KAILUA BAY — Hokulea has arrived.
The 65-foot Polynesian voyaging canoe arrived at Kailua Pier about 10 p.m. Sunday following a delayed but “good crossing,” that got underway around 8 p.m. Saturday from Polynesian Voyaging Society headquarters at Sand Island, Oahu.
Mariah Hugho, Polynesian Voyaging Society volunteer coordinator, was aboard the historic vessel as it cruised between the islands at 9 knots, or about 10 mph.
“The channel was not what we expected,” Hugho said of the oft-treacherous Alenuihaha Channel that separates Hawaii Island and Maui. “It was flat and glassy — the most work we had was coming in to dock.”
Hokulea’s visit to Hawaii Island is part of the “Mahalo, Hawaii” sail, which commenced last August to recognize and celebrate the contributions of families, employers and communities that made the three-year Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage possible.
It’s the first time Hokulea 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, Hokulea will be welcoming hundreds of pupils of all ages from schools all over the west side of Hawaii Island to experience the vessel. She will be off-limits to the public on these days.
The public will get its chance to connect with Hokulea during free community days on Friday and Saturday. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, 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, Hokulea will depart for Hilo, where she will remain throughout the month of April.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 21, the public is invited to meet crewmembers and hear stories, as well as tour the canoe and check out an educational expo, at Wailoa Harbor. Admission is free.
Hokulea then will spend time in Kawaihae through the first week in May. A free community day, like those held in Kailua-Kona and Hilo, is scheduled May 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kawaihae Harbor. Thereafter, she will depart for Oahu.
For more information on Hokulea and the Polynesian Voyaging Society, including planned public events for the “Mahalo, Hawaii” sail, visit www.hokulea.com.