FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2015
Hōkūlea Ventures Furthest from the Equator in Her History
The Worldwide Voyage brings the traditional voyaging canoe to a historic new milestone
HONOLULU – Traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūle'a achieved a new milestone in her voyage around the world this
week. Her arrival in Golden Bay, New Zealand marks the furthest into the southern hemisphere Hōkūlea has sailed in
nearly four decades of voyaging.
“On March 8th, 1975, Hōkūle'a was launched with the vision of one voyage to Tahiti and back,” said Bruce Blankenfeld,
Pwo (master) navigator with the Polynesian Voyaging Society. "She has been restored and reenergized through the aloha
and good mana of our large voyaging community, young and old, from near and far. In 2015, 40 years later, she continues
to afford us the opportunity to explore new horizons."
Designed to replicate the voyaging routes of her Polynesian ancestors, Hōkūle'a has voyaged extensively throughout the
warm waters of the Pacific, beginning with her first voyage to Tahiti in 1976. The current leg of the Worldwide Voyage
is an ambitious journey, taking Hōkūle'a far beyond her native waters. The harsh sea and weather conditions along New
Zealand's South Island and beyond will continue to push the boundaries of contemporary Polynesian voyaging as Hōkūlea
continues around the world.
“South Island is an extraordinary arrival. This is the farthest south we have ever gone to a part of the world that is
notoriously rough,” said Nainoa Thompson, Pwo navigator and president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. “It was
accomplished today because of unprecedented collaborations and support, and Captain Kalepa Baybayan’s good planning,
training and leadership. Doing a voyage like this that is extensive, exceptional and honors other places on the earth is
foundational to our ability to do well as we prepare to depart Polynesia.”
While in South Island, crew had the opportunity to visit and honor the site where a 600-year-old voyaging canoe was
recently rediscovered. This connection between Hōkūle'a and her ancient predecessor speaks to Polynesians’ ability to
explore the ocean world, proving the strength and vitality of these voyaging vessels.
The Hawaiian name for this journey, Malama Honua, means “to care for our Island Earth” and is taking Hokulea and her
sister canoe Hikianalia across Earth’s oceans to grow a global movement toward a more sustainable world. The Mālama
Honua Worldwide Voyage, sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines, will cover 47,000 nautical miles, 85 ports, 26 nations,
including 12 of UNESCO’s Marine World Heritage sites, through June 2017.