Voyaging canoes ― and lots of voyagers ― to convene for annual cultural fest

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaiian voyaging canoe Hokulea and other canoes will return to Windward Oahu for this Saturday’s 14th annual Kualoa/Hakipuu Canoe Fest.

It’s where the public can learn about Hawaiian culture, paddling, sailing and navigation.

Voyagers are coming from across the state with their waa, or canoe.

“These small canoes are cared for with the promise from special communities and in a way that their children are going to learn deep education,” said Nainoa Thompson, Polynesian Voyaging Society president and pwo (master) navigator.

He said Hokulea’s first launch was from Hakipuu and for him, it’s deeply personal.

“I was young and I happened just to be there. I watched a big truck pulling big giant brown hulls of a canoe,” said Thompson.

“I watched the communities lash that canoe and I watched them launch it on March 8, 1975 ― 48 years ago.”

The crew of Polynesian Voyaging Society is getting ready for another voyage with Hokulea.

Details will be announced later. And Thompson says for that next journey, he’ll try to sail as little as possible.

“My role is complex because it’s the primary job is to stay safe, but also to let young people go find their future,” he said.

For now, the challenge is sailing the canoe to Hakipuu in the rough weather.

“The irony is Hokulea needs to be there,” said Thompson.

As of Friday morning, Canoe Fest Organizers like Will Gardner from the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation were hopeful the Hokulea would be part of the day’s festivities.

At last check the infamous voyaging canoe had departed Sand Island early Friday morning.

Gardner says it always draws a bigger crowd.

”We’re hopeful that we’ll have upwards of 1000 people show up, Gardner said. “Normally, when the Hokulea comes, the people follow. So we just tell you guys, come on down, enjoy the moment and have a great experience here in Paradise.”

The fest runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kualoa Regional Park.

Correction: An earlier version said 4 p.m.

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