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.

By 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.”

SEE ALSO: Quote Unquote: Meet Nā‘ālehu Anthony, Hōkūle‘a’s Storyteller

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.

1. Diamond Head in Honolulu, Hawai‘i

May 17, 2014

Photo: ‘Ōiwi TV, Kaimana Pinē

2. Swains Island in American Sāmoa

Sept. 15, 2014

PHOTO: ‘Ōiwi TV, Kaeleleo Wong

3. Auckland, New Zealand

Dec. 8, 2014

PHOTO: ‘ŌIWI TV, KAIPO Kī‘AHA

4. Sydney Harbor in Sydney, Australia

May 19, 2015

Photo: Nick Tomasello

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5. Cocos Island

Aug. 24, 2015

PHOTO: ‘ŌIWI TV, Nā‘ālehu Anthony

6. St. John National Park in Virgin Islands

March 9, 2016

Photo: ‘Ōiwi TV, Justyn Ah Chong

7. Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, Virginia

May 13, 2016

PHOTO: ‘ŌIWI TV, NĀ‘ĀLEHU ANTHONY

8. The National Mall in Washington, D.C.

May 18, 2016

PHOTO: Bryson Hoe

PHOTO: ‘ŌIWI TV, NĀ‘ĀLEHU ANTHONY

9. Cape May, New Jersey

June 3, 2016

PHOTO: ‘ŌIWI TV, MAUI TAUOTAHA

10. City Skyline with One World Trade Center in New York City, New York

June 5, 2016

PHOTO: ‘ŌIWI TV, NĀ‘ĀLEHU ANTHONY

11. The Statue of Liberty in New York City, New York

June 5, 2016

PHOTO: ‘ŌIWI TV, NĀ‘ĀLEHU ANTHONY