By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.

The Hinemoana II, a traditional voyaging canoe (vaka), with an all-female crew, docked at the Inter-island Ferry Terminal in Nuku’alofa this evening, 2 August 2024, after a 10 days voyage from New Zealand.

Hinemoana II departed Auckland on 23 July, on a voyage to Tongatapu that can take up to two weeks, depending on the weather.

The Hinemoana II is skippered by 'Aunofo Havea Funaki – the first Tongan woman to become a licensed sea captain.

Alongside 'Aunofo is Fealofani Bruun, the first Samoan woman to qualify as a yachtmaster and first Samoan captain of the Gaualofa.

They were also joined by Maori skipper, Joelene Busby.

The Tonga Voyaging Society was able to restore the Hinemoana II, funded by Conservation International, with support from the Māori Iwi, Te Whanau ā Apanui.

Crew

Jessica Blackwood a crew member, said she had a magical experience for her first time sailing in the traditional style.

“We got to see dolphins and whales, it was magical,” she said.

However for other crew members it was not all smooth sailing. Losimani Taufalelee laughed as she described big rough waves.

“I’ve never seen waves bigger than me, I was thrown up and down most of the way here” she said with a grin.

Hinerangi Awatere (14) is the youngest crew member.

The vaka was expected to arrive in Tonga yesterday, but due to issues with the fohe (helm) the vaka arrived a day late.

The crew will be formally welcomed by the Ministry of Tourism tomorrow morning, Saturday.

Collaboration

Conservation International recovered the vaka from the Marshall Islands after being grounded due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and with support from SWIRE shipping, brought her to Aotearoa, New Zealand, where the canoe underwent restoration. This work was led by the Tonga Voyaging Society.

This collaboration aims to support the Hinemoana Halo initiative. which is strengthening ocean stewardship, and supporting the Whale Protection and Legal Personhood declaration. It's mission “mission underscore the profound connection between Pacific peoples and their ocean environment, fostering a legacy of stewardship, cultural pride, and scientific innovation,” states Conservation International.

“Looking ahead, the vessel will enable the Tongan Voyaging Society to conduct critical marine research, including whale population monitoring and eDNA mapping. Additionally, Aunofo Funaki hopes to use the vessel to support whale watching ecotourism in Tonga.”

Crew:

1. 'Aunofo Havea (captain)
2. Fealofani Brunn (co-captain)
3. Joelene Busby (skipper)
4. Losimani Taufalelee
5. Hollie Havea
6. Ana Ngamoki
7. Hinerangi Awatere
8. Lahaina Lorris
9. Natia Tucker
10. Jessica Blackwood
11. Anihera Black
12. Therese Mangos.