Stories of the Pae ʻĀina Sail
“Our mission is to connect with children in schools, listen to their voices, and understand how PVS can best serve them,” said PVS CEO Nainoa Thompson. “This leg of the voyage is the most important one because it will define why we sail. It will tell us how to best serve our communities and children when we leave Hawai’i in 2025.”
The seven-month voyage around the Hawaiian Islands covered 3,000 miles, stopping at 31 ports and reaching 34 communities before Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia resumes the Moananuiākea Circumnavigation of the Pacific in May 2025.
Hanalei and Nāwiliwili
In August 2024, Hōkūleʻa launched the Pae ʻĀina Statewide Sail, beginning her journey with visits to Hanalei and Nāwiliwili on the island of Kauaʻi. During the first two weeks, the crew connected with more than 1,500 students from 20 different schools through educational outreach efforts. The voyage also brought heartfelt reunions with members of our voyaging ʻohana, including original ʻ76 crew member John Kruse, Dennis Chun, the Chandler ʻOhana, and many others. We are deeply grateful for the aloha and support shown to us in Hanalei and Nāwiliwili—mahalo for supporting our journey ahead!
Haleʻiwa
Following the initial Pae ʻĀina port visits to Hanalei and Nāwiliwili, Hōkūleʻa and her crew continued their journey to Haleʻiwa on Oʻahu. The North Shore community welcomed them with warmth and aloha, alongside our ʻohana at I Nui Ke Aho, led by PVS crew member Kamaki Worthington. Together, the crew participated in educational outreach, connecting with more than 500 students from seven schools. We extend our deepest mahalo to the entire North Shore community — from keiki to kūpuna — and to all the organizations and individuals who generously supported Hōkūleʻa and her crew throughout their time on the North Shore.
Lahaina
In September 2024, Hōkūleʻa and ʻohana waʻa joined students and community in Lahaina, Maui, for Hoʻākea: Mauka to Makai. Navigator and crew member Kalā Tanaka Baybayan shares how the day was filled with learning, engagement, and culture – inspiring keiki through mele, hands-on activities, and voyaging stories to carry forward the traditions of their kūpuna and the kuleana of caring for our islands and canoes.
Mahalo to Hui O Waʻa Kaulua, Maui Huliau, and LeleAloha for organizing this amazing event.
Pōkaʻī
“We mahalo you Uncle Buff, Uncle Kimo, Uncle Leighton, the 76ers, the guys that made the first step to go. Because of you guys we are standing here today. Because of you guys we’ll continue to sail that canoe across the world and carry your dreams. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to fill those sails and push her across these oceans. Our thoughts and dreams will continue to lift her and carry her across these seas and bring you guys back home safely to our families. Mahalo, mahalo , mahalo.”
– Kaina Holomalia
Hōkūle’a crew member, E Ala Voyaging, to the veteran and current crew members
“Hopefully touching that canoe and seeing these experiences will help create a foundational memory for them, where they can always tap back into and say ‘oh, I was able to touch a canoe and be present in that moment. I wonder what it would be like if I get more involved.’”
– Isaiah Pule
Kahoʻolawe
“Kahoʻolawe is a place that holds a mirror up to you”
– Kekaulike Mar, Hōkūleʻa crew member and PKO member
Because of the work of the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, our canoes and crews can sail to Kahoʻolawe as voyagers did long ago. It was an honor to learn, witness and participate in the mālama and restoring work being done on Kahoʻolawe by the PKO and KIRC during our Pae ʻĀina Statewide sail last year. Mahalo nui to all the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana supporters and protectors, then and over the last 50 years, for Aloha ʻĀina – your committed work to protect this sacred island.