final deep-sea leg of the Worldwide Voyage.

Hōkūle‘a Homecoming:
Event registration is live!

Join thousands of supporters and fans to welcome Hōkūleʻa home to Hawaiʻi in June 2017! Register now for the Mālama Honua Summit, reserve your tour aboard Hōkūleʻa, and RSVP for the Polynesian Voyaging Society benefit dinner.

Register for Homecoming Events Now!