Canoe Tours at Hanalei / by Dennis Chun

Oct. 22 - 27, 2000

Hokule'a anchored in Hanalei Bay, Kaua'i

The final leg of Hokule'a to Hanalei on the island of Kaua'i took place on Oct. 22, 2000. A crew composed of veteran and newly-experienced Kaua'i residents sailed from Nawiliwili harbor to Hanalei Bay. This particular leg has always proved to be the most exciting, demanding, and tentative during Hokule'a's stay here on Kaua'i. As always, weather and ocean conditions played an integral aspect of decision-making for this endeavor. An expected large NW winter swell began showing in Hanalei Bay the morning of our departure. Early reports indicated that sets of 10-15 feet were causing widespread excitement among North Shore surfers. We set sail with a number of sail plans that would ensure a safe journey and berthing for Hokule'a. With the assistance of the Fire - Rescue department in Hanalei, Fire Chief David Sproat, well known and respected watermen such as Titus Kinimaka, Kawika Goodale, and Ralph Young, we composed a number of scenarios which we could embark upon. On board, we sailed with the strong local knowledge of David Beck who grew up in the waters of Hanalei Bay.

Arriving at Hanalei Bay was an exciting moment. Hokule'a glided into the safety of bay through the channel with 10-15 ft. surf on the port side and King's reef beginning to show on our starboard side. As we moored off of the famous Hanalei Pier, Pa'ula Chandler and his protocol group chanted their mele komo allowing us to enter into their community. A crowd had gathered on shore to welcome us to Hanalei, but also to watch the surf that had built throughout the day. (Photos: Sailing into Hanalei; Local Canoes Greet Hokule'a)

During the week-long stay of Hokule'a, Kaliko Amona, Lei Wann, Imai Aiu, Kawai Warren, Dr. Pat Aiu, Attwood Makanani, and other volunteers provided lectures and presentations to school children and community members. Though the canoe lay offshore, Alekai Kinimaka and Ralph Young provided shuttle service to Hokule'a for whoever desired to climb aboard. Some classes took advantage of the opportunity while others returned after school with their parents to make it a family affair. With the support of the Chandler family and friends and the Hanalei Civic Canoe Club, the canoe and crew were well taken care of. In fact, the whole North Shore community took pride in this event and adopted the canoe in some form. (Photos: shuttling service)

Departure ceremonies were slated to begin at 9:00 am on Friday, Oct. 27. Kehau Kekua was in charge of these ceremonies with the assistance of her culture group. The crew from O'ahu and Hawai'i were participants in an 'awa ceremony to focus upon the upcoming journey to O'ahu and Hawai'i. Students from the Kula Kaiapuni Middle School offered an oli, and other ho'okupu were presented to the captain, Bruce Blakenfield. With the sounding of the pu, the crew boarded Hokule'a and prepared to sail out of Hanalei Bay. With the final release of the mooring lines, Hokule'a sailed out of the bay amidst the sounds of a dozen pu. It was an exciting and heartwarming sight as she sailed out of sight.