Hawai'i's voyaging canoes sailed out of Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands at midday yesterday on the 750-mile second leg of their voyage into the western Pacific.

Their next stop is Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, a trip that should take roughly a week.

The canoes Hokule'a and Alingano Maisu, and escort vessel Kama Hele, arrived in Majuro Sunday afternoon after a three-week, 2,400-mile leg that took them from Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island, within sight of Johnston Atoll, and on to Majuro.

The vessels sailed the entire distance using traditional noninstrument navigation. Hokule'a captain Bruce Blankenfeld navigated the small fleet to Johnston, and Alingano Maisu navigator Chadd Paishon guided it on to Majuro.

Navigators aboard Hokule'a will take the lead canoe position on the Majuro-Pohnpei leg.

The canoes' original itinerary made the island of Kosrae the next stop, but the Polynesian Voyaging Society said yesterday that they will bypass the island due to weather conditions.

At Majuro, the canoe crews were feted by local groups, led by the president of the republic, Kessai Note. Numerous Majuro schoolchildren visited the canoes during the 2 1/2-day stay.

"Crew members of all three vessels, Na Kalai Wa'a Moku o Hawai'i, and the Polynesian Voyaging Society would like to thank the Marshall Islands government and community for an overwhelming welcome and for their generous hospitality from the moment the canoes approached Majuro, through their stay and this morning's departure," the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Na Kalai Wa'a Moku o Hawai'i said in a press release.

The canoes dropped off several crew members and took on new ones, and also loaded fresh produce and water.

The three vessels will sail together to Satawal in the Federated States of Micronesia's Yap State, where Alingano Maisu will be given to master navigator Mau Piailug. The canoes will then sail on to Palau and then to Yap, where Alingano Maisu will remain. Hokule'a and Kama Hele will sail on to Japan for a ceremonial visit to several Japanese port cities.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.