Hōkūleʻa Arrives in Salem, Crew Presented with City Seal

The Polynesian voyaging canoe, Hōkūleʻa, arrived in Salem before noon on Thursday, July 14. The canoe and her crew left Boston at around 6:30 a.m., where they spent four days interacting with local Native American communities, schools and maritime groups.

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, Salem Maritime National Historic Site Superintendent Paul DuPrey, and representatives from the Salem community welcomed Hōkūleʻa with a ceremony at Salem’s Central Wharf. The engagement highlighted the connection between Salem’s maritime community and Polynesian seafaring history.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Hawaiʻi’s iconic voyaging canoe to Salem’s historic waterfront. We’re proud to be one of your global voyage ports in the midst of your multi-year circumnavigation of the globe to raise awareness of Polynesian maritime culture and ocean conservation,” said Driscoll.

“Amazing, this vessel, and the trip that you’ve made. Courageous, I should say,” added Driscoll. During the arrival ceremony, the mayor presented the Hōkūleʻa crew with the official city seal.

During their stay at Salem, the crew plans to hold environmental and cultural education programs and offer canoe tours to the public.

Pending weather and safety issues, Hōkūleʻa will be departing for Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Saturday morning, July 16, 2016. The Worldwide Voyage will continue to spread its Mālama Honua message over the summer as it sails up the east coast to Maine.

Hōkūleʻa arriving in Salem, MA (7.09.2016) Image credit: Polynesian Voyaging Society / ʻŌiwi TV

Hōkūleʻa arriving in Salem, MA (7.09.2016) Image credit: Polynesian Voyaging Society / ʻŌiwi TV

Hōkūleʻa arriving in Salem, MA (7.09.2016) Image credit: Polynesian Voyaging Society / ʻŌiwi TV

Hōkūleʻa arriving in Salem, MA (7.09.2016) Image credit: Polynesian Voyaging Society / ʻŌiwi TV

Hōkūleʻa arriving in Salem, MA (7.09.2016) Image credit: Polynesian Voyaging Society / ʻŌiwi TV