Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia, and crews are ready! Tomorrow, June 3, they will depart from Hilo and head to Tahiti — marking the official relaunch of the 3-year Moananuiākea Voyage https://t.co/q18ZGVka60 (tw)

Mahalo Hilo for a most powerful and emotional welcome for Hōkūle’a, Hikianalia and crew. As the canoes sailed into Hilo Bay, the sounds of dozens of pū (conch shells) and the rhythmic beating of pahu (drums) filled the air, signaling the arrival of the beloved waʻa. The canoes approached the Grand Naniloa Hotel, with the calls of pū and chants rising to meet them. Once docked, chanters boarded each canoe to offer mele moʻokūʻauhau (chants of genealogy) honoring Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia. Crew members were then presented with ʻapu (gourds) filled with ʻawa to feed and nourish the waʻa. Lei were also gifted to adorn the canoes in a gesture of aloha and appreciation. As the crew prepared to be led to the ceremonial site at the Grand Naniloa, renowned cultural practitioner Dr. Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele offered a chant marking the spiritual transition of the crew from Kanaloa (the ocean) to ʻāina (the land). The crew was formally welcomed with an ʻawa ceremony, followed by powerful performances of hula, oli (chants), and mele (songs). Mahalo nui loa to Kumu Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaole, the many hula hālau, organizations and community members, including: Akaunu, Manaiakalani Kalua Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation Hālau Hula Kauluola Noʻeau Kalima & Pōlanimakamae Kahakalau-Kalima Hālau O Kekuhi, Nālani Kanakaʻole & Huihui Kanahele-Mossman Lonoa Honua & Hālau ʻŌhiʻa, Kekuhi Keali’ikanaka’ole Hawaiʻi Community College, I Ola Hāloa Center for Hawaiʻi Life Styles Ke Ana Laʻahana Public Charter School Keaukaha Community Kūkūʻena, Nā Akua Ākea, Ke Kumu Hawai’i, Haunani & Kumulāʻau Sing Nā ʻōpio o Nā Waʻa Hanakahi & ʻOhana Alameda ʻOhana Camara ʻOhana Kalima Unukupukupu Unulau, Pele Kaio Unuokeahi, Kapua Kaʻauʻa At the close of the ceremonies, each crew member was honored with lei in recognition of their journey and service. Depending on weather conditions, Hōkūleʻan and Hikianalia are tentatively scheduled to depart Hilo for French Polynesia on May 30 to resume the four-year Moananuiākea Voyage. (fb)