Hōkūleʻa Arrives in Waiʻanae
Hōkūleʻa arrived in Waiʻanae’s Pōkaʻī Bay yesterday morning where she will remain docked for a week of school and community tours. As they approached the Bay, the canoe was escorted by a pod of dolphins as well as several turtles. The crew was greeted at the shore with a cultural welcome ceremony hosted by the Waiʻanae community.
Captained by Mākaha lifeguard and waterman Noland Keaulana, the leg from Haleʻiwa to Waiʻanae was especially meaningful because of a brief stop in Mākaha to bring aboard and honor his grandfather, original 1976 Hōkūleʻa crewmember Buffalo Keaulana, known affectionately as Uncle Buff. Joining 90-year-old Uncle Buff on the sail from Mākaha to Pōkaʻī Bay were fellow-1976 Hōkūleʻa crewmember Kimo Hugho and veteran crewmembers Leighton Tseu and Bunky Bakutis.
Several organizations such as E Ala Voyaging Society, Mālama Learning Center and Nā Kama Kai, as well as Waiʻanae Coast Hōkūleʻa crew members including Mel Puʻu, Noland Keaulana, Kaina Holomalia, Isaiah Pule, Kaulana Stanley, Duane and Micah DeSoto and others are organizing Hōkūleʻa’s Pōkaʻī Bay visit. Many have expressed that Hōkūleʻa’s visit is coming at a time when the community needs light and healing.
Pōkaʻī Bay, Waiʻanae is the fourth stop on the Pae ʻĀina Statewide Sail. As with other stops, the crew will conduct school and public canoe tours until Hōkūleʻa departs on Friday, September 13 (weather-permitting) for a brief stop at Sand Island before heading to Lahaina to be part of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education’s Hoʻākea Maui event, September 18-21, 2024 based at Hanakaoʻo Beach Park. Because of possible weather disruptions, the public is encouraged to check the @hokuleacrew Instagram and Facebook or hokulea.com for the latest port and event updates.