Kon-Tiki expedition dockyard facilities provided by the Peruvian authorities, they constructed the raft out of balsa logs and other native materials in an indigenous style as recorded in illustrations by Spanish conquistadores. The trip began on April 28, 1947. Heyerdahl and five companions sailed the raft for 101 days over 6,900 km (4,300 miles) across the Pacific Ocean before smashing into a reef at Raroia in the Tuamotus on August 7, 1947. The crew made successful landfall and all returned safely. Thor Heyerdahl's book about his experience became a bestseller. It was published in Norwegian in 1948 as "The Kon-Tiki Expedition: By
Kon-Tiki Theatre Kon-Tiki Theatre The Kon-Tiki Theatre was a Polynesian-themed cinema operating in Trotwood, Ohio, United States, a suburb of Dayton, Ohio, between 1968 and 1999. The unique building was a landmark along Salem Avenue for decades before being demolished in 2005 to make room for a medical facility. The Kon Tiki was originally owned and operated by the Levin family. On May 13, 1987, the owners leased it to USA Cinemas who renamed it Salem Avenue Cinemas. USA Cinemas was later acquired by the Loews chain, which changed the name to Loews Salem Ave. It was built as a single auditorium.