Hokule‘a arrives in Cuba in time for Obama visit
COURTESY POLYNESIAN VOYAGING SOCIETY
The Hokule‘a reached Havana about 7:30 a.m. local time Friday, according to the Oahu-based Polynesian Voyaging Society.
COURTESY POLYNESIAN VOYAGING SOCIETY
The Hokule‘a reached Havana about 7:30 a.m. local time Friday, according to the Oahu-based Polynesian Voyaging Society.
COURTESY POLYNESIAN VOYAGING SOCIETY
While in Cuba, Hokule‘a’s crews are slated to visit Old Havana, which is recognized by the United Nations as a World Heritage site
Hawaiian sailing canoe Hokule‘a has arrived in Cuba, and its crew’s stay there is poised to coincide with U.S. president and Hawaii native Barack Obama’s own historic trip there.
The traditional Polynesian vessel replica reached Havana about 7:30 a.m. local time Friday, according to the Oahu-based Polynesian Voyaging Society.
While in Cuba, Hokule‘a’s crews are slated to visit Old Havana, which is recognized by the United Nations as a World Heritage site, a PVS release stated. They also aim to meet with local advocates for better urban environmental sustainability and marine conservation, the release added.
Obama is scheduled to arrive in Havana on Sunday, becoming the first U.S. President to visit the Caribbean island nation in nearly 90 years as relations have recently thawed somewhat between the two countries.
Hokule‘a is slated to stay until Tuesday or Wednesday, weather depending, before departing for continental U.S. at Everglades City, Florida. From there, it plans to travel up the U.S. East Coast and arrive in New York City by June 8 to participate in the U.N.’s World Oceans Day.
7 responses to “Hokule‘a arrives in Cuba in time for Obama visit”
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Great sailing. Bring back some cigars.
I strongly support President Obama;s opening to Cuba policy. The awful and exploitive Cuban refugees who exploited the workers in Cuba left and have made trouble for the USA ever since. Stop serving the American Cuban politicos and continue to work to open normal relations with Cuba, our neighbor. I am so proud of Nainoa and his crew for taking advantage of this diplomatic opening.
Another plus is that normalization of diplomatic relations with Cuba after all these decades may have the consequence of reducing the likelihood of having a committed adversary 90 miles from our shores. It’s really a pretty big deal for this administration and for America.
President Obama please take a photo op with the Hokulea crew.
Pres. Obama should invite Raúl Castro to a luau with the crew of the Hokule’a. That’d be one historic fiesta!
Think the protocol is for the host to do the inviting. The Americans are guests and should not take the initiative? Can reciprocate the favor.
Cool. I hope the President visits Hokule’a.