KAILUA-KONA — Hokule‘a and her crew return to the Big Island later this month for the first time since 2014 after she departed Hilo for the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage.
Hokule‘a is set to commence the “Mahalo, Hawaii” sail from Sand Island in Honolulu to Hawaii Island as early as Thursday, depending on the weather.
The first stop will be Milolii, where the canoe is expected to arrive Sunday. The following day, Hokule‘a is scheduled to depart for Kona, where she will be moored through the end of March.
From 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 30-31, the public is invited to meet crew members and hear stories, as well as tour the canoe and check out an education expo. Admission is free.
Throughout April, the canoe will be in Hilo. From 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 21, the public is invited to meet crew members and hear stories, as well as tour the canoe and check out an education expo at Wailoa Harbor. Admission is free.
Hokule‘a then will spend time in Kawaihae through the first week of May before returning to Oahu.
During the visit, residents can expect crew presentations and talk-story sessions, open house canoe tours, volunteer stewardship opportunities and other family friendly events, all free to the public.
The Mahalo, Hawaii sail brings Hokule‘a and Hikianalia home to all of Hawaii in honor and celebration of the contributions families, employers, and communities made to help take the canoes across the world’s ocean.
The Polynesian Voyaging Society will also be engaging thousands of public and private school students with canoe visits and hands-on educational activities that highlight wayfinding and voyaging through the lenses of math, science, conservation and culture.