One of seven Vaka Moanas
Fa’afaite, also known as Fa’afaite I te ao Maohi, embarked on a remarkable journey from Tahiti to Hawaii to join the 2024 Festival of the Pacific. The Tahitian boat, with a name meaning 'The reconciliation of the Tahitian people across the islands of Polynesia, the link between all these islands and the reconnection to the Tahitian roots,' made a grand entrance at the festival.
Fa’afaite's Origins
Fa’afaite was meticulously crafted in Auckland, Aotearoa, back in 2009 by the skilled hands of Salthouse Boatbuilders. This stunning vessel was among the seven canoes generously funded by Dieter Paulmann, the visionary founder of Okeanos Foundation for the Sea. The foundation, dedicated to ocean preservation, aptly named these seven boats Vaka Moanas, symbolizing canoes of the ocean.
Key Details of Fa’afaite
- Crew member capacity: 16 individuals
- Length: 22 meters (72.2 feet)
- Width: 6.4 meters (21 feet)
A Speedy Voyage
Departing from Tahiti on May 12, 2024, Fa’afaite gracefully navigated the vast waters and reached O’ahu, Hawaii, much sooner than anticipated on May 28, 2024. The mighty vessel was equipped with essential amenities, including bunks, storage provisions, a private toilet, a small kitchen, an office space, safety canoes, a star compass, and more.
A Memorable Journey
Eliane Garganta, a crew member, shared fascinating insights about their expedition. The crew, consisting of 10 women and 6 men, experienced an unexpectedly swift voyage. Inspired by a Paumotu double-hulled canoe in Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands, Fa’afaite navigated the waters with elegance, propelled by the perseverance and unity of its crew.
An Early Triumph
As Fa’afaite crossed the equator, a celestial spectacle unfolded above, with the vanishing clouds revealing a star-studded sky and a serene sea—a momentous sight embraced as a harbinger of positive outcomes. Eliane Garganta recounted memorable encounters during the voyage, including a sighting of a false orca and distinctive cloud formations signaling the proximity of land. Guided by intuition and nature's cues, Fa’afaite's crew made an early, triumphant arrival at a picturesque Hilo–Big Island beach at 3 a.m., an impressive four days ahead of schedule.