Worldwide Voyage of the Hokule’a - East Coast Landings Happening Soon!

Since she was first built and launched in the 1970s, Hōkūle’a continues to bring people together from all walks of life. She is more than a voyaging canoe—she represents the common desire shared by the people of Hawaii, the Pacific, and the World to protect our most cherished values and places from disappearing.

"Currently, our compass – and indeed the world's – points toward an unsustainable future. However, as on a canoe, our ability to survive is directly dependent on our ability to help each other. By bringing together and working with scientists, educators, policy makers, business leaders and concerned citizens, we believe Hawai‘i can one day become a model of social and environmental responsibility to the world." - Polynesian Voyaging Society

On March 8, 1975, Hōkūle‘a, a performance-accurate deep sea voyaging canoe built in the tradition of ancient Hawaiian wa‘a kaulua (double-hulled voyaging canoe), was launched from the sacred shores of Hakipu‘u-Kualoa, in Kāne‘ohe Bay on the island of O‘ahu. She was designed by artist and historian Herb Kawainui Kāne, one of the founders of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. 

The canoe was named Hōkūle‘a (“Star of Gladness”), a zenith star of Hawai‘i, which appeared to him growing ever brighter in a dream. This launching was one of many events that marked a generation of renewal for Hawai‘i’s indigenous people. Along with the renewal of voyaging and navigation traditions came a renewal of Hawaiian language, dance, chant, and many other expressions of Hawaiian culture. The renewal represented a new-found respect and appreciation for Hawaiian culture, by all of Hawai’i’s people.For the Hawaiian people, it has meant that they once again have begun to feel proud of who they are, and where they come from.

The ACA is proud to help organize the east coast landings and be a partner in this historic endeavor.

The Hōkūle‘a will have scheduled landings in:

Charleston, SC
Charleston Outdoor Festival - April 14-16th

Washington, DC
Washington Canoe Club - May 18-22nd

New York City
World Ocean Day - June 8th
Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Challenge - June 11th

Complete list of east coast landings.

Learn more about this incredible voyage.