Launch of Mo’okiha o Pi’ilani Planned on Winter Solstice

Photo Credit: Cadence Feeley, via Hui o Waʻa Kaulua.

By Wendy Osher

A date has been set for the long-awaited launch of Maui’s voyaging canoe, the Moʻokiha o Piʻilani.

Officials with the Hui o Waʻa Kaulua voyaging society say the 62-foot double-hulled traditional sailing vessel will be launched on December 21, during the winter solstice.

The Moʻokiha o Piʻilani has been under construction for the past 17 years at Kamehameha Iki Park in West Maui.

Now 90% complete, the group is still raising funds for the remaining $50,000 worth of finishing touches and safety equipment.

Training for the crew began over the weekend and continues on Saturdays and Sundays.

When complete, it will serve as a living classroom for the youth of Hawaiʻi, and the community of Maui.

Officials with the Hui o Waʻa Kaulua are currently seeking 3-4 volunteers a day, 5 days a week to help with launch preparations.

To volunteer, interested individuals can contact the Hui via email at [email protected], or call (808) 205-5508.