The Hinemoana II, a waka hourua (double-hulled canoe), with an all-female crew, made history as it sailed into the Nuku’alofa harbour yesterday evening after a 10-day journey from Auckland, New Zealand, a trip that typically takes up to two weeks depending on weather conditions.
The canoe, a traditional Polynesian double-hulled vessel, is Tonga’s first and was gifted by the Māori people through Te Whānau a Apanui to strengthen cultural connections. The vessel will advance marine research and ecotourism initiatives in Tonga, focusing on whale population monitoring and eDNA mapping.
Skippered by Aunofo Havea Funaki, the first Tongan woman to become a licensed sea captain, the voyage also featured Fealofani Bruun, the first Samoan woman to qualify as a yachtmaster, and Māori skipper Joelene Busby. The Hinemoana II’s arrival was delayed by a day due to issues with the helm.
This project is a collaboration between the Tonga Voyaging Society, Te Whānau ā Apanui, and Conservation International Aotearoa.
