KAILUA-KONA — Hokuleʻa has returned to Oahu from Hawaii Island earlier than scheduled after the canoe went aground while sailing from Milolii to Kawaihae.
While sailing to Kawaihae Sunday to continue the Mahalo, Hawaii Sail, Hokuleʻa’s crew experienced some difficulty and the canoe went aground causing damage to the the canoe’s hulls. No crew members were injured during the incident, according to the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
Although there is damage to the bottom of the hulls, initial assessment by leadership concluded it was safe to bring the voyaging canoe back to Oahu where she will undergo drydock repairs immediately at the Marine Education Training Center.
Because of the early departure from Kawaihae Harbor, all school and public canoe tours will be postponed until further notice. The canoe was scheduled to be docked at Kawaihae Harbor until May 10.
Despite Hokuleʻa early departure, the crew panel presentations will not be canceled and will take place as scheduled:
· May 3, 6-8 p.m., Kahilu Town Hall, Waimea: Panel Presentation: Documentation team who were embedded on the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage.
· May 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Fairmont Orchid — Grand Ballroom: Panel Presentation: Ohana Holomoana, 1976 Crew.
· May 6, 4-6 p.m., Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Luau Grounds: Panel Presentation: PiliwehenaOle: Inseparable Relationships
· May 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Kanu o ka Aina, Kamuela: Malama Honua Community Panel