As Earth Day arrives, let's check in on how the Niu's are doing in perhaps the most isolated, remote region of the planet. As a reminder, the Niu's have now been at sea for almost three months.

First, Niu `Alani is in the lead for distance traveled, having gone over 1,400 miles from where it started its journey in Honolulu. It iss almost at the International Date Line, passed Johnston Atoll a few weeks ago, and seems to be on a westward course for Wake Island.

Next, Niu Poni is about 1,100 miles from Honolulu and is over 300 miles from Johnston Atoll, the nearest land.

Finally, Niu Melemele is the slowest of the group and is just about 750 miles from Honolulu. It has meandered the most during its journey and is the northernmost active Niu, but is still almost 300 miles from the French Frigate Shoals in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.

All the Niu's seem to be heading west with the predominate currents. Should they continue in this direction, they will hit land in China, but models of the currents suggest they will eventually head north and circle clockwise around the Pacific Ocean. But this is not a foregone conclusion; a number of things could cause the Niu's to vary from the models' predictions.

For the students out there who'd like to figure out when Niu might reach or near Asia based on its present speed and direction, check out our map and you'll find all the info you need. Good luck!