In a major change to the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan, the Polynesian Voyaging Society announced that Hōkūleʻa will be returning home to Hawaiʻi in December before continuing its circumnavigation of the Pacific. The decision was prompted by the devastating fires on Maui, which deeply affected the community. Nainoa Thompson, CEO of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, expressed the need for Hōkūleʻa’s presence in Lahaina, acknowledging the profound hurt the community is experiencing and emphasizing the unity between the canoe and the family. This change in plans is also influenced by the unusual weather patterns caused by the current El Niño phenomenon. The voyage aims to cover 43,000 nautical miles and engage with numerous communities to highlight the importance of oceans and indigenous knowledge. The ultimate goal is to inspire a movement of 10 million “planetary navigators” who will work towards a healthier and thriving future for the Earth.
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Hōkūleʻa’s return to Hawaiʻi in December
The Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) has announced that Hōkūleʻa, the iconic double-hulled voyaging canoe, will be returning to Hawaiʻi in late December before continuing its circumnavigation of the Pacific. This decision comes in the wake of the devastating fires on Maui, which have caused immense hurt and loss for the community. Nainoa Thompson, CEO of PVS, expressed the need for Hōkūleʻa to return home, emphasizing the importance of the canoe and its connection to the family in Lahaina, a voyaging powerhouse. The decision to return to Hawaiʻi is also influenced by the current El Niño phenomenon, which has resulted in unprecedented weather patterns and increased risks for the crew.
The exact duration of Hōkūleʻa’s stay in Hawaiʻi has not yet been determined. However, Thompson assured that the Moananuiākea Voyage will still be completed within the original timeframe. PVS remains committed to its engagements with communities around the Pacific and will ensure that all commitments are honored.
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Overview of the Moananuiākea Voyage
The Moananuiākea Voyage is an ambitious endeavor that will cover an estimated 43,000 nautical miles, visiting 36 countries and archipelagoes, nearly 100 indigenous territories, and more than 300 ports. Led by the Polynesian Voyaging Society, this voyage aims to be a global educational campaign, highlighting the significance of oceans and indigenous knowledge. Port engagements, education, and storytelling will play a crucial role in spreading awareness and inspiring action for a healthy and thriving future.
Hōkūleʻa has been sailing south from Southeast Alaska since the global launch of the Moananuiākea Voyage in Juneau on June 15, 2023. The canoe and its crew have traveled through British Columbia, Washington State, Oregon, and California. Currently, Hōkūleʻa is docked in San Francisco, engaging with First Nations communities, Native Hawaiian communities, and the general public.
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Progress of the voyage so far
The Moananuiākea Voyage has already witnessed significant progress as Hōkūleʻa navigates its way through the Pacific. The crew has encountered diverse communities, experienced different cultures, and built connections with people from various backgrounds. This journey has brought forth a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between the ocean and humanity. The success of the voyage thus far has further reinforced the importance of preserving the earth’s natural resources and indigenous knowledge.
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Goal of the voyage
The overarching goal of the Moananuiākea Voyage is to ignite a movement of 10 million “planetary navigators.” Through developing young leaders and engaging communities worldwide, the voyage aims to inspire individuals to take part in navigating the earth towards a healthy and thriving future. By highlighting the significance of oceans and indigenous knowledge, the voyage seeks to encourage people to care for the environment and make sustainable choices.
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Educational campaign and storytelling
A crucial aspect of the Moananuiākea Voyage is its global educational campaign, intended to raise awareness about the importance of oceans and indigenous knowledge. Through port engagements, education, and storytelling, the voyage aims to reach a broad audience, ranging from children to adults. PVS and its educational partners have been actively working on creating stories and lessons for all ages, fostering an understanding of the earth’s interconnectedness and inspiring individuals to be responsible caretakers of the planet.
Creating engaging stories and educational content is key to inspire people to care for and make better choices for the earth. The virtual “Third Canoe,” called Waʻa Honua, serves as a platform to share these stories and lessons with the world. Waʻa Honua, which translates to “a canoe for the earth,” aims to bridge geographical distances and connect people from different parts of the globe in a shared mission of environmental stewardship.
Hōkūleʻa’s return to Hawaiʻi in December marks an important milestone in the Moananuiākea Voyage. The decision to pause and come home reflects the strong connection between the canoe and the community in Lahaina, as well as the need to prioritize the wellbeing of the crew amidst challenging weather conditions. As the voyage continues, it is expected to have a lasting impact on individuals and communities, fostering a deeper appreciation for the earth and a sense of responsibility towards its preservation. Through education, storytelling, and shared experiences, the Moananuiākea Voyage strives to create a more sustainable and compassionate world.