The Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are preparing to set sail this week to Tahiti.
The Polynesian Voyaging Society says the crews of both canoes will be traveling an ancient sea road, known as Kealaikahiki.
PVS says this voyage will focus on navigational training and cultural protocol to prepare the crew — and test the canoes before they embark on next year’s Moananuiākea Voyage.
“If the state of COVID-19 allows it, we will train 220 new crew members from the end of this voyage through 2023. We plan to sail 3,000 miles around the state, connecting with schools and communities in 25 different ports,” said PVS CEO Nainoa Thompson.
While in French Polynesia, voyaging leaders will participate in the Blue Climate Summit — a meeting to discuss ocean protection and climate change.
The canoes are scheduled to depart Sand Island on Wednesday — weather permitting — and are expected to arrive in Papeete, Tahiti at the end of April.
Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are scheduled to return to Oʻahu around June 15.
