Help Perpetuate the Voyage of the 
Hōkūle‘a

For more than 35 years, the iconic Hawaiian sailing canoe Hōkūle‘a has sailed the Pacific inspiring generations, reawakening cultural pride and reviving ancient knowledge. Now, as she and the volunteers of the Polynesian Voyaging Society prepare for her upcoming worldwide voyage, the public is invited to help keep Hōkūle‘a sailing.

The Great Lawn of Kapi‘olani Community College will come to life at 5pm on Saturday, September 10 as the Polynesian Voyaging Society hosts a special family event, Mālama Hōkūle‘a. As part of this remarkable fundraiser, the community will have the opportunity to learn about voyaging directly from crewmembers, enjoy food and entertainment under the stars, and most importantly contribute to the wellbeing and continued sailing of Hōkūle‘a.

Appropriately, as the full moon rises over Mālama Hōkūle‘a, the benefit will mark a new era for one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved cultural symbols by helping to fund the extensive renovations necessary for Hōkūle‘a to successfully sail around the world.

“The objective of Hōkūle‘a’s drydock is to give this living treasure another 30 to 40 years of ocean voyaging and to cultivate aloha for the canoe from the next generation of voyagers,” shared director of crew training Bruce Blankenfeld. “Through all of this effort of restoration and the continuance of voyaging, the younger generations gain a real aloha for the canoe and the opportunities it affords all of us for learning and personal insight.”

“The restoration of Hōkūle‘a, which began in 2010, was a leadership decision based on kuleana and values,” added Polynesian Voyaging Society president Nainoa Thompson. Using the original hulls designed by Herb Kane, Hōkūle’a will emerge from dry dock stronger, lighter and more stable than ever. “There is really very little change to the design, and no change in how we sail the canoe. The most significant change is the widening of the ‘iako for stability and safety, in anticipation of the different ocean conditions we will face around the planet.”

The community’s respect for Hōkūle‘a and her place as a learning laboratory for countless Hawai‘i children is evidenced by the many partners who are helping to ensure that the renovation of Hōkūle‘a is successful. “The college is honored to support Hōkūle‘a as we feel we are fellow travelers on a journey of lifelong learning," said Kawika Napoleon, Kapi‘olani Community College Hawaiian language instructor, chanter and member of the Mālama Hōkūle‘a planning committee.

What:            Mālama Hōkūle'a

Where:          Kapi'olani Community College, Great Lawn and 'Ōhi'a Cafeteria

When:           5 - 9 pm Saturday, September 10, 2011

Why:             Benefit to support the renovation and continued sailing of iconic Hawaiian canoe, Hōkūle'a

Tickets:          $25 (keiki six and under, free when accompanied by a paying adult)
Available online through the Polynesian Voyaging Societyʻs website or by phone at 808-842-1101 or in person at Kapi'olani Community College's Office of Student Activities ('Iliahi Building, Room 126, Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm).

Components:

• Talk story with Hōkūle'a navigators and crew
  • The Hawaiian Star Compass with Navigator Nainoa Thompson will speak on the origin of the star compass and how it works. Time: 6:20 - 7pm Location: The newly installed Star Compass in front of the ‘Ōhi‘a Cafeteria. From 7 - 9pm navigators-in-training will be stationed at the compass to answer questions and help visitors locate and identify stars above the directional houses of the compass.
  • Rebirth: Hōkūle'a for the Next Generation with Bob Perkins, Hōkūle'a captain and director of Honolulu Community College's Marine Education Training Center, where Hōkūle'a's historic dry dock is underway. Time: 5 - 5:50pm Location: Kalia Building, Room 102
  • Mapping the Upcoming Hōkūle‘a Worldwide Voyage: Mālama Honua (Taking Care of Our Earth) Kamaki Worthngton, Lehua Kamalu and Jenna Ishii, some of the next generation of Hōkūle‘a voyagers, will talk story about where Hōkūle‘a is planning to go on her upcoming Worldwide Voyage. Plus they will speak on "why a worldwide voyage". Time: 5 - 5:50pm Location: Kalia Building, Room 104
  • Photographing Voyaging Canoes with crewmembers and photographers Nā'ālehu Anthony and Monte Costa. Time: 5 - 5:50pm Locaton: The Grille, ‘Ōhi‘a Cafeteria
  • The Making of the Film Papa Mau: The Wayfinder with filmmaker Nā'ālehu Anthony of Palikū Documentary Films. Time: 6 - 6:15pm Location: ‘Ōhi‘a Cafeteria Auditorium
  • Taking Care of the Crew on Long Voyages with Hōkūle‘a medical officers. These invaluable crewmembers will be on hand to talk story about health and safety issues on long voyages. Time: 5 - 9pm Location: Medical Station, Entryway to Lama Library
• Screening of the film Papa Mau: The Wayfinder from 5 - 6pm in the ‘Ōhi‘a Cafeteria Auditorium, Room 118 (downstairs)
• Images of Voyaging photography exhibit, showcasing the works of Nā'ālehu Anthony, Monte Costa and Sam Low from 5 - 9pm in The Grille, ‘Ōhi‘a Cafeteria
• Performances from 7 - 9pm on the Great Lawn
  • Chant and hula pahu for Hōkūle'a
  • Weldon Kekauoha
  • Ernie Cruz, Jr.
• 'Ono food and beverages available for purchase
• DVDs, CDs, photographs and limited edition Worldwide Voyage commemorative items available for purchase

Donations:       For those wishing to contribute to the restoration and continued voyaging of Hōkūle'a, but who cannot attend Mālama Hōkūle'a, donations are welcomed and being accepted by the Polynesian Voyaging Society. For more information, please contact PVS directly.

For more info, please visit the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s website or contact us via pvshawaii@hawaiiantel.net or (808) 842-1101.

Mahalo to Palikū Documentary Films for making the Mālma Hōkūle'a public service announcement.