Hōkūleʻa, the legendary voyaging canoe that revived the lost art of Polynesian voyaging and navigation and sparked a cultural renaissance in Hawaiʻi, is slated to arrive at Vancouver Maritime Museum tomorrow at around 10:00 am (subject to change) as part of its four-year Moananuiākea Voyage around the Pacific. The crew plans to host public canoe tours while docked at the Museum until Monday. On Tuesday, August 8, the canoe will move to Granville Public Marina and dock there until Saturday, August 12. (Please check @hokuleacrew on Facebook and Instagram and www.hokulea.com for the latest schedule.) Hōkūleʻa’s crew observes Hawaiian protocol by seeking permission to visit from First Nations representatives. Vancouver Maritime Museum will host the Hōkūleʻa and its crew for three days, which will include the sharing of knowledge and stories with Lamxacha Siyám Mike Billy, esteemed Squamish chief and respected canoe carver.

Executive Director of the Vancouver Maritime Museum, David Jordan said “To have the opportunity in hosting this incredible canoe and its crew with us at the Vancouver Maritime Museum Heritage Harbour is a real privilege and honour. The Hōkūleʻa is on an immense journey of importance and relevance that we as a museum stand behind and support. We hope they enjoy their time in Vancouver, and we look forward to welcoming them. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get up and close and personal with a traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe so we encourage members of the public to come and show their support this weekend.”

“It has been an extraordinary experience sailing from Northwest to Southeast British Columbia and being welcomed by these special communities,” said Nainoa Thompson, Navigator and CEO of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. “It’s a blessing to end this leg’s journey at the Vancouver Maritime Museum where much of the history and stories of these lands and people are being housed and preserved.” Hōkūleʻa has been sailing south from Southeast Alaska since the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) held its global launch of the Moananuiākea Voyage in Juneau, Alaska two months ago on June 15. The canoe and her crew are currently sailing through British Columbia where they continue to engage with First Nations communities.