Hilo Report by Kaliko Amona, Malama Hawai'i Education Intern
Oct. 31- Nov. 13, 2000
Tour in the Rain
After five weeks on Kaua'i, we left Hanalei for the Big Island, Hawai'i. It took about three days to reach our destination: Hilo Bay.
Welcoming ceremonies were held on the grounds of the Naniloa Hotel, where students from Keaukaha School and Kamehameha School of Keaukaha greeted Hokule`a and the crew with mele, oli, and lei.
Because the surf was coming over the breakwater wall, we had to dock at nearby Radio Bay and stayed there for a week. During that first week in Hilo, we got a LOT of rain! Some areas were severely flooded, with damage to both homes and roads. Because of the flooding, all classes were cancelled on Thursday of last week. Since then, the rain has slowed, but some school groups still arenšt able to get to the canoe.
For those classes and a few others, wešve been trying our best to bring Hokule`a to them by taking photos, equipment, and stories to their classrooms.
After the surf diminished, we moved Hokule'a to Hilo Bay in front of the Naniloa. While docked in front of the Naniloa, we had several visitors in addition to the hundreds of children who came with their schools.
The Kamehameha Canoe Club visited the canoe and had a potluck dinner with the crew and others who came to help. Exchange students from Japan also visited and, with the help of a translator, got to explore Hokule'a and hear her history. Several Alu Like employees have been helping with canoe tours and our Malama Hawai'i presentations. They've also brought one of their mentees for assistance and training. Mahalo to them and everyone else who has helped to host Hokule'a! On Friday evening (Nov. 10), we set sail for Miloli'i. The 120-mile trip took us about 21 hours.
The most amazing part of the sail was getting to see the lava at Kilauea pouring into the ocean, creating more land. I wondered if that sight touched the first voyagers to see the volcano in the same way.
We will be in Miloliši for two days and will sail to Honaunau on Tuesday, November 14.