The Iconic Polynesian Voyaging Canoe Hōkule‘a Sails to Massachusetts
It may be docked in Boston, but won’t be dumping any tea into the harbor.
Photo: Courtesy of Hōkuleʻa
The Hōkuleʻa continues its journey around the world.
Over halfway into its East Coast voyage, the Hōkuleʻa docked at Fan Pier in Boston on Saturday, July 9, where the crew was greeted by members of the Massachusett Tribe and welcomed by performances from a Boston hula halau, Samoan dancers and Native American dancers and drummers.
SEE ALSO: 11 Incredible Photos of the Hōkūleʻa With Iconic Landmarks From Around the World
Since its arrival in Boston, the crew of the Hōkuleʻa has led public canoe tours, met with local Native American communities and led a free, open discussion at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. The Hōkuleʻa heads to Salem, MA on July 14.
This venture along the East Coast is part of the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage, in which Hōkuleʻa and its sister canoe, Hikianalia, are covering over 60,000 nautical miles, concluding in June 2017. After the start of the voyage in 2013, they will eventually visit 100 ports and 27 nations, which include 12 of UNESCO’s Marine World Heritage sites.
So far, it has traveled more than 26,000 miles and made stops in 14 countries. No easy feat: more than 200 volunteer crew members have participated in this ambitious sail, spreading the message of mālama honua, or taking care of the Earth.
The Hōkuleʻa will continue sailing along the East Coast of the continental U.S. till the end of July, when it concludes the U.S. part of its voyage. Then it’ll make its way back to Hawaiʻi, first visiting Panama, and then various islands in the Pacific, including the Galápagos Islands and Rapa Nui.
