Polynesian Voyaging Society Visits Ocean Affairs Council, Hōkūleʻa to Arrive in Taiwan in 2027

Lehua Kamalu, Voyaging Director of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, and Randie Kamuela Fong, Executive Cultural Officer of Kamehameha Schools in Hawaii, led a delegation to visit Minister Kuan Pi-ling of the Ocean Affairs Council this morning.

Randie Kamuela Fong, a representative at the meeting, stated that for them, visiting Taiwan is like seeking their roots, and they hope to visit the Yami (Tao) tribe in Orchid Island for cultural exchange and to express their respect.

The Ocean Affairs Council stated that the Polynesian Voyaging Society is promoting the Moananuiākea Voyage global sailing plan from 2023 to 2027, which is expected to cover approximately 43,000 nautical miles, connecting 36 countries and nearly a hundred indigenous communities.

The Ocean Affairs Council explained to Central News Agency reporters that the plan involves sailing the traditional double-hulled canoe "Hōkūleʻa" to various countries and maritime communities for exchange. The vessel is named after the star "Arcturus," called Hōkūleʻa in Hawaiian, meaning "Star of Joy." Hawaiians use the position of Arcturus to determine their course, making it an important navigational reference.

In a press release, the Ocean Affairs Council stated that in 1976, the "Hōkūleʻa" successfully completed a historic voyage from Hawaii to Tahiti by observing natural clues such as stars, waves, wind direction, and bird flight paths, without relying on modern instruments. The ship is expected to arrive in Taiwan next year and engage in cultural exchange and educational activities with indigenous tribes and maritime communities.

Minister Kuan Pi-ling has long followed the "Hōkūleʻa" voyaging plan and is very much looking forward to the "Hōkūleʻa" coming to Taiwan for exchange. She stated that the Ocean Affairs Council assisted the traditional Palauan voyaging canoe "Alingano Maisu" in visiting Taiwan in March, accumulating valuable experience in cross-national maritime cultural exchange.

Minister Kuan Pi-ling expressed admiration for the "Hōkūleʻa" for its long-term practice of traditional navigation techniques, such as stargazing. She believes that traditional navigation techniques demonstrate the wisdom of human coexistence with the ocean, representing a very high level of cultural expression in maritime culture, and embodying the core value of sustainable use of the ocean.

Minister Kuan Pi-ling stated that in the future, she will continue to promote international maritime cultural exchange and strengthen cross-ministerial cooperation mechanisms with the Council of Indigenous Peoples. She looks forward to the "Hōkūleʻa" visiting next year to promote widespread participation among youth, indigenous peoples, and civil society, strengthening Taiwan's position as an important node in Austronesian culture. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150408