Hokulea, Hikianalia begin worldwide voyage

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HILO — Voyagers have set out on a journey that will take them around the world in a double-hulled canoe.

HILO — Voyagers have set out on a journey that will take them around the world in a double-hulled canoe.

The Hokulea and Hikianalia left Hawaii Friday to begin its three-year, 47,000-mile odyssey. Its crew members are sailing without modern navigation equipment. They will observe the motion of the waves and the position of the stars to guide their path.

Hundreds of spectators gathered in Hilo to bid aloha and farewell to the crew. They sang and shared hugs and lei. Bags of fresh produce hang in nets over the side of the boat. Crew members wave and paddle as they venture out of Hilo.

The Hokulea will visit 85 ports in 26 countries. Its voyagers will teach the public about the ancient style of navigation.