Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia Halfway Home

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia crossed the equator on Saturday, 4, marking the halfway point of the voyage back to Hawaiʻi from Tahiti. The canoes are now sailing through the Intertropical Convergence Zone also known as the Doldrums.

According to a press release from the Polynesian Voyaging Society on Tuesday, the crew conducted a traditional cultural ceremony at sunset in honor of crossing Ka Piko o Wākea (the equator), where they were also able to have some quiet time with prayers and reflections.

Each member offered pohaku brought from their special places to the ocean, in order to establish connection with Ka Piko o Wākea. They ended with spreading the ashes of dearly beloved friends and family along with a few words from Nainoa in their honor.

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia departed Papeete, Tahiti on May 24, 2022, and then made a brief stop in Rangiroa.

For the first few days after departing Rangiroa, PVS reported the crew faced winds coming from the northwest making it challenging for the crew to maintain the desired course and speed. The winds have since shifted to a more favorable direction and the canoes are continuing to move at a good speed since entering the northern hemisphere.

Based on their current location and speed, the canoes are expected to reach Hawaiʻi as early as next week.

To follow the return leg of the Kealaikahiki Voyage, visit the voyaging dashboard at waahonua.com.