The fog (temporarily) lifts in San Francisco for Hokulea’s much-anticipated arrival

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - For the first time in nearly 30 years years, Hokulea is back in San Francisco.

It’s a special visit for the crew and on Sunday, the city was even without its most famous resident: Fog.

“Today is a beautiful day. We have light winds. The sun is out,” said crew member Kaiwi Hamakua-Makue.

Getting to San Francisco was a challenge.

Polynesian Voyaging Society President and pwo Master Navigator Nainoa Thompson says before arriving in the Bay area, the crew couldn’t see through a massive fog.

“There was fog wider than the state of California and we were in it for 48 hours. It was a little nerve-wracking,” said Thompson.

“This coast is a place that makes you humble,” he added.

The crew unfolded Hokulea’s sails and the guided the canoe under the Golden Gate Bridge. Going underneath the bridge gave a different view of this engineering marvel.

“It’s really special. For Hawaiians who actually came here during the Hawaiian kingdom, Kalakaua and many alii actually frequented this town,” said Hamakua-Makue.

Lehua Kamalu brought Hokulea’s sister canoe, Hikianalia, to San Francisco five years ago as the first female captain and navigator.

Hokulea: Pacific Voyage

“We’ve had so many voyages and that was my first trip as captain. Oh my gosh that was a lot of nerves. Since Nainoa is the captain, I get to enjoy it a little bit more,” said Kamalu.

Also on board were two members of the Miwok tribe, the indigenous people of California and oceanographer and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle, TIME magazine’s First Hero for the Planet.

“This is a moment in time when Hokulea really is a voyage of hope to connect people,” she said.

As Hokulea arrived at the Aquatic Park Cove, dozens of outrigger canoes paddled nearby.

“It’s amazing. Once in a lifetime,” said one paddler.

San Francisco’s Fire Boat welcomed the crew with a water salute and from above, the world could see this lei of hope for people, its culture and our planet.

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