October 28, 2023 | Leg 9, Day 6. 
Marina Del Rey, CA. 

Welina me ke aloha e nā hoa waʻa,

We spent the day immersed in community and culture as we had a community festival “”Picnic In The Park”” event at Burton Chace Park, where the waʻa has been docked during our stay in Marina Del Rey. As we hosted canoe tours, we were happy to sing along with various live musicians and our spirits were kept high through the heat of the afternoon hours as various hula studios and Pacific dance studios joined in our celebration and shared various mele and dances with us. We sung along to familiar tunes and swayed to the drum beats, graciously reminded that while we may not be in the middle of the Pacific we are constantly surrounded by pieces of home.

Faces have gained familiarity as we’ve continued our stay here. It’s been so special to get to know individuals, their ʻohana, and their stories about how important Hōkūleʻa is to them. Being able to spend more than just a day or two in port has allowed us to form genuine connections and truly get to know the beautiful community that has been graciously hosting us, feeding us, and helping us in any way we need.

Mahalo nui to everyone who was able to join us throughout the week, especially in our celebration today! Marina Del Rey has been such a special first port for us as Leg 9. We are eager to continue our voyage and continue to share the light and aloha of Hōkūleʻa.

Me ka haʻahaʻa,
Lucy Lee