Hokule‘a is due to come home in 7 months

The Hokule‘a is scheduled to arrive home in June, as its historic three-year voyage around the globe is coming to an end.

The voyaging canoe and its crew should arrive on Magic Island on June 17, after sailing nearly 40,000 nautical miles since departing Hawaii waters May 30, 2014. “Themed Lei Kaapuni Honua, meaning ‘A Lei Around the World,’ Hokulea’s homecoming celebration will include a cultural welcoming ceremony followed by a hoolaulea at Magic Island. A series of additional homecoming events are being planned during the week following the June 17 arrival event,” the Polynesian Voyaging Society announced Thursday in a news release.

The Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage is sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines.

“When Hokule‘a first set sail on the Worldwide Voyage, our mission was to seek out and share stories of hope that would inspire a movement to strengthen the health and well-being of Island Earth,” said Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. “Our vision is that this Voyage of a 1,000 stories will launch 10,000 voyages needed to protect and care for Hawaii and the world,” he added.

After returning, plans are for crew members of the Hokule‘a and its escort, the Hikianalia, to sail around the islands to share lessons learned during the worldwide voyage. For updates on the homecoming, visit hokulea.com/home.