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The Polynesian voyaging canoes Hokule‘a and Hikianalia on Wednesday crossed Ka Piko o Wakea, also known as the Equator, as they continue on their journey to Tahiti.
To note this milestone, the crews stopped the canoes and conducted a traditional cultural ceremony.
Crossing the Equator marks the halfway point of the Kealaikahiki Voyage, which launched 10 days ago from Hilo.
Hokule‘a Navigator Lehua Kamalu estimated Wednesday that they are 1,245 miles along their journey and about 130 miles to the west of their intended course due to the winds and currents.
According to Kamalu, this is the final section of the voyage where they are setting up for a tack into the Tuamotu Archipelago and onward to Tahiti.