The Hokulea | Polynesian Voyaging Society's Legendary Vessel

The Hokulea has successfully completed the three-year voyage around the world.

Hōkūle‘a - the original Hawaiian name - is a wa'a (traditional voyaging canoe) launched for the first time on March 8, 1975. It mimics the canoes that brought ancient Hawaiians to their archipelago over 600 years ago.

Through her voyages, Polynesian Voyaging Society’s legendary vessel has sparked a reawakening of Hawaiian culture, language, identity and revitalized voyaging and navigation traditions throughout the Pacific Ocean.

Two years after the first voyage to Tahiti in 1976, the stunning double-­hulled sailing canoe tried to repeat the feat, but it capsized in stormy conditions off of Molokai.

Eddie Aikau, one of the crew members, decided to paddle his surfboard back to Hawaii to get help, but he was never seen again.

Hōkūle'a is the Hawaiian name for the star Arcturus ("Star of Gladness"). It was designed by artist and historian Herb Kawainui Kāne, one of the founders of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

It measures 62 feet in length, and 20 feet in width.

Footage by the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

SurferToday: The Ultimate Surfing News Website | https://www.surfertoday.com

Subscribe to our channel: https://goo.gl/mXMrVU

Follow us:
  / surfertoday  
  / surfertoday  
  / surfertoday  
  / surfertoday