Overview:
The traditional voyaging canoe Alingano Maisu has departed Palau on a 6,200-mile journey across the Pacific, marking 20 years since the vessel was gifted to legendary navigator Pius “Papa Mau” Piailug. A moving send-off ceremony brought together leaders, families and regional partners to honor the crew and the enduring legacy of Micronesian wayfinding.
By: Summer Kennard
KOROR, Palau (Feb. 16, 2026) — The traditional voyaging canoe Alingano Maisu set sail from Palau on Feb. 15, embarking on a 6,200-mile, six-month journey across the Pacific to mark the 20th anniversary of the vessel’s gifting to late Master Navigator Pius “Papa Mau” Piailug.
A launch ceremony was held at Drop Off at Neco Marina, where government leaders, diplomats, educators and community members gathered to send off the canoe and its 14-member crew.
The voyage is led by Grand Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur of the Federated States of Micronesia. The crew includes navigators and sailors from Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Taiwan, Guam, Hawai‘i and the Satawal lineage.
President Surangel Whipps Jr., Taiwan Ambassador Andy Kang-L Chen, representatives from Palau Community College and local and diplomatic partners joined the Micronesian Voyaging Society for the departure ceremony.
Alingano Maisu will travel first to Taiwan, then continue to Okinawa, Saipan, Guam, Satawal, Yap and Ngulu, covering approximately 6,200 miles using traditional navigation methods.
Remarks were delivered by Micronesian Voyaging Society Vice President Alan Seid, board member Reklai Bao Ngirmang, President Whipps and Ambassador Chen. Palau Community College President Patrick Tellei introduced each crew member and explained the meaning behind the canoe’s name. The ceremony also featured a traditional performance by the Ongedechuul boys.
In an interview, Ali Haleyalur, Grand Master Navigator of the Weriyang School in Yap, described the cultural significance of “maisu” in Satawal tradition. Breadfruit trees are inherited through maternal lineage and belong to specific families and clans. Normally, permission is required before harvesting from another family’s tree.
However, fruit knocked down by storms is called “maisu” and may be gathered freely by anyone in need, serving as a community lifeline during difficult times.
The canoe’s name reflects that spirit of generosity and shared responsibility. It honors Papa Mau’s decision to share the once closely guarded knowledge of traditional wayfinding so it could be preserved and passed on to future generations.
In his closing remarks, Sewralur thanked local and international partners who supported the voyage.
“I stand strong as we stand strong together as Pacific islands,” he said. “We need to stand strong for some of our Micronesian regions through deep sea mining — three miles offshore and beyond. Mainly this voyage, we want to bring a message to the Marianas to understand our ocean, our people — one ocean, one people.”
The ceremony concluded with a blessing for the crew by Haleyalur. Families offered farewells as the canoe sailed past Palau Royal Resort, beginning its long journey across the Pacific.