Hau'oli Lā Hānau e Hōkūle'a

On March 8, 1975 Hōkūle‘a launched for the first time from Kualoa. 34 years later, she continues to inspire pride amongst the people of Hawai‘i.  She has become an icon, representing the hopes and dreams of a people. We continue to honor her mission of connecting people and communities, sharing knowledge, exploring the world beyond and inspiring action.

    Kama Hele Captain Mike Cunningham             Crew members Pauline Sato & Heidi Guth

March 8, 2009 – Crew members past and present came by to offer their aloha to the wa‘a that has given so much joy and pride to the people of Hawai‘i. On March 8, 1975 Hōkūle‘a launched from Kualoa. Some estimated that this was the first launch in 400 years of a deep-ocean Hawaiian voyaging canoe.

Auntie Laura Thompson shared her recollections of that day. People didnʻt understand how momentous an occasion that dayʻs launch was. They thought it was interesting, but they didnʻt realize how life in Hawai‘i would change. Hōkūle‘a ushered in a renaissance of Polynesian voyaging and a rekindling of Hawaiian pride.

Many, many people have been touched by Hōkūle‘a. And, we are all honored to be able to wish her a very happy 34th birthday.

Representing the ‘Ohana Wa‘a (Family of Hawaiian Voyaging Canoes), Leader of the Friends of Hōkūle‘a and Hawai‘iloa Billy Richards shares his aloha with a lei and a honi (the Hawaiian greeting in which foreheads and noses meet - sharing breath).