The Navigator poster

The Navigator

Now we sail in the wake of our ancestors to find ourselves.

October 21, 2026 90 min
✓ Released 1 days ago
Documentary

About

In 1980, Nainoa Thompson became the first Native Hawaiian in six centuries to navigate a voyaging canoe from Hawaii to Tahiti without a compass or modern instruments. Nearly 50 years later, he embarks on the demanding open-ocean crossing one final time. He and a small crew of student navigators rely solely on the stars, nature's clues and lessons from the late master navigator Mau Piailug to guide them. As they sail 2,400 miles along the same sea road as their ancestors, they bear the responsibility of keeping this ancient knowledge alive. Naina sails not only to find an island but to search for something unseen. The Navigator reveals what is possible when we closely observe and deeply connect with the natural world.

Movie Info

Status: Released
Director: Jordan Manley
Runtime: 90 min

Top Cast

Mau Piailug

Nainoa Thompson

Puana Thompson

Lehua Kamalu

Kai Hoshijo

Chris Blake

Kanako Uchino Dumaran

Tamiko Fernelius