Voyage Update | June 24, 2021: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia depart Lalo (French Frigate Shoals) for Nihoa

(Papahānaumokuākea) — Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia departed Lalo (French Frigate Shoals) last night, passed Mokumanamana this morning and are expected to arrive in Nihoa tomorrow morning. As the canoes make their way home, training for the young navigators and crew continues.

While in Lalo, crew members spent time underwater to conduct the first marine survey of the area since Hurricane Walaka swept through in 2018. The underwater survey was conducted in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Randy Kosaki, NOAA’s Research Coordinator for Papahānaumokuākea and Hōkūleʻa Crewmember shares his thoughts on the mission of the “Navigating the Kupuna Islands” Training Voyage and his observations on the state of the coral reefs after their underwater survey.

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
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