HILO (AP) — Voyagers have set out on a journey that will take them around the world in double-hulled canoes.
HILO (AP) — Voyagers have set out on a journey that will take them around the world in double-hulled canoes.
The Polynesian Voyaging Society canoes Hokule‘a and Hikianalia left Palekai, aka Radio Bay, in Hilo on Friday to begin their three-year, 47,000-mile odyssey called Malama Honua. Crew members are sailing without modern navigation equipment. They will observe the motion of the waves and the position of the stars to guide their path.
Hundreds of spectators gathered in Hilo to bid aloha and farewell to the crew. They sang and shared hugs and lei. Bags of fresh produce hung in nets over the side of the boat. Crew members waved and paddled as they ventured out of Hilo.
The Hokule‘a will visit 85 ports in 26 countries. Its voyagers will teach the public about the ancient style of navigation called wayfinding.
To track Hokule‘a’s progress online, visit www.hokulea.com/track-the-voyage/.