Polynesian Voyaging Society

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.

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.

Dozens of canoes arrived on Kualoa Beach from Mōkapu, carrying delegates from more than 20 Pacific Island nations to kick off the Festival of the Pacific Arts and Culture. The festival aims to promote cultural exchange and highlight the importance of preserving and celebrating heritage. HPR's Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi reports.

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

The new documentary “Hōkūleʻa: Finding the Language of the Navigator” tells the story of how Hawaiians reacquired the skills to navigate the ocean on long voyages. It focuses on a conversation between master navigator Nainoa Thompson and cultural anthropologist Wade Davis

After traveling more than 2,800 miles and visiting 45 communities from Alaska to Southern California as part of the Moananuiākea Voyage, Hōkūleʻa arrived safely in Honolulu on Wednesday. As HPR's Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi reports, the focus here at home will be on training the next generation of navigators and crew members.

Hōkūle’a is preparing for its departure from Long Beach, California, on Friday after more than five months on the Moananuiākea Voyage. The details for the double-hulled canoe’s arrival in Honolulu next Wednesday are still being worked out, but the Polynesian Voyaging Society plans to invite the public. HPR's Ku‘uwehi Hiraishi has more.