Maui Voyaging Canoe Emerges from Dry Dock

Moʻokiha o Piʻilani on her first day in the sun: L to R: Volunteers Kalani Kepahulehua, Faavae Maluia, Tahiarii Pariente-Yoram, and Navigator, Kala Baybayan. Photo by Leilani Lynne Hasbrook, courtesy Hui o Waʻa Kaulua.

By Maui Now Staff

The Moʻokiha o Piʻilani Maui Voyaging canoe was moved out of dry dock for final construction in the new year, according to an announcement from Hui o Waʻa Kaulua, Maui’s Voyaging Society.

Hui representatives say the vessel is being prepped for a boating inspection and an official marine survey.

Final touches include construction of a navigator’s platform, captain’s chair, masts, spars and rigging.

“We have never been here before,” said Captain Timi Gilliom in a Hui press release. “From this point on, everything done to this canoe will be a first on Maui.”

According to the announcement the vessel marks many firsts for Maui including: the first time Lahaina Harbor officials will inspect a traditional Hawaiian sailing canoe of this size; the first time the Coast Guard on Maui will process marine registration for a Maui voyaging canoe; and the first time a Hawaiian double-hull of this magnitude will launch from Māla Ramp.

Representatives with Hui say that as the project progresses, more workers are needed.  Volunteers are invited to the dry dock location in Kamehameha Iki Park in Lahaina any day after 9 a.m. to assist in final sanding, lashing, carpentry and electrical work.