The global pandemic isn’t keeping the Polynesian Voyaging Society from planning its next big sailing. The organization today announced its two voyaging canoes, the Hokulea and Hikianalia, will undertake the Moananuiakea Voyage, crisscrossing the Pacific Ocean to visit 46 countries and archipelagos, nearly 100 indigenous territories and 345 ports over a span of four years.

The sail is tentatively set to begin in the spring of 2022 in Alaska and finish at Honolua Bay, Maui, on May 1, 2026, in time for the 50th anniversary of Hokulea’s 1976 maiden voyage to Tahiti. Organizers cautioned, however, that plans may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and a virtual “Third Canoe” voyage is being prepared as well.

PVS plans this coming spring to train young crew members and navigators by sailing to Tahiti along the ancient sea road called Kealaikahiki. Upon their return, the canoes will sail around the Hawaiian Islands to connect with local communities before leaving on the grander voyage, the society said in its announcement.

The message of the Moananuiakea Voyage will focus on the vital importance of oceans, nature and indigenous knowledge with a goal of “engaging communities around the world to take part in navigating the earth towards a healthy, thriving future,” the announcement said.

The PVS’s last major international sailing was the 2014-2019 Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage that included more than 150 ports in 18 nations and engaged local communities in practicing how to live sustainably.

“We want to be respectful to this global pandemic and its impacts on communities we are hoping to sail to, so although we continue to prepare to voyage, COVID has changed how we do everything,” said PVS President and master navigator Nainoa Thompson in the announcement.

“We have also been searching and having many conversations about how Hokulea and the voyaging family can make a positive contribution and help Hawaii and its people during these very difficult times.”

A virtual “Third Canoe” is being developed as a platform for communication and education initiatives with partners ‘Aha Moananuiakea Pacific Consortium (Kamehameha Schools, University of Hawaii and Bishop Museum), Arizona State University, Planetary Health Alliance and the nongovernmental organization Nia Tero.

“Whether our two canoes are able to physically sail or not, the virtual ‘Third Canoe’ will still go,” Thompson said. “With partnerships and modern technology, we can still commit to a global voyaging campaign that engages, educates and inspires a movement of caring for people, culture, place and oceans.”

PVS has started a membership drive to fund the voyage. It will air a documentary Nov. 14 on KGMB that also will be live-streamed on hawaiinewsnow.com and hokulea.com and as part of the Hawaii International Film Festival, Nov. 16-29, at hiff.org.