I have recently accepted a commission to build a 36 inch long replica of HIKIANALIA, the sister vessel of HOKULE’A.

This project presents once again a unique challenge: HIKIANALIA is currently in Aotearo, New-Zealand, so no way to go on board unless my customer offers me a plane ticket to fly to New Zealand to visit the vessel! This has not been in the cards, but to ensure the highest level of technical accuracy, I have to begin with a few days of exhaustive review of hundreds of pictures and videos available on various social platforms to map every detail of the vessel.

This reminds me of the days researching TAMA MOANA. Actually there are some technical similarities between TAMA MOANA and HIKIANALIA.

Before final construction begins, I will complete a scale mock-up of the hull to verify that the lines and proportions perfectly mirror the original vessel.

The news very regularly mentions that Hikianalia is a replica of a Polynesian Voyaging canoe. I have to admit, it perturbs me when that is said.

Hikianalia has all the characteristics of modern catamarans, which are considered a direct evolution and technological extension of ancient Polynesian voyaging canoes.

A modern navigational suite with advanced technology, an electric motor and propellers are found on the Hikianalia.

There are, however, a few exceptions separating Hikianalia from a contemporary catamaran. A paddle is used to steer Hikianalia, and not a fixed rudder, which allows the crew to operate the vessel using traditional non-instrumental (wayfinding) techniques, if they choose so. Furthermore the deck-planks on the Hikianalia are lashed onto the cross-beams and not glued or screwed onto it. Furthermore the shape of the bow and the stern seems to have been inspired by those on the Samoan and Tahitian canoes.