Polynesian voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia on Aug. 9 arrived in Bora Bora — their final port of call in French Polynesia before continuing on to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands — after a 2-day sail from Tautira, Tahiti.
The trek to Bora Bora began under light following winds.
As the canoes lost sight of Tahiti, an orca surfaced alongside Hōkūleʻa, a moment the crew described as powerful and auspicious.
“We left the pass at Tautira at about noon yesterday, and made our way north of Tahiti,” reported Moananuiākea Voyage Leg 14 Hōkūleʻa Navigator Kaʻiulani Murphy in a video update from the waʻa’s deck the day after leaving Tautira. “Right before sunset, we kind of turned and started to head towards Huahine, and along our course line, which we estimated would be about 100 miles by sunrise, we were 73 miles along and 18 miles north of our course line, which took us to the south tip of Huahine.
“So we saw her this morning at sunrise, and throughout the day we’ve just been making our way south of Huahine and approaching Raʻiātea in the beautiful sunset hour. We plan to make our way and continue south of the islands and head towards Bora Bora.”
The canoes arrived at first light Aug. 9 at Bora Bora, but circled the island until noon for the official arrival ceremony, during which they were welcomed with protocol at the mouth of the harbor and again after docking.
Crew members joined a festive parade at sunset with the mayor followed by an official ʻawa ceremony and evening of traditional dancing.
Festivities concluded with a beautiful 50th birthday cake for Hōkūleʻa, honoring the canoe’s half-century legacy of voyaging, cultural renewal and environmental stewardship.
The happiness and celebration of their arrival at Bora Bora was almost an inverse of the emotional farewell Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia received as they departed Aug. 7 from Tautira.
Families and friends lined the shore beside the canoes for a heartfelt send-off filled with singing, traditional protocol, speeches, hugs and many tears.
A deep and enduring connection has been built between the Tahiti communuty and traditional double-hulled voyaging canoes, making their departure especially bittersweet.
The waʻa were still moored in Bora Bora waters as of the afternoon of Aug. 13 and will remain anchored near the small South Pacific island until weather conditions allow them to safely depart for Rarotonga in the Cook Islands to continue their historic voyage.
A 43,000-nautical-mile circumnavigation of the Pacific Ocean, the Moananuiākea Voyage aims to ignite a movement of cultural and environmental stewardship, youth leadership and community resilience.
Follow Polynesian Voyaging Society’s social media @hokuleacrew on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates about the voyage.
You can also track Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia live on the voyaging tracking map and get updates on the society’s website.
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