
WORLD PREMIERE
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.
Important Ticket and Check-In Information for the Hawaii Theater Screening
- -Limit of two tickets per transaction.
- -Early Ticket Access for HIFF, Polynesian Voyaging Society and Patagonia available September 18 - 22.
- -Hawaii Theatre Members presale begins September 23 - 24.
- -Tickets will be available to the General Public on September 25.
- -All guests must check in at least 15 minutes before showtime. Due to limited availability, unclaimed reserved seats may be released to patrons waiting in the rush line.
Preview
Tickets
Saturday, November 14, 2026
6:00 PM• Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Tickets for this event are sold by another organization on an external website. We are not involved in that purchase: payment, confirmation, refunds and any questions are handled by that website.
Get Tickets on External Website (opens an external website in a new tab)Credits
With Support From

Upcoming Dates
Sat, Nov 14
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Event Info
- Run Time:
- 95 mins
- Country:
- United States
- Genre:
- Adventure, Environmental, Documentary
- Language(s):
- English, Hawaiian (‘olelo Hawai‘i)
Become a HIFF Member
Join today for discounts and exclusive access across the festival.
Choose Your Membership
All members get 20% discounts on up to 2 film tickets per showtime, 20% off merch, and early access to tickets and passes.
Explore MembershipsLocation
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
1 Cameron Way
Kahului, HI 96732