Weather Delays Voyage Launch

After assessing ocean conditions Saturday afternoon, Polynesian Voyaging Society leadership decided it is still unsafe for voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia to sail to Hilo, so they will not depart today.

According to Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson, “Our job is to protect these canoes and the people who have worked so hard to care for them. The current direction and strength of the winds could be damaging to these beautiful vessels, so we’re going to wait.”

“At this point, we cannot forecast when a good weather window will begin, but we will watch day by day. It’s never a delay, it’s always part of the journey,” said Thompson.