After a five-day stop for canoe reprovisioning and preparations, Hokulea departed the island of St. Helena last week to continue her journey across the Atlantic Ocean to Brazil. St. Helena was the first stop after traveling 16 days and about
After a five-day stop for canoe reprovisioning and preparations, Hokulea departed the island of St. Helena last week to continue her journey across the Atlantic Ocean to Brazil.
St. Helena was the first stop after traveling 16 days and about 1,900 miles from South Africa en route to Brazil. The voyage from Africa to South America is the longest leg of the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage and the first time in history Hokulea sailed in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. More than 1,200 of the 1,900 miles traveled to the remote island of St. Helena were on open ocean using only traditional wayfinding and no modern instruments.
The canoe’s next stop will be at Ilha Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, Hokulea is expected to make landfall in South America at the coastal city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, located in northeastern Brazil, in early February. The crew will seek stories of hope about efforts to malama the sacred natural resources and indigenous cultures of the Amazon Rainforest.
After stopping in Brazil, Hokulea will continue the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage and stop in a few ports in the Caribbean before sailing up and visiting cities along the East Coast of the United States. She is scheduled to arrive in New York City by June 8, 2016, for World Oceans Day.
Since departing Hawaiian waters in May 2014, Hokulea has sailed about 45,000 miles and made stops in 11 countries and 46 ports. Along the way, more than 160 volunteer crewmembers have helped to sail Hokulea accompanied by escort vessel Gershon II.
Kauai’s Mimi George spent several weeks aboard Gershon II and will be returning soon.
Steven Soltysik, also of Kauai, is planning to join the Gershon II, as well.
