The voyaging canoes Hokule'a and Alingano Maisu reached another milestone with their arrival Wednesday night at Pohnpei, their second landfall on their current voyage, and their first within the Federated States of Micronesia.

The canoes spotted the island from about 18 miles out at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Hawai'i time, and were able to pull through the pass into the protection of the island's barrier reef about sunset. They tied up overnight and were to move yesterday to a new dock for a ceremonial welcome from the Pohnpei community.

Among those greeting them will be members of the Aloha Medical Mission, which include medical professionals who are providing medical care to the Pohnpei community and will continue the medical outreach at other islands the canoes will visit.

Non-instrument navigator Nainoa Thompson, who talked to the canoes via satellite phone, said the voyage from the Marshall Islands capital island of Majuro was a particularly difficult one due to frequent rain, cloud cover, contrary currents and other problems.

"Despite these difficult conditions, captain and navigator Bruce Blankenfeld did a remarkable job of finding his way and making landfall. Equally remarkable is that the two canoes could stay together in these conditions, and for that we commend the leadership of the Alingano Maisu, captain Shorty Bertelmann and navigator Chadd Paishon. Congratulations to the leadership and the crews of all three vessels — Hokule'a, Alingano Maisu and escort boat Kama Hele," Thompson said.

All but three Hokule'a crew members will be replaced in Pohnpei by a new crew who will travel by commercial airline to the island. Thompson will replace Blankenfeld as skipper and is slated to depart from Honolulu today to meet with the canoe. Thompson said the canoes may sail Sunday or Monday Hawai'i time for their next landfall, Chuuk.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.