On Saturday, March 8, 2025, the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) held a momentous 50th birthday commemoration for Hōkūle‘a, the legendary double-hulled voyaging canoe that has served as a symbol of cultural renewal and oceanic exploration for half a century. Thousands gathered at Kualoa Regional Park, the birthplace of Hōkūle‘a, to honor the canoe’s legacy and those who made its extraordinary journey possible. Kualoa is where Hōkūleʻa was assembled, blessed, and first entered the ocean on March 8, 1975.

The day’s events began at dawn, as attendees lined the shores of Kualoa-Hakipu‘u in anticipation of Hōkūle‘a’s arrival. At approximately 8:00 a.m., the canoe sailed into the bay, where it was received with deep reverence by PVS leaders, original and next generation crew members, ‘ohana wa‘a voyaging communities, the Hakipu‘u ‘Ohana, and local and visiting supporters from around the Pacific and the world. Traditional cultural protocols, including the blowing of pū, and the offering of ‘oli and mele, welcomed the canoe home. Crew members were shuttled to shore by canoes and greeted once more with heartfelt voyaging welcome chants and songs.

The commemoration program then moved to the Kualoa Ahu site, where reflections on Hōkūle‘a’s legacy filled the morning air. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi shared remarks, followed by Dr. Kalena Silva, who recounted memories of Hōkūle‘a’s launch in 1975. Pwo navigator and PVS leader Bruce Blankenfeld led a time of remembrance, honoring PVS founders Herb Kawainui Kāne, Tommy Holmes, and Dr. Ben Finney, as well as revered elders Myron “Pinky” Thompson and Papa Mau Piailug, whose vision and leadership made Hōkūle‘a’s journey possible.

Present at the ceremony were Kimo Hugho, who was key in Hōkūleʻa’s first training sails and recruiting crew members, as well as crew on her maiden voyage to Tahiti and back, including Buffalo Keaulana, Snake Ah Hee, Shorty Bertelmann, Penny Rawlins, Kimo Lyman, and John Kruse.

Following the speaking program, voyaging leaders participated in an ‘awa ceremony, a time-honored tradition symbolizing unity and respect. PVS CEO and Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson then shared reflections on Hōkūle‘a’s profound impact over the past 50 years, inspiring generations to carry the values of the past to help them navigate the next 50 years.

The event also featured an array of cultural performances, with contributions from Kahu Kenneth Makuakane, opening chanter Kumu Hula Kamuela Chun, award-winning musicians Paula Fuga and Kamuela Kimokeo, the Kamehameha Schools Hawaiian Ensemble, and Kumu Hula Kaleo Trinidad. The program was emceed by Kumu Hula Manu Boyd, whose presence guided the day’s ceremonies with warmth and reverence.

Following the formal commemoration, the celebration continued with the annual Kualoa Hakipu‘u Wa‘a Festival from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Families and community members enjoyed a day of cultural activities, storytelling, and island entertainment. Various wa‘a and organizations offered canoe tours and voyaging education, deepening the connection between past, present, and future generations of ocean navigators. Schools and community groups also presented heartfelt gifts to Hōkūle‘a, further solidifying the canoe’s place as a treasured symbol of resilience, knowledge, and cultural pride. The Royal Hawaiian Band played, as they did during Hōkūleʻa’s original launch in 1975, as Hōkūleʻa departed before 3pm.

As Hōkūle‘a embarks on the next chapter of her journey, PVS remains committed to perpetuating voyaging, ensuring that the spirit of exploration and cultural reconnection continues to inspire for generations to come.

“Now we are 50 years down the road and we turn our eyes to the next 50 years,” said Thompson. “We should just keep launching canoes. And they may not be voyaging canoes. It may be the ideals, the beliefs, the values of a single individual that wants to make a better world.”

“If you could launch something, even if it’s a dream, it’s worth it. Even if it’s an idea, it’s worth it. And the birthday is such an important moment for us to dream again and believe again and have courage to let go of the lines,” Thompson added.

For nearly five decades, Hōkūleʻa has served as a symbol of resilience, revival, cultural pride, environmental stewardship, peace, and hope. What began as the vision of Herb Kawainui Kāne, Ben Finney, and Tommy Holmes when they formed the non-profit Polynesian Voyaging Society in 1973 as an effort to replicate a traditional voyaging canoe, Hawaiʻi’s first in 600 years, has grown into a worldwide movement. From her launch in 1975 to the groundbreaking Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage of 2014-2017, Hōkūleʻa has sailed nearly 300,000 miles and completed 15 deep-sea voyages, bridging generations and communities through shared values of Mālama Honua (care for the Earth).

The birthday commemoration and the 16th Annual Kualoa/Hakipuʻu Canoe Festival at Kualoa Regional Park were planned in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation, Kānehunamoku Voyaging Academy, Hakipuʻu ʻOhana, Kahu Sage Chee of Uhane Hemolele Piʻikea/Kumu Lāhui Koʻolauloa, and Kaʻiwakīloumoku Pacific Indigenous Institute Kamehameha Schools.

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