Hau‘oli Lā Hānau e Hōkūle‘a

March 8, 2009 - This morning we gathered at Hōkūle‘a to learn if this would be the day we would finally sail to Palmyra Atoll. However, the day brought more than news that the winds had ceased to our south making a launch today unwise. Today was a day for celebration and reflection, for on this day 34 years ago Hōkūle‘a was launched.

Captain Mike Cunningham of the Kama Hele       Hōkūle‘a crew Pauline Sato & Heidi Guth

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).