Hikianalia is the Hawaiian name for the star also known as Spica, which rises together with Hōkūle’a (Arcturus) in Hawaiʻi. They are sister stars because they break the horizon together at the latitude of the Hawaiian islands. While Hikianalia had her own sail plan for part of the Worldwide Voyage, she and Hōkūleʻa had begun and concluded the voyage side-by-side.
Hikianalia combines the latest ecological technology with the heritage of the voyaging tradition. Each of our hulls contains an electric motor powered by onboard photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight to electric propulsive energy. With a zero carbon footprint, her design supports the “Mālama Honua” intent of the Worldwide Voyage.
Hikianalia was designed specifically for the Worldwide Voyage, following a template created by Salthouse Boatbuilders and used by the Okeanos Foundation for the Sea, which commissioned the seven waka moana of the Pacific Voyagers in Aotearoa (New Zealand). A sail path between Aotearoa and Hawaiʻi was rekindled in 1985, when Hōkūleʻa sailed there and established an ongoing relationship with Maori communities.
Hikianalia at a Glance
- Built in Auckland, Aotearoa by Salthouse Boatbuilders (builders of the Pacific Voyagers waka)
- Launched for sea trials on September 15, 2012
- Set sail from Aotearoa to Tahiti on October 9, 2012. Arrived on October 25.
- Length: 72 feet
- Width: 23 feet
- Green Footprint: Hikianalia is powered by photovoltaic-driven electric motors
- Hikianalia is the Hawaiian name for the star Spica.
MauiBoating collected this data from The Polynesian Voyaging Society. There are many volumes attributed to the history of Hawaiian voyages and the vessels that were used. In the Hawaiian culture, the Wa’a is a sacred part of the society, believed to be a protecting spirit that enables those that are at sea to find rest on land. There are many versions of the Wa’a, from paddling to sailing.