Hokulea Crew

We are so excited to be connecting with schools and communities in Japan as we prepare to visit Asia on our Moananuiākea Voyage. Recently Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) captain and navigator Tamiko Fernelius and PVS navigator and documenter Kanako Uchino Dumaran shared Hōkūleʻaʻs history and our PVS mission with a group of educators from Japan. They were participating in an edu-tourism familiarization trip sponsored by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Hawaiʻi Tourism Japan, and Hawaiian Airlines. We look forward to connecting again, next time in Japan, tentatively in 2027.

This past Saturday, we had the opportunity to recognize PVS' major donors at our Moananuiākea Mahalo Pāʻina. Without their support, it would not be possible to move our mission forward. Thank you to Kona Brewing and JSS by Design for sponsoring this special evening.

If you would like to become a PVS supporter, please visit this link below: https://hokulea.com/support-us/. Mahalo to all who continue to be the winds in our sails so that Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia can keep voyaging around Hawaiʻi, the Pacific and the world.

Hikianalia Crew Update:

After a brief return to METC at Sand Island, Hokule’a and Hikianalia set sail again for the training voyage to the north of Oʻahu. We were treated to steady winds, enchanting starlit nights adorned with bright shooting stars, and encountered several squalls.
On Hikianalia, the crew worked diligently and harmoniously, adjusting sails for changing winds and maintaining a safe distance from Hokule’a to ensure the safety of both canoes.

At the northern point of our sail, we offered pohaku to the moana before continuing our journey back south and home. The sail was an excellent deep-sea experience, allowing us to refine our seamanship skills. Mahalo all for all your support.

- Kanako Uchino

For this training sail, we charted a course using the Hawaiian star compass, just as we would for a longer voyage. Starting 1 mile off Makapu'u, our course was set for Haka Ho'olua to the NNW.

On the deck of Hōkūleʻa, we honed our skills in wayfinding—observing winds and swells, determining directions, estimating speed, and pinpointing latitude using the stars.

While we adjusted our course on the second day due to weather conditions, our time at sea has provided invaluable training and deep-sea experience. Each challenge has been a chance to learn and grow, preparing us for upcoming voyages. -Kanako Uchino, PVS

Training sail update:
Four ʻā (b***y birds) hitched a ride on Hōkūleʻa and perched all night at the navigatorʻs seat, on the railing etched with the name of Hōkūleʻaʻs first navigator, Master Navigator from Satawal Mau Piailug. They departed at sunrise to fish. The ʻā normally sleep on the water, but appreciate a safer ride when itʻs around.

First 3 photos courtesy:
“Just another miracle of life and earthʻs systems”
- Nainoa Thompson, who took the last photo.

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia returned to METC over the weekend for several reasons including problems with our safety equipment. But the canoes are back at sea for a few more days of training in what is forecast to be summer tradewind weather. Enjoy these photos taken aboard Hikianalia over the first few days.

Photographer: Perrin James

Mahalo nui to NOAA and the National Weather Service Honolulu office, which gave Hōkūleʻa captain Nainoa Thompson a first hand look at the developing low pressure system on the day of Hōkūleʻaʻs and Hikianaliaʻs departure on a training voyage Wednesday.

By late night on day 2, after reaching about 23 north latitude, Thompson had this to report: "Winds shifted really northeast, forcing the canoes to go really northwest which is a problem to get us back to Honolulu, so we've been tacking. The forecast wasn't good to begin with, but the update (from the National Weather Service) is worse than it was in the last two days so for safety reasons weʻre heading back south because of this surface trough - an area of squalls with gusts today up to 40 mph. But tonight it has mellowed out. Still good training while staying as safe as possible. Everything is good."

Photo courtesy: Pua Kamaka/NOAA

Looking back at some of the many chicken skin moments of the FestPAC Hawaii 2024 closing ceremony Sunday, while also moving forward with extreme gratitude for being a part of a deeply meaningful two weeks with our ʻohana from across Moananuiākea, and the time we got to share with our sailing and voyaging family.

📷: Jonathan Salvador, PVS

Windy weather is perfect weather for a training sail. Our crews on Hikianalia and Hōkūleʻa set sail on Wednesday for a few hours. Theyʻre working hard for an upcoming weeklong navigation training, our Pae ʻAina sail and the continuation of the Moananuiākea Voyage next spring. It was our longtime PVS president Myron "Pinky" Thompson who said, 95 percent of the success of a voyage is in the preparation.

A moving send-off for the crew of the voyaging canoe Marumaru Atua, which departed Sand Island this weekend for the Cook Islands, with Pwo Navigator Peia Patai of .marama on board as well as two of Hawaiʻiʻs own. A hui hou and safe travels! Follow their voyage at .

📷: Jonathan Salvador, PVS

A lively day of learning and fun at the Moananuiākea Pacific Conversations and Cultural Exchange at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. The event paid tribute to Master Navigator Mau Piailug and his ‘Ohana, including his son Sesario pictured in photo #2, sitting with members of Na Kalai Wa’a Moku o Hawai’i. Voyaging day will continue until 9pm including a tribute to Mau at 7pm followed by a kanikapila with Hōkūleʻa crew members from across the decades.

Celebrating the wa’a on a perfect day at Kualoa Saturday. Festpac's Wa’a Festival featured everything from canoe carving and lauhala weaving to knot-tying, music, dance and sailing. Mahalo to all who came out to experience the magic of the wa’a.

Visit PVS at FestPAC June 10-15th, Hawaiʻi Convention Center, 3rd floor concourse

Photos: Jonathan Salvador, PVS

We'd love to see you!

Visit PVS at FestPAC June 10-15th at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, 3rd floor concourse.

