Balancing the Canoe
Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson and Hōkūleʻa Captain Lehua Kamalu describe trusting the natural world and the principles of adjusting the sails to balance the canoe. “The navigator needs to know…
Photo courtesy of Gigi Brisson
Learning Our Earth – Cycles of Life
As co-conveners of the May 2022 Blue Climate Summit in Tahiti, Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson and oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle led conversations on accelerating ocean-related solutions to climate change and…
Joint Declaration for the Oceans
In a joint declaration signed on May 23, 2022, the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the government of French Polynesia committed to elevating the voices of island people and Polynesia, making…
Pulling an Island
After more than two weeks of voyaging, Hōkūle’a and Hikianalia find land, first pulling the island of Arutua and then landing in Rangiroa on May 6, 2022. And it's a…
The Magic of Kealaikahiki
Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson explains why the ancient Polynesian sea road Kealaikahiki is the best training ground for young navigators. “I hope that in the next 50 years that we’ll…
The Next Big Decision
Our canoes and their crews have emerged from the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). National Weather Service Pacific Region Director Ray Tanabe and Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson discuss what the crew…
The Next Generation – Nainoa on Future Leaders Kaleohano and Kai
Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson discusses the unique characteristics of Kaleohano Farrant and Kai Hoshijo that distinguish them as leaders within the next generation of navigators. Both Kaleohano and Kai are…
Learning Our Earth – Intertropical Convergence Zone/Doldrums
Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson describes the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), also known as the Doldrums. This region around the equator is where the northeast trade winds and southeast trade winds…
Our Planet Earth – The Eye of the Navigator
Hōkūle’a is once again traveling the ancient sea road Kealaikahiki. What changes will her crew be watching for? “We are going to do our best to give those who do…