For all three vessels, this is the first time to venture into the Western Pacific. Thompson said in a news release. Chadd Paishon, navigator of the lead canoe, the Maisu, has been setting a great course to Majuro.

With northeast tradewinds at 15 to 20 knots over the past few days, the the canoes have been making good time at between 5 and 7 knots. Given the current course and speed there is a possibility that they could arrive in Majuro on Sunday.

Paishon says the sun in the morning and moon in the afternoon are guiding them in daylight hours. He reported Monday night that the crew is doing well and that "one thing they have come to realize is just how well the canoe (Maisu) sails. We are extremely proud of the progress that has been made thus far in the journey and ask our kupuna and Ke Akua to continue to guide us as we holomua."

The weather has been very cooperative. Hokule'a apprentice navigator Ka'iulani Murphy on Monday afternoon described it this way: "It's another hot day, but we have good wind and following seas. Still we try to hide in the shade for relief from the sun and dream of having ice cold drinks."