Adverse El Nino weather conditions have led to the Polynesian Voyaging Society to postpone its planned Moananuiākea Voyage, the circumnavigation of the Pacific until March 2025. Instead, Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will remain in Hawaiian waters for training, statewide engagements and educational outreach.
After consulting with science and weather experts, community partners and voyaging leadership, PVS has decided to keep the canoes primarily in Hawaiian waters until next year when severe El Niño weather conditions settle down.
US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) delivered remarks on the Senate floor discussing the impact of the deadly fires on Maui last month and underscoring the need for continued federal support in the months ahead.
The people of Lahaina and the rest of Maui were on the forefront of everyone’s minds as Hōkūleʻa symbolizes hope and resilience to many of the Native Hawaiian community who were present at the welcome event. In honor of Lahaina, crew members wore red Hōkūleʻa shirts and red ceremonial kihei. They also hung special pink feather lei hulu at the top of the mast. The crew also placed over Hōkūleʻaʻs canvas, a “Lahaina Strong” banner created by members of Seattleʻs Native Hawaiian community.