Nearly a week since departing Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island, the voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are making steady progress on their sail to French Polynesia, the first international leg that resumes the Moananuiākea Voyage. After six days at sea, the canoes are on course and now approximately halfway to the equator.

Crews reported a brief period of challenging conditions that included a day of rain squalls and wind gusts approaching gale force strength. Despite the rough patch, the majority of the sail has been under fair weather, allowing the crews to maintain course and focus on their voyage goals.

Hōkūleʻa, captained by Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO and Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson, is sailing with a smaller crew focused on nature and navigation immersion. Meanwhile, Hikianalia, captained by Archie Kalepa, serves a dual role: in addition to fulfilling educational, documentation, and storytelling responsibilities, the canoe serves as a safety escort for Hōkūleʻa, always following from behind but keeping her in sight. The canoe carries a larger crew made up of seasoned voyagers and first-time long-distance crew members. Every evening, Pwo Navigator Bruce Blankenfeld shares his manaʻo, stories and teachings with the Hikianalia crew gathered on deck.

Day 6 Update from Hōkūleʻa Crew Member Kanako Uchino Dumaran:

Day 6 since we left Hilo. Our crew is doing great and in good spirits. The ocean and sky have been incredibly dynamic and beautiful, leaving us constantly in awe. The past two days have gifted us breathtaking sunrises. Yesterday, expansive clouds stretched from east to west, suggesting we’re getting closer to the northern edge of the doldrums. This morning, we had a truly spectacular sunrise under clear skies. We have three teams of two, each taking turns with canoe operations and navigation. We’re guided by the sun, moon, stars, swells, winds, and clouds, constantly adjusting our sails.

Hanaikamalama (southern cross) is getting higher while Hokupaʻa (north star) is getting lower, giving us good latitude readings. At sunset and sunrise, we collectively determine our position. Although we use numbers and calculations for estimates, our goal on this voyage is to immerse ourselves deeper into nature. We’re learning to be in tune with the rhythms and language of the sea, honoring and perpetuating how our teacher Mau Piailug navigated. To sail this ancient path of Kealaikahiki is truly a blessing, and Hōkūleʻa is certainly guiding us through. Sending much aloha to all. Mahalo NUI for all your support!

Aloha,
Kanako Uchino Dumaran

This leg to French Polynesia is expected to take approximately 21 days. With the canoes nearing the equator, they are roughly one-third of the way to their destination. The crews remain in good spirits and focused on the ancestral pathway ahead.

Video: Leg 12, Day 6 | Hikianalia Hawaiʻi to Tahiti

Video: Leg 12, Day 4 | Crew Update from Hōkūleʻa Watch Captain and Co-Navigator Lehua Kamalu

Photo Gallery: Stills from Hikianalia