Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS)

Founded in 1973, the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) preserves and advances traditional Polynesian voyaging while promoting cultural respect, sustainability, and ocean stewardship. From the launch of Hōkūle‘a in 1975 to the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage and ongoing Moananuiākea Voyage, PVS has grown from a scientific experiment into a global movement connecting communities across Polynesia, the U.S., and beyond, strengthening cultural identity and raising awareness of marine conservation.

HNC supported PVS through funding for the Moananuiākea Voyage, organizational development, and the Marine Education Training Center, enabling Native Hawaiian participation and leadership. In 2025, the voyage included roughly 150 crewmembers, 90 of which were Native Hawaiian, who all received training in navigation, seamanship, and cultural practices. PVS also engages an estimated 2,000 students through educational programs, both in person and virtually. HNC’s partnership has been key to advancing PVS’s mission, and fostering cultural preservation, education, and ocean stewardship while empowering future generations of Native Hawaiian leaders.

HNC proudly supports PVS & Hōkūleʻa in their dedication to Mālama Honua as it aligns with our commitment to preserve the culture, land, ocean, and way of life of Native Hawaiians. Founded in 1973, the Polynesian Voyaging Society is a non-profit research and educational corporation. With a legacy of Pacific Ocean exploration, the Polynesian Voyaging Society seeks to perpetuate the art and science of traditional Polynesian voyaging and the spirit of exploration through experiential educational programs that inspire students and their communities to respect and care for themselves, each other, and their natural and cultural environments.