Days before they’re scheduled to leave Oahu for a long-anticipated sail around the world, crews of the Hokule’a are working to eradicate an ant infestation affecting part of the vessel, according to Polynesian Voyaging Society officials.

The renowned voyaging canoe will be covered and fumigated Thursday to eliminate the unexpected pests, which crews discovered last week while preparing for the voyage, a 26-nation odyssey that PVS has been planning for the past six years.

Hokule’a and its escort canoe, the Hikianalia, are slated to depart Oahu for Hilo on Saturday.

PVS is "not projecting any delays" to the two double-hulled canoes’ Oahu departure, spokeswoman Marisa Hayase said Wednesday.

Despite Hokule’a’s masts being removed and the vessel itself being covered, the public can still visit the canoes Thursday during PVS’ final open house hours, 4 to 7 p.m., to view them before they embark for Hilo.