Documentary

THE NAVIGATOR

HIFF is honored to present the World Premiere of THE NAVIGATOR as its Opening Night film.

In 1980, Nainoa Thompson became the first Native Hawaiian in six centuries to navigate a voyaging canoe from Hawaiʻi to Tahiti without a compass or modern instruments. Nearly 50 years later, he returns to the open ocean for one final, extraordinary crossing. Accompanied by a small crew of student navigators, Thompson journeys 2,400 miles along the ancestral sea road, guided only by the stars, the rhythms of nature, and the teachings of the late master navigator Mau Piailug.


This voyage is more than a test of endurance. It is a responsibility to carry forward an ancient knowledge system—and a deeply personal search for something beyond the horizon. THE NAVIGATOR is a powerful meditation on legacy, discovery, and what becomes possible when we learn to observe, listen, and reconnect with the natural world.

Tickets

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Consolidated Theatres Kapolei

TUE, NOV 3

Kahilu Theater

The Mango Theater

Lanai Theater at Hale Keaka

Palace Theater

Maui Arts & Cultural Center

Tickets

This Opening Night screening is hosted by Hawaii Theater, which handles its ticketing.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

8:00 PMHawaii Theater Center

Get Tickets at Hawaii Theater (opens Hawaii Theater in a new tab)

Credits

CastMau Piailug, Nainoa Thompson, Puana Thompson, Kai Hoshijo, Lehua Kamalu, Chris Blake, Kanako Uchino Dumaran, Tamiko Fernelius, Penny Martin
DirectorJordan Manley
CinematographerJordan Manley

Upcoming Date

Wed, Oct 21

8:00 PMHawaii Theater Center

This Opening Night screening is hosted by Hawaii Theater, which handles its ticketing.

Get Tickets at Hawaii Theater (opens Hawaii Theater in a new tab)

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Upcoming Dates

Tue, Nov 3

Sat, Nov 7

Sun, Nov 8

Tue, Nov 10

Thu, Nov 12

Event Info

Run Time:
95 mins
Country:
United States
Genre:
Adventure, Environmental, Documentary
Language(s):
English, Hawaiian (‘olelo Hawai‘i)

Location

Hawaii Theater Center

Honolulu

Transaction fees may apply.