Hōkūleʻa Returns to Her Birthplace for Canoe Festival

The Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa is scheduled to return to her birthplace of Kualoa on Saturday, March 9 for the 10th annual Kualoa/Hakipuʻu Canoe Festival at Kualoa Regional Park. The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kāneʻohe side of the park. The event is free and open to the public.

Master canoe builders and canoe paddle makers Bobby Puakea and Nakoa Prejean will be showcased at the event. The Polynesian Voyaging Society will host educational booths, activities, and demonstrations aboard the voyaging canoe Kanehunamoku. A variety of sailing vessels will also be on display.

Due the festival, the Kualoa Regional Park Campground A will be closed beginning Friday, March 8. Campground B will remain open. However, the City and County of Honolulu is advising campers that there will be significantly more people and vehicle traffic in the area during this time.  

The City and County is also encouraging the public to arrive early, as canoe rides out to Hōkūleʻa are expected to fill up quickly. Hōkūleʻaʻs attendance is subject to weather conditions.