The Hōkūle‘a Arrives

Hōkūle‘a = Star of Gladness

Along with a few dozen of our closest Hui Nalu friends, Troy and I had the privilege of helping escort the Hokule’a from Maunalua Bay into the Hawaii Kai marina on its recent tour.

The Hokule’a is a Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe launched in 1975 and modeled on the traditional canoes that brought the first Polynesians to Hawaii. She has traveled around the world and represents the desire of all people to protect their culture, their most cherished values and places, from disappearing. Eddie Aikua (whom the surf contest “the Eddie” is named for and who the rally “Eddie would go” is about) was lost at sea while trying to save the crew during one of her voyages.

We decorated the canoes with ceremonial ti leaves before the launch. We then met the Hokulea which was anchored in Maunulua Bay and got into formation around her, to escort her into the marina.

As a reward for our hard work (I think we paddled for all of 15 minutes), we had a front row view of the welcome show, which included lots of traditional Polynesian dancing and music!

A few days later, we got to take a tour of the boat when it was open to the public. The crew sleep in hammocks on the sides, water for the entire voyage is stored in large bottles, and you have to be hooked in to take advantage of the, um, “open-air” latrines!