Voyage Update: Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia Sail Through Southern End of Doldrums

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are approximately 1,120 nautical miles into their journey to French Polynesia and about 90 to 95 miles west of the reference course to Tahiti, Hōkūleʻa Captain and Navigator Lehua Kamalu estimated on Tuesday, April 26.

Crews continue to experience varying currents and wind conditions as they sail through the southern end of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, known as the doldrums.

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia departed Hilo on April 18 after waiting five days for the best weather conditions to launch the canoes on Kealaikahiki, the 2,500-mile ancient sea road to Tahiti. The “Kealaikahiki Voyage” is focusing on navigational training and cultural protocol to prepare the crew and test the canoes before they embark on the Moananuiākea Voyage next year.

To follow the journey to Tahiti, visit Polynesian Voyaging Society’s dashboard at waahonua.com.