The Navigator 2026

Directed by Jordan Manley · Documentary · 90 min

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

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.