Hōkūleʻa

Thomas Raffipiy plans to build the canoe in Hawaiʻi in August. He's calling on Micronesian youth and other local kids to participate and learn about the Micronesian tradition of voyaging. HPR's Cassie Ordonio reports.

Nainoa Thompson, a pwo navigator and the CEO of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, spoke with HPR's Cassie Ordonio about the principles that have guided the organization’s work over the last several decades, and how he views the next generation of voyagers.

Thousands of people came together Saturday to celebrate 50 years of Hōkūleʻa's history of voyaging at Kualoa Regional Park, where the double-hulled canoe was first launched in 1975. HPR spent the day alongside attendees and current and original crew members of Hōkūleʻa. Here's what they saw.

Hawaiʻi celebrated 50 years of Hōkūleʻa's history of voyaging on Saturday at Kualoa Regional Park on Oʻahu, where the double-hulled canoe first launched. Many older navigators and crew members face the pressure of passing down their knowledge to the next generation to ensure that voyaging will never go extinct. HPR's Cassie Ordonio reports.

Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO Nainoa Thompson talks about the principles that have guided the organization’s work and how he views the next generation of voyagers; Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony President & CEO Randy Wong shares how the organization is celebrating its 60th anniversary

To honor Hawaiʻi’s "Star of Gladness," festivities across Oʻahu this week will reflect on the double-hulled canoe's beginnings and profound impact as a precious link to the past through the seafaring people who came first to the islands. HPR's Hannah Kaʻiulani Coburn shares when and where to attend.

In a nearly four-hour long ceremony Thursday, dozens of navigators and crew members were honored for their contributions to the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa ahead of its 50th anniversary. HPR's Cassie Ordonio reports.

Recent shootings on Oʻahu's Waiʻanae Coast have residents on high alert. Some said their community has never experienced this severity of violence. HPR's Cassie Ordonio spoke with several community members who described Waiʻanae as close-knit, family-oriented and scrappy.

Herbert Kāne was one of the founders of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and was the first captain of Hōkūleʻa in 1975. His work spanned from advertising, publishing, architectural design, printing, writing and sculptures.

The Polynesian Voyaging Society says it will wait until next year to resume its circumnavigation of the Pacific.