Hōkūleʻa Crew

10/02/2026

🌺 Celebration of the Arts 2026 🌺

Along the sacred shores of Honokahua, our community gathered to honor the people, culture, artistry, and stories of Hawaiʻi. Through Hawaiian-led conversations, cultural practices, music, hula, and shared experiences, Celebration of the Arts continued its legacy of uplifting and sharing Hawaiian traditions for future generations.

Congratulations to our 2026 Namahana Award recipients, Keith Maile and Iola Balubar, whose lifelong dedication to perpetuating Hawaiian culture continues to inspire us all.

This year also marked the 50th anniversary of Hōkūleʻa’s historic voyage, honoring the traditions and enduring spirit that guide future generations. We also celebrated the cherished art of Hawaiian falsetto through the Richard Hoʻopiʻi Leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Contest.

Mahalo to all who attended, performed, shared their talents, and helped make this year’s Celebration of the Arts so meaningful. Watch the recap and relive some of the weekend’s most memorable moments.

Save the date: 35th Annual Celebration of the Arts | Sept. 25-26, 2027

10/01/2026

What began with a powerful pōwhiri grew into days of sharing stories, knowledge, culture, and a shared vision for Moananuiākea.This is the story of a welcome that became a deeper connection between Pacific peoples.

Now, experience this special moment in this new episode of Nā Moʻolelo Moananuiākea. Witness the pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony), connections, and relationships that unfolded between Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and our Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia crews.
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“Love is the most powerful energy between the Pacific people, how we respect immediately, and love each other without exception. So we just love being with our Pacific brothers and sisters.”

– Renata Blair, Director of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Board

As Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia sailed into Ōkahu Bay, Aotearoa, alongside the Māori waka hourua Haunui, they were met with a powerful and moving welcome from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Waiata (traditional Māori songs), pūtātara, and chants rang out across the bay as hundreds gathered to witness the arrival.

For the first time, Te Kawau, the newly built waka taua (war canoe) of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, welcomed manuhiri (visitors) into its waters. Alongside Te Kawau, Tātai Hono carried the wāhine of the iwi as Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia, and their crews were welcomed ashore through a traditional pōwhiri.

But the welcome did not end when the canoes reached shore.

The crews of Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia were hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, sharing time, stories, and knowledge while building relationships through deep cultural exchange. Conversations centered around our peoples’ journeys, our shared vision for Moananuiākea, and the responsibility we carry to the generations who will follow.

Through these moments of connection, our peoples grew closer, reminding us that voyaging is not only about crossing oceans, but about the relationships we build along the way.

We extend our deepest mahalo to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for their warm embrace, their incredible welcome, and the care they showed Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia, and our crews. We were deeply touched and inspired by the stories, knowledge, and aloha shared with us, and we look forward to growing our future together.

Watch the full episode & learn more here!

“Love is the most powerful energy between the Pacific people, how w...

10/01/2026

“Love is the most powerful energy between the Pacific people, how we respect immediately, and love each other without exception. So we just love being with our Pacific brothers and sisters.”
Renata Blair, Director of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Board

As Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia sailed into Ōkahu Bay, Aotearoa, alongside the Māori waka hourua Haunui, they were met with a powerful and moving welcome from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Waiata (traditional Māori songs), pūtātara, and chants rang out across the bay as hundreds gathered to witness the arrival.

For the first time, Te Kawau, the newly built waka taua (war canoe) of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, welcomed manuhiri (visitors) into its waters. Alongside Te Kawau, Tātai Hono carried the wāhine of the iwi as Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia, and their crews were welcomed ashore through a traditional pōwhiri.

But the welcome did not end when the canoes reached shore.

The crews of Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia were hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, sharing time, stories, and knowledge while building relationships through deep cultural exchange. Conversations centered around our peoples’ journeys, our shared vision for Moananuiākea, and the responsibility we carry to the generations that will follow.

Through these moments of connection, our peoples grew closer, reminding us that voyaging is not only about crossing oceans, but about the relationships we build along the way. This is the story of a welcome that became a deeper connection between Pacific peoples.

We extend our deepest mahalo to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for their warm embrace, their incredible welcome, and the care theyʻve shown Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia, and our crews. We have been deeply touched and inspired by the stories, knowledge, and aloha shared with us, and we look forward to growing our future together.

Watch the new episode! ⬇️
🔗 YouTube (or click the link in our bio!)

