Hikianalia to Conclude Maui Stay with Community Outreach

Hikianalia. Courtesy image.

Hikianalia, the sister voyaging canoe to the iconic traditional Hawaiian vessel, the Hokulea, is preparing to set sail for the next destination of the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage’s statewide travels after a three week visit on Maui.

Prior to its departure for Molokaʻi, crew members from the Polynesian Voyaging Society and partner organizations will lead a series of community outreach events.

The events will offer opportunities for the public to meet legendary watermen and participate in activities that benefit the environment.

Hawaii’s ʻOhana Waʻa (canoe family) collective, in partnership with PVS, will host the outreach events at Wahikuli.

“This is such an exciting time for us to bring Hikianalia and our crew to Maui, to share the inspiration of voyaging and the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage, and learn from the Maui community the great things they are doing to care for our Island Earth,” said Miki Tomita, director of the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Learning Center.

“We are honored and grateful for the hospitality, support and guidance of ʻOhana Waʻa and our community partners on all islands for helping to anchor and grow the movement and message here at home,” Tomita said.

Events include the following:

Talk Story – Friday, Jan. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m.: A ‘Talk Story’ session will be held with the Maui Nui crew.  The session will be led by Maui-born Snake Ah Hee, one of Hokulea’s original crew members, and Archie Kalepa, the first and currently only waterman from Maui inducted into the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame.

Educational Outreach – Saturday, Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: PVS, ʻOhana Waʻa, Polanui Hiu (The Maui Nui Marine Resource Council), Hawaiʻi-based footwear company OluKai, and other local organizations will host a day of education stations and activities.

Beach Cleanup – Saturday, Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. to noon: The beach cleanup is open to the public and does not require an RSVP.

Hikianalia is scheduled to depart for Molokaʻi as early as Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016.