Today, on World Oceans Day, we take a moment to offer our gratitude to the oceans for the air we breathe, the life they sustain, and for carrying us to islands near and far. We cannot be healthy without a healthy ocean, so lets continue to embrace this deep connection and kinship in caring for it and encourage unity amongst all.

Visit PVS at FestPAC Hawaii!

Saturday, June 8, and 10-15th
Hawaiʻi Convention Center, 3rd floor concourse

Saturday, June 8
Waʻa Community day at Kualoa Beach Park

Monday, June 10, 1 - 2:30P
Hawaiʻi Convention Center Emalani Theatre
Film Screening:
• Te Marumaru Atua sets Sail to Hawaii
• Hōkūleʻa: Finding the Language of the Navigator
• Rising Voyagers discussion panel

Please join us for a film screening of Te Marumaru Atua sets sail to Hawaii and Hōkūleʻa: Finding the Language of the Navigator as well as the Rising Voyagers panel on June 10th at the Hawaii Convention Center Emalani Theatre.

See the FestPAC Hawaii schedule at https://www.festpachawaii.org/festival-schedule.

A lot of sails and smiles filled Hakipuʻu/Kualoa beach park as Hawaiʻi and communities from across the Pacific celebrated the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture on June 5, 2024. Attending delegations blessed us with amazing cultural performances as they were welcomed by members of the Hakipu’u ‘ohana and Hawai’i. Here are a few photos from the event with more to follow. Enjoy!

The 13th Festival of the Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPac - FestPAC Hawaii) is open to the public and takes place June 6-16. See the schedule and register to attend at www.festpachawaii.org/.

An historic day as sailing canoes and voyaging canoes from the Cook Islands, Tahiti, Hawaiʻi, Maui, and Oʻahu gathered at Mokapu in Kāneʻohe Bay. Crew members were welcomed by descendants of this sacred land - Moku Kapu, the Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, the current caretakers Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi, and keiki and kumu of Mokapu Elementary. Mahalo nui for a safe harbor in this wahi pana.

FestPac Hawaiʻi

Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi voyaging community ʻOhana Waʻa, present a day of special programming celebrating voyaging in Moananuiākea on June 13, 2024.

Each program pays tribute to Mau Piailug and his ʻohana as we express our deepest gratitude for all that he has given to the Pacific and beyond.

Experience a rich spectrum of mo‘olelo (stories) and educational offerings that provide a unique snapshot of the breadth and depth of Hawai‘i’s voyaging community. Programming includes oral history talks, J. Watumull Planetarium presentations featuring wayfinders, and educational booths.

The day's programming culminates in a special event, Mele Mau, mele and moʻolelo in honor of Mau Piailug. The concert features the Hōkūleʻa Band and Makaliʻi ʻOhana.

Kau Ka Peʻa Holo Ka Waʻa: Celebrating Voyaging Throughout Moananuiākea
Thursday, June 13, 2024
10 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Doors open at 9 a.m.

Full-Day Registration Rates* | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Regular or reduced admission rates. Free for Bishop Museum Members and FestPAC Delegates.

Evening-Only Registration Rates** | 3-10 p.m.
$10 for Kamaʻāina Adults and Seniors. Free for Kamaʻāina Youth (17 and under), Bishop Museum Members, and FestPAC Delegates.

*Full-Day Registration covers your admission from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
**Evening-Only Registration covers your admission from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Learn more and register at BishopMuseum.org/festpac-2024.

Photos courtesy of ʻOhana Waʻa, the Hawaiʻi voyaging community.

Aloha e ka ʻOhana Moananuiākea!

Join us at the historic 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture June 11-13, at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center! Presented by the Ka‘iwakīloumoku Pacific Indigenous Institute, our Moananuiākea Pacific Conversations and Cultural Exchange will be an enriching and enjoyable 3-day experience with communities from throughout the Pacific. There will be dynamic morning sessions you wonʻt want to miss—and an array of presentations, workshops, and performances to choose from every afternoon!

Free admission, tell a friend and bring your ‘ohana!
Immerse yourselves in Moananuiākea, our vast Pacific home. 🌊Check out the links in our bio for more information and to register for FestPac!

After 23 days at sea, Marumaru Atua - Cook Islands Voyaging Society sailed from Cook Islands to Hawaiʻi for the 13th FestPac Hawaiʻi and was welcomed by PVS 'Ohana, the Cook Islander community, and others. There was an aura of aloha, adrenaline, and so much more!

📸: Jonathan Salvador, PVS

Hōkūle'a sailed into the waters off Ala Moana Beach Park to join the tens of thousands of people at Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi on Memorial Day. It was 25 years ago that, for the first time, lanterns were floated on the ocean, the ocean of peace - the Pacific - Moananuiākea, which in its great expanse, connects us all. Hōkūle’a participated in the ceremony on behalf of our oceans and to honor, remember, and carry a light of love for our ancestors, teachers, islands and earth, as Hōkūleʻa herself is a symbol of hope, much like a lantern providing light in a storm.

Photos by: Jonathan Salvador (PVS), Miles Johnson (aerial images), and Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi.

Learn more about the Moananuiākea Voyage at www.Hokulea.com and www.WaaHonua.com.

PVS crew members are gearing up to take Hikianalia for an overnight sail as the training voyage to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), also known as the doldrums, is less than a month away.

Stay tuned for more updates and see our new sail plan announcement at https://hokulea.com/pvs-announces-new-moananuiakea-sail-plan.

Photos: Jonathan Salvador

The Polynesian Voyaging Society is pleased to participate in the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture. Moananuiākea, Pacific Conversations & Cultural Exchange is one of many free events that the public is welcome to attend. Here's the event flyer with more details.

See more event info and registration at www.festpachawaii.org.