The public is invited to witness a ceremonial welcome for legendary Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa at San Francisco’s Aquatic Park Cove, the next stop on the canoe’s four-year circumnavigation of the Pacific called the Moananuiākea Voyage. In what promises to be a sight to behold, the double-hulled canoe and its crew will be escorted by the Coast Guard and greeted by a flotilla of outrigger paddling canoes, a San Francisco fire boat and various other water vessels. The canoe’s arrival marks a significant milestone, being the first time in 28 years that Hōkūleʻa has visited the Bay Area.

Sunday, September 24
Noon to 4:30pm
Aquatic Park Cove, San Francisco

Witness a spectacular water welcome and cultural ceremony for Hōkūleʻa, and enjoy entertainment, food trucks and shopping at the Hōkūleʻa and Olukai pop-up stores.

Event Program
Arrival ceremony times are fluid based on weather and water conditions.

12 – 1 pm – Water Welcome–Hōkūleʻa sails into Aquatic Park Cove accompanied by outrigger canoes. Indigenous arrival protocols by Ramaytush Ohlone and Hōkūleʻa crew.

1 pm – Hawaiian and Tribal Landing Protocols–Hōkūleʻa Crew shuttled to shore

1:45 pm – Welcome Ceremony

• Ramaytush Ohlone, the Original Inhabitants of the San Francisco Penninsula
• Darlene Plumtree, CEO, San Francisco Maritime National Park Association
• Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari, Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs
• Aaron Peskin, President, Board of Supervisors of San Francisco
• Dr. Sylvia Earle, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and Founder of Mission Blue
• Nainoa Thompson, CEO, Polynesian Voyaging Society

2:30 to 4:30 pm – Cultural Tributes and Performances

• Hālau Hula Nā Pua O Ka Laʻakea, Kumu Hula Shawna Alapai
• National Samoan Chiefs Council, Samoan Tatau Association, and Ata Mai Dance Academy
• Hālau Hula O Keliʻikoanuiokeao/ RAHITI, director Remie Aranda
• Ka Nalu, Band Leader, Keli’i Amantiad
• Pōmaikaʻi, Band Leader JD Puli

Mahalo to our sponsors: OluKai, Salesforce, E2k Events, Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, Hawaiian Air, and Kamehameha Schools

San Francisco Public Events

Water Welcome and Ceremony

Sunday, September 24
Noon to 4:30pm
Aquatic Park Cove

Witness a spectacular water welcome and cultural ceremony for Hōkūleʻa, and enjoy entertainment, food trucks and shopping at the Hōkūleʻa and Olukai pop-up stores.

Schedule of Events
(Please note: Arrival ceremony times are fluid based on weather and water conditions)
12- 1:45 pm – Water Welcome
1:45 pm – Welcome Ceremony
2:30 to 4:30 pm – Cultural tributes and performances

Hōkūleʻa Dockside Canoe Tours

September 25, 26 and 27
1:00-4:00pm
Hyde Street Harbor

Come aboard the legendary Hōkūleʻa and meet the crew circumnavigating the Pacific on the Moananuiākea Voyage.

An Evening With Pwo Navigator Nainoa Thompson

Tuesday, September 26
5:00-8:00 pm
Herbst Theater

Tickets: https://pvs.social/herbst23
$10 for adults; Free for 18 & Under 

Learn about the storied history of Hōkūleʻa from Nainoa Thompson, the first Native Hawaiian in 600 years to practice the ancient Polynesian art of navigation.

Hōkūleʻa Crew Talk Story at Patagonia San Francisco

Wednesday, September 27
6:30-8:30pm
770 North Point St, San Francisco

Meet and talk story with Moananuiākea Voyage crew members at this evening presentation. RSVP for the event: https://hokuleavisitspatagoniasf.splashthat.com/