09/29/2026

The Polynesian Voyaging Society ʻohana proudly congratulates Dr. Benjamin Young, 1976 Hōkūleʻa crew member Tahiti-Hawai’i and PVS founding board member, on receiving the Hawaiʻi Medical Association’s 2026 Ola Pono `Ike Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Young was honored on Saturday for his distinguished contributions to medicine, medical education, and the health and well-being of Hawaiʻi’s people.

A pioneering physician and the first Native Hawaiian psychiatrist, Dr. Young helped create pathways for generations to follow, through the establishment of the ʻImi Hoʻōla program, a groundbreaking initiative that greatly expanded opportunities for Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and others historically underrepresented in medicine.

For more than 50 years, Dr. Young has also been an important part of the Hōkūleʻa and PVS ʻohana. As a crew member and on-board doctor on Hōkūleʻa’s historic 1976 maiden voyage home and as a founding member of the PVS Board of Directors, he helped lay the foundation for a movement that would inspire generations across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

We celebrate Dr. Young for a lifetime devoted to healing, education, cultural understanding, and service to Hawaiʻi. His legacy continues to open pathways and inspire those who follow.

Congratulations, Dr. Young, on this well-deserved honor. Mahalo for all you have done and continue to do for Hawaiʻi and our people.

09/29/2026

A story of a welcome that grew into a deeper connection between Pacific peoples. 🌊

A new episode of Nā Moʻolelo Moananuiākea arrives this Wednesday.

🗓️ 09.30.2026 at 5 pm HST
📺 Watch on our YouTube: Hōkūle’a

09/25/2026

🌊 Moananuiākea Voyage Update

Ongoing weather uncertainty associated with super El Niño has impacted sail plans for Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia.

After cold fronts and gale-force winds delayed their departure from Aotearoa, conditions have made it unsafe for the canoes and crews to reach Fiji and Tuvalu in time for planned engagements. With safety as the highest priority, Polynesian Voyaging Society has made the difficult decision to postpone the canoes’ visits to Fiji and Tuvalu, potentially until May 2027.

With the postponed sail, the crew have been using the time to connect with our Moananuiākea ʻohana here in Aotearoa. As Senior Captain and Pwo Navigator Russell Amimoto said, "Our crew has been engaging with community, with waka community, and continuing to share and learn from them and grow that bond between our families."

For now, Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will remain in Aotearoa, sailing and training as crews prepare for the next phase of the Moananuiākea Voyage. 🌺🌊

09/25/2026

09/19/2026

As we continue to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hōkūleʻa’s historic 1976 Maiden Voyage, join us tomorrow for two special events featuring original 1976 crew members. These events will feature a panel discussion and presentation reflecting on Hōkūleʻa’s historic journey and enduring legacy.

Hosted by the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua for the 34th Annual Celebration of the Arts.

Event Details:
🗓️ Tomorrow, Saturday, September 19th
⏰ 12:30 PM - 3:30PM (Events listed below)
📍 The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Part of the 34th Annual Celebration of the Arts

Hōkūleʻa: The Canoe That Reconnected a Culture
12:30–1:30 PM | Plantation Ballroom
Join original crew member Dr. Ben Young for a presentation on the history and legacy of Hōkūleʻa, from its earliest days and historic voyages across the Pacific to its role in reviving traditional Polynesian wayfinding.

Hōkūleʻa at 50: Stories from the Original Crew
2:00–3:30 PM | Plantation Ballroom
Crew members of the historic 1976 maiden voyage reunite to share stories of Hōkūle’a’s historic journey, accompanied by rare film and photographs. Together, they’ll reflect on the people, vision, and cultural legacy that continue to guide Hōkūleʻa today.

Come listen, remember, and celebrate the legacy of Hōkūleʻa with those who were there.

09/17/2026

“This is as important as anything else we do.”
- PVS CEO & Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson, addressing the Leg 16 crew on the importance of pre-departure preparation, logistics, and checklists.

It was Nainoaʻs late father and PVS president for 20 years, Myron Pinky Thompson, who said "95 percent of the success of a voyage is in the preparation." And so the Leg 16 crew continues to prepare diligently for their departure to Fiji. From sail and safety training to food preparation, packing, and monitoring weather conditions, every detail is approached with care, communication, and purpose.

Together, the crew is working to ensure Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia, and everyone aboard are ready for the journey ahead.

Mahalo nui for your continuous support of Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia, and their crews. We carry you with us in every step of the Moananuiākea Voyage.