11 Incredible Photos of the Hōkūleʻa With Iconic Landmarks From Around the World

Get a glimpse of the Polynesian voyaging canoe’s journey across the globe.

June 8, 2016

Diane Lee,

PHOTO: ‘ŌIWI TV, NĀ‘ĀLEHU ANTHONY

Five oceans, 27 countries and 26,000 nautical miles after setting off from Hawai‘i in 2014, the Hōkūle‘a made its historic landing in New York City this week just in time for World Oceans Day.

Everything ocean-related will be celebrated around the globe today, June 8. Hawai‘i’s famous Polynesian voyaging canoe, traveling the world by a map of the stars, is spreading the message of Mālama Honua, or “to care for our Island Earth.”

Navigator Nainoa Thompson will address the United Nations for this year’s World Oceans Day theme, “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet.” “We are sailing to New York not just to share Hōkūle‘a and her inspiring legacy, not just to share these stories of great navigators and bring to light the issues facing our oceans and people,” he says. “We are sailing to deliver declarations from people and places that are dedicating themselves toward action and commitment.”

New York City is just one of the last few stops on the Hōkūle‘a’s East Coast tour. The crew is expected to depart New York City on June 18, traveling to New England for multiple events. The Hōkūle‘a is then scheduled to travel to Panama, Costa Rica, Galapagos, Rapa Nui, Pitcairn and French Polynesia in 2017.

In honor of World Oceans Day, we bring you 11 stunning iconic photos from the canoe’s worldwide journey that are sure to give you chicken skin.