Polynesian Voyaging Society

One photographer has been capturing every moment of Hōkūleʻa‘s Moananuiākea voyage through his lens. HPR’s Cassie Ordonio spoke with the cameraman about his experience.

Hōkūleʻa arrived in Papeʻetē in late June. The arrival marks 49 years since Hōkūleʻa made its first historic voyage to Tahiti in June 1976, making landfall at the same spot in Papeʻetē, which is now named Hōkūleʻa Beach.

The Polynesian sailing canoes arrived to the island in French Polynesia on Tuesday. Crew members will connect with the community before leaving for Tahiti's capital on Thursday. HPR's Cassie Ordonio has more.

Hawai‘i Island is the big stop before the Polynesian voyaging canoes leave for Tahiti on a three-year Pacific-wide voyage. HPR's Cassie Ordonio has more.

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.