Deepening cultural ties and sparking ocean protection dialogue: Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia make latest French Polynesian stop

After four days of community engagements in Mataiea, Tahiti, traditional voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia departed Tehoro Marina the morning of July 10 and made their way across the channel to the island of Moʻorea.

The two wa‘a — continuing the French Polynesian leg of their 43,000-nautical mile Moananuiākea Voyage and 50th birthday celebration of Hōkūleʻa — arrived the same day in Opunohu Bay, welcomed at the Papetōʻai dock, greeted by local leaders and the warm embrace of the Moʻorea community.

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia sailed July 11 to Moʻorea’s Paopao Bay, landing at the tourism office dock.

The crews were honored with a humble and heartfelt arrival ceremony, greeted at the pass entrance by youth of traditional canoe Honoura of the ʻAimeho Vaʻa Taʻie organization, symbolizing the generational continuity of voyaging knowledge.

Community representatives delivered speeches alongside the Paopao mayor. Elders also offered a traditional song accompanied by the Tahiti Choir.

Cultural exchange continued that afternoon at the Atitia Amphitheater, where community members gathered for a Talanoa forum, an open dialogue focused on culture, traditional knowledge and ocean protection.

The central theme was inspired by the heʻe, the octopus — a symbol in Polynesian navigation lore. It also centered on Moʻorea’s message to Hōkūleʻa: a call to deepen the responsibility for upholding ancestral values of care, protection and stewardship for the ocean.

Crew members of both voyaging canoes opened the wa‘a decks to Moʻorea community members July 12, offering tours and cultural workshops for keiki and families, continuing their mission to inspire the next generation of voyagers and ocean stewards.

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia departed July 13 from Moʻorea, returning to Papeʻetē, Tahiti, for a brief stay before setting sail for their next port of call: Tautira — a village on Tahiti with profound historical ties to Hōkūleʻa and the voyaging family.

You can find the latest updates about the circumnavigation voyage of the Pacific Ocean Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are undertaking by following Polynesian Voyaging Society on social media @hokuleacrew on Facebook and Instagram.

The live voyaging tracking map and updates also can be found at the Polynesian Voyaging Society website.