The Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) has announced that weather permitting, Hōkūleʻa, along with sister canoe Hikianalia, will return to Japan for the first time in 20 years. The tentative dates for the visit will be from April to September 2027. PVS is currently working with representatives from Japan to develop a sail plan with possible ports of call that would include Okinawa, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Ehime, Yokohama, Hokkaidō, and others. (Port locations are subject to change and may be updated.)

The Japan segment of the Moananuiākea Voyage will represent an opportunity to reaffirm the deep ties between Hawaiʻi and Japan, and the common values of respect for nature. It will also serve as a platform to share with the world the stories of Japan’s oceans, mountains, and rivers, as well as the wisdom of living in harmony with nature, embodied in concepts such as satoyama and satoumi (ahupuaʻa). Furthermore, the voyage encourages individuals to recognize that “we are all stewards of the Earth,” who need to take meaningful action toward a better future.

Nainoa Thompson, CEO of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and a Pwo navigator, shared the following message:

“The ocean is not a boundary that separates us, but a pathway that connects us all. This voyage to Japan is not simply a return, it is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared values and responsibilities: to care for one another and to protect the ocean that sustains life. We come not as visitors, but as members of one global family. We are here to listen, to learn, and to act. With a deep commitment to peace, hope, and the responsibility we share to protect our oceans and our children’s future, we stand together to ensure these values are carried forward to the next generation.

A Bond Connecting Hawaiʻi and Japan

Hawaiʻi and Japan share a deep and enduring connection rooted in the history of Japanese immigration, and built on a legacy of mutual support and peaceful coexistence. This history is not simply a reflection of the past, it also serves as a guiding principle for the future: one that chooses connection over division, and compassion over conflict. During the 2027 voyage to Japan, PVS will engage with local communities at ports of call across the country, fostering dialogue on voyaging traditions, environmental stewardship, and our shared responsibility to live in harmony with the ocean. The purpose of this voyage is to share with the world the values of peace, hope, love, and responsibility toward the ocean—our shared home. Carrying these values forward to future generations is at the heart of our mission. 2023 to 2028, the traditional voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are undertaking the Moananuiākea Voyage, a journey across the Pacific Ocean. Spanning approximately four and a half years, this monumental voyage will cover 43,000 nautical miles, connecting with 36 countries and regions and nearly 400 ports of call. The expedition also marks a significant milestone, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Hōkūleʻa’s first launch and maiden voyage. The two canoes are currently in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

Photos: Polynesian Voyaging Society

Yokohama Bay, 2007 — the last time Hōkūleʻa visited Japan before her upcoming return in 2027.