Hokule‘a arrives at the Hawaii Kai Towne Center
The Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokule‘a arrived at the Hawaii Kai Towne Center today as part of its “Mahalo, Hawaii Sail” tour of the state.
The double-hulled canoe, a feature of the Maunalua Heritage Festival, will be available for dockside tours through May 23. It is fresh from nine days in drydock to repair hull damage sustained while sailing along Hawaii island. The Hokule‘a will return to Hawaii island later in the year to complete scheduled school and community tours that were postponed due to the damage.
Today’s arrival at Maunalua Bay was marked with the sounding of a pu (conch shell), pahu drums, traditional chant and awa ceremony.
The Hokule‘a crew will host tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Saturday and May 20, and 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and May 21 to 23. Talk-story presentations will be at 5:45 p.m. Monday and Friday at the town center, and 5:30 p.m. May 21 and 23 at the Kaiser High School cafeteria.