E Ala Returns to Waiʻanae

For the past 2 weeks, E Ala, Hokuleʻa and Kamauheheu have sailed along the Waiʻanae Coast and stayed in Pokaʻi Bay for canoe tours and education outreach sails. On Day 1 of the sail, family members greeted crew members in Makua for a nighttime potluck on the beach. On Day 2, 800 students from Kawaihona Charter School welcomed the crew members at Nanakuli Beach, and on Day 3, family and community members welcomed all three canoes for a beautiful arrival ceremony at Pokaʻi Bay.

Every day last week was dedicated to bringing elementary school students to tour E Ala and learn about navigation and provisioning for a deep sea voyage. Principals and teachers from the Waiʻanae Coast were invited to sail on E Ala and Kama to connect them with the spirit of voyaging as they prepare to bring such values into their schools and classrooms. Students of Waiʻanae and Nanakuli High School along with Kamaile Academy helped to give canoe tours to school groups all week. The Waiʻanae and Nankuli community members embraced the canoes and the crew members every day with food and support until this past Saturday when all three canoes sailed back to the Marine Education Training Center safely. Mahalo Nui for all of the support from the Waiʻanae Coast community!

Music by: Darin Leong