Heiheionakeiki

Heiheionakeiki is a traditional Polynesian constellation that mariners used for navigation, especially when traveling to Tahiti. This constellation includes seven bright stars that make up part of what is known in the Western sky as Orion. These stars are Rigel, Betelgeuse, Alnilam, Alnitak, Mintaka, Bellatrix, and Saiph.

The importance of Heiheionakeiki comes from its role in helping ancient Polynesian sailors cross vast ocean distances. By following the positions of these stars, they could find their way across the Pacific Ocean to reach places like Hawaii.

Today, Heiheionakeiki is remembered not just in ancient stories but also in modern times. Hawaiian Airlines honors this tradition by naming some of its aircraft after important stars and constellations. The airline’s seventh Airbus A330-200 aircraft, known as N386HA, carries the name Heiheionakeiki, keeping the ancient navigation methods alive in contemporary travel.