Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO Nainoa Thompson announced that the Hōkūleʻa crew will be returning to Hawai'i earlier than planned before continuing on their circumnavigation of the Pacific. The decision comes in response to the devastating wildfires that have been raging on Maui.
"The level of hurt that's happening in our home is something I can't comprehend, all I know is that we have to come home because of it," said Thompson. He emphasized the importance of bringing Hōkūleʻa back to Lahaina, which he referred to as a "voyaging powerhouse." Thompson expressed deep concern for the suffering in their homeland and stated, "I believe the family is going to need the canoe, and the canoe is going to need the family."
The unusual weather patterns and the ongoing El Nino phenomenon were also cited as factors influencing the decision. Thompson highlighted the challenges posed by a warming planet and the effects of El Nino, emphasizing the navigator's responsibility to protect the canoe and its crew by closely observing nature and making decisions based on environmental conditions.
While the exact duration of Hōkūleʻa's stay in Hawaiʻi has not been determined, the Polynesian Voyaging Society remains committed to completing the Moananuiākea Voyage within its original timeframe. The voyage is expected to cover approximately 43,000 nautical miles, encompassing 36 countries and archipelagoes, as well as nearly 100 indigenous territories and over 300 ports.
The mission of the voyage is to serve as a global educational initiative aimed at highlighting the crucial significance of oceans and indigenous knowledge. Through activities such as port visits, educational efforts, and storytelling, the Polynesian Voyaging Society aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of the importance of preserving our oceans.
Hōkūleʻa has been sailing southward since the start of the voyage in Juneau, Alaska, on June 15. The canoe and its crew have traversed regions such as Southeast Alaska, British Columbia, Washington State, and the West Coast of Oregon and California. They are currently stationed in San Francisco, where they are actively engaging with First Nations communities, Native Hawaiian communities, and the general public.
The decision to return to Hawai'i demonstrates the Polynesian Voyaging Society's commitment to their homeland and their dedication to addressing the urgent needs of their community in the wake of the Maui wildfires.