HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia were greeted with a resounding welcome signaling their return to the Big Island.
After a two-day journey from Oʻahu, the Polynesian voyaging canoes Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia arrived in Hilo on May 21.
As they approached the Grand Naniloa Hotel, the canoes were greeted with the sounds of pū (conch shells), chants and the beating of pahu (drums).
Once docked, chanters boarded each canoe to offer chants to the crew members. They were then honored with ʻapu (gourds) filled with ʻawa to feed and nourish the canoe.
As a gesture of aloha and appreciation, lei was also given to adorn the canoes.
The ceremony continued with renowned cultural practitioner Dr. Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele offering a chant marking the spiritual transition of the crew from the ocean to the land.
The afternoon continued with performances of hula, chants and songs from various hālau and organizations, including:
- Akaunu, Manaiakalani Kalua
- Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation
- Hālau Hula Kauluola Noʻeau Kalima & Pōlanimakamae Kahakalau-Kalima
- Hālau O Kekuhi, Nālani Kanakaʻole & Huihui Kanahele-Mossman
- Lonoa Honua & Hālau ʻŌhiʻa, Kekuhi Keali’ikanaka’ole
- Hawaiʻi Community College, I Ola Hāloa Center for Hawaiʻi Life Styles
- Ke Ana Laʻahana Public Charter School
- Keaukaha Community
- Kūkūʻena
- Nā Akua Ākea, Ke Kumu Hawai’i, Haunani & Kumulāʻau Sing
- Nā ʻōpio o Nā Waʻa Hanakahi & ʻOhana Alameda
- ʻOhana Camara
- ʻOhana Kalima
- Unukupukupu
- Unulau, Pele Kaio
- Unuokeahi, Kapua Kaʻauʻa
Hōkūleʻa will remain docked at the Grand Naniloa Hotel until Friday, May 23.
The following events will be open to the public to attend:
PUBLIC DOCKSIDE ENGAGEMENT AT GRAND NANILOA HOTEL
Thursday, May 22, 3 to 6 p.m. (weather-permitting)
HILO’S HŌKŪLEʻA HOʻOLAULEʻA
Saturday, May 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (weather-permitting) at Wailoa Boat Harbor (Makai side of the Wailoa Bridge near the Suisan Fish Market)
Hilo welcomes and celebrates Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia with dockside engagement, music, entertainment, food trucks and more.
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Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are tentatively scheduled to depart Hilo for French Polynesia on May 30 to resume the four-year Moananuiākea Voyage, Circumnavigation of the Pacific.