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Polynesian Voyaging Society
Nainoa Thompson and crew before reaching Molokai yesterday.

Hokule‘a return
marks 25 years
of voyaging

Nainoa Thompson calls the
arrival at Molokai after a
22-day sail from Tahiti
'a very special day'

By Leila Fujimori
Star-Bulletin

"IT'S a very special day," said a tired but happy Nainoa Thompson from the deck of the Hokule'a, as the canoe sailed through Hawaiian waters to Molokai. The day marked an end to an eight-month voyage to Rapa Nui and back.

"The voyage culminates 25 years of Polynesian voyaging of the Hokule'a," said Bruce Blankenfeld, one of Hokulea's captains. "Going to Rapa Nui closes the Polynesian Triangle. Hokule'a has hit every island group in Polynesia."

Having departed from Tahiti 22 days earlier, the traditional Polynesian canoe arrived in Kaunakakai Harbor at 6 p.m. yesterday just as the sun was setting.

Hula halau of John Kaimikaua and Heli Silva welcomed the canoe with hula and chant. And about 200 Molokai residents and crew members' friends and family greeted the crew with lots of leis and food -- everything from ice cream to green salad and poi.

The 15 crew members first caught sight of land at about 7:20 p.m. Saturday when they spotted the lights of Hilo.

The Hokule'a's voyage to Rapa Nui was the final and easternmost point in the Polynesian Triangle -- retracing the migration routes of ancient Polynesian navigators.

Polynesian Voyaging Society
Hokule'a at sunrise over the weekend. The voyage to Rapa Nui
started "to nurture a whole new generation of individuals,"
said Bruce Blankenfeld, one of Hokule'a's captains.

HOKULE'A arrived Rapa Nui, the Easternmost point of the Polynesian triangle, on Oct. 8. The voyage capped years of retracing the migration routes of the ancient Polynesians that began with Hokule'a's 1976 voyage to Tahiti.

Blankenfeld said the Rapa Nui voyage started "to nurture a whole new generation of individuals," not just their navigational skills, but to develop the needed spiritual and leadership qualities.

"The young people worked hard," Blankenfeld said. "They came through a lot better than we expected."

Hokule'a to Rapa Nui
Jun. 7, 1999
Rapa Nui, the Loneliest Island
Jun. 14, 1999

Shanell Ching navigated the Polynesian sailing canoe, using only traditional methods, from Tahiti to Hawaii in a record 21 days.

Ching said exceptional weather conditions allowed the Hokule'a to sail quickly through the doldrums, a region known for calm and light breezes.

At times, however, rain swells and overcast skies that obscured the stars and other navigational clues challenged Ching.

"It's an honor and a privilege to bring the Hokule'a home," said the 32-year-old navigator.

Thompson said the variety of conditions at sea on this voyage provided brand new learning experiences for all.

It will not be his last voyage, but Thompson said he needs to "make room for new leadership. My role will be probably more educational."

The Hokule'a will depart Molokai for Oahu on March 11 in time for a homecoming celebration at Kualoa Park on March 12. The event will also mark the 25th anniversary of its launching.

The formal morning program will be followed by entertainment, educational activities, food and other programs from noon to 5 p.m.

The public can learn about the Hokule'a at http://leahi.kcc.hawaii.edu/org/pvs/ Photographs from the Hokule'a are available at http://www.hokulea.net