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.