KAILUA BAY — Hokule‘a has arrived.
The 65-foot Polynesian voyaging canoe arrived about 10 p.m. Sunday at Kailua Pier in Kailua-Kona following a delayed but “good crossing,” that got underway about 8 p.m. Saturday from Sand Island off Oahu.
Hokule‘a’s visit to Hawaii Island is part of the “Mahalo, Hawaii” sail, which commenced last August to honor and celebrate the contributions of families, employers and communities that made the three-year Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage possible.
It’s the first time the voyaging canoe has come to Hawaii Island since 2014 when she departed Hilo Bay with sister canoe, Hikianalia, for the historic voyage.
“It’s a mahalo,” said crewmember Hana Yoshihata, who was watching over the canoe Monday morning at Kailua Pier as several people came up to ask questions about the vessel. “We wouldn’t have been able to get through the years and getting around the world without the support of our communities.”
The double-hulled sailing canoe will remain moored within the bay, weather permitting, through this weekend, providing Hawaii Island residents and visitors the chance to not only see but also engage with the vessel and her crew.
Today through Thursday, Hokule‘a will welcome hundreds of pupils of all ages from West Hawaii schools to experience the vessel, during which time she will be off-limits to the public. The public will get its chance to connect with Hokule‘a during free community days from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday and Saturday. People will have the opportunity to meet and hear stories from the vessel’s crew, check out a variety of educational displays and tour the canoe. Protocol, which includes a puli (prayer) and oli (chant), opens each day’s festivities.
A scheduled visit on Sunday to Milolii was canceled after the canoe’s departure from Oahu was delayed a couple of days because of unfavorable weather conditions.
After her time in Kailua-Kona’s waters, Hokule‘a will depart for Hilo, where she will remain throughout April.
From 9 a.m.-5 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 educational expo at Wailoa Harbor. Admission is free.
Hokule‘a then will spend time in Kawaihae through the first week in May. A free community day is scheduled for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 5 at Kawaihae Harbor. Thereafter, she will depart for Oahu.
For more information, visit www.hokulea.com.
Email Chelsea Jensen at cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com.