Tahiti-Bound Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia Delayed Again

Due to the latest weather forecast, the Polynesian Voyaging Society is delaying the departure of Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia to Hilo.

The canoes were scheduled to depart Sand Island, Oʻahu this morning, but due to strong winds and big waves throughout the state, the crew will wait for conditions to improve.

After making a stop in Hilo, the canoes will set sail on the ancient sea road of Kealaikahiki to Hawaiʻi’s ancestral homeland of Tahiti. The “Kealaikahiki Voyage” will focus on navigational training and cultural protocol to prepare the crew and test the canoes before they embark on the Moananuiākea Voyage next year.

While in French Polynesia, voyaging leaders will also be participating in the Blue Climate Summit, a high-level meeting to discuss ocean protection and climate change.

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are scheduled to arrive in Papeete, Tahiti at the end of April, and will return to Hawai’i in mid-June.