HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) — Traditional voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are tentatively scheduled to leave Hilo on the morning of June 2, weather permitting, to embark on their Moananuiākea Voyage to circumnavigate the Pacific.
The boats have been in Hilo for several days, where they were welcomed with celebrations from the local community.
Crews in Hilo are working to identify favorable wind and weather conditions, so the canoes may make a safe voyage to their next stop in French Polynesia.
The voyage to French Polynesia lasts approximately three weeks, with the boats to stop in Taputapuātea on Raʻiātea, a sacred voyaging hub, and Papeʻete in Tahiti.
After their month-long residency in French Polynesia, the boats will continue to the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Aotearoa. Crews hope to spread the message of “Mālama Honua,” or caring for Island Earth, through their voyage.
The canoes’ circumnavigation of the Pacific will span around 43,000 nautical miles and stop at over 345 ports. The voyaging duo are scheduled to leave Hawaiʻi for a total of three years. To follow their journey, click here and follow them on Instagram.