On Friday, voyaging canoe Hokulea left Juneau, Alaska, for Yakutat, the starting point of the Alaska Heritage Sail, a “pre-voyage” through the southeast region of Alaska. The sail is an homage to Alaska Natives and the places that have played a role in the 30-year relationship between Hawaii’s voyaging community and Alaska.

What You Need To Know

  • Hokulea departed Juneau, Alaska, on Friday to begin the first leg of the Alaska Heritage Sail

  • After returning to Juneau on June 10, the crew will engage with the public and make final preparations for the launch of the Moananuiakea Voyage, a circumnavigation of the Pacific, on June 15

While in Alaska, the crew has been busy prepping Hokulea for the Alaska Heritage Sail and the Moananuiakea Voyage set to begin on June 15. Measuring and checking sails, lashing canvas areas, washing and rinsing the decks and loading supplies have been part of the daily routine.

The crew also spent time with the U.S. Coast Guard to discuss safety procedures and protocols, and learn how the Coast Guard could provide emergency support if required. The Coast Guard also shared their knowledge of the local area and waterways.

Crew members also toured Sealaska, an Alaska Native Corporation owned by over 25,000 Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian shareholders. The company focuses on protecting the oceans, forests and people of Southeast Alaska.

Since arriving in Juneau from Seattle on May 9, Hokulea has been docked at Auke Bay Harbor as preparations continued. During that time, crew members got the opportunity to experience Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Between prepping for the journey, crew members were able to explore Alaska's wilderness. (Photo courtesy of Polynesian Voyaging Society)

Hokulea will return to Juneau on June 10, marking the end of the Alaska Heritage Sail. She will be welcomed with a tribal ceremony and continue with public engagements until June 15, when the Moananuiakea Voyage, a circumnavigation of the Pacific, is set to launch.

The 30-year relationship between the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) and Alaska began when PVS set out to build a Hawaiian voyaging canoe (Hawaiiloa) as much as possible from native materials and recover the knowledge and skills associated with this traditional practice.

From 1989 to 1990, the search for logs large enough to construct the hulls of the canoe was unsuccessful, as native koa forests had gradually been destroyed by forestry and cattle grazing.

Builders took the search to Alaska, where Sealaska Corporation CEO Byron Maillot offered to donate two Sitka spruce logs. Construction of Hawaiiloa began in 1991 and was initially launched in July 1993. After further modifications, Hawaiiloa relaunched the following year, making its first voyage to Nuku Hiva.

PVS held a public send-off for Hokulea on April 16 at which time CEO Nainoa Thompson addressed the audience gathered, “When the storm comes, what we need is Hawaii behind us. So when we look into the black of the storm, we see you … This is Hawaii’s canoe, all of Hawaii’s. If you’re with us, and I think you are, we will find the land we seek and we’ll come home.”

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.