It was just before sunset, we received a radio call: “Hikianalia… Hikianalia… this is Faʻafaite.” All of our eyes lit up with excitement as we tuned in. Captain Archie Kalepa, with a big smile, responded: “Aloha Faʻafaite, this is Hikianalia.” Instantly, we were met with loud cheers and screams of “Ia ora na!” from our cousins aboard Faʻafaite. Their excitement radiated through the
radio and was warmly received by our crew which we would reflect back to them. Everyone felt butterflies. Captain Archie summed up the moment perfectly: “It is so good to hear our cousins from Tahiti.”

Soon after, Hōkūleʻa and crew received the same call from Faʻafaite, and we all exchanged greetings, congratulations, and the shared excitement of our journey and reunion with our ʻohana. As the energy settled, our crew sat quietly on deck, watching the distant silhouettes of Hōkūleʻa and Faʻafaite appear over the horizon with a gloomy sunset right behind them. Love, unity, and respect filled our sails and rippled across the swells to each of our waʻa. We were once again sailing side by side beautifully and purposefully making our way toward Taputapuātea.

We are home. We are with our family.