The Hokulea

Watching the Hokulea come to Hukilau Beach

October 11, 2013

 The Hokulea is a famous large canoe that was built in 1975.  It sailed to Tahiti in 1976 using only the stars to guide it, like the old Hawaiian sailors did.  It is now getting ready for a trip around the world that should last 4 years.  It is visiting Hawaiian ports before sailing west.

 Fatai, the woman who is over the Seamstress Department, encouraged the Missionaries to go and see this famous canoe arrive.  She said it was a once in a lifetime event for us and something we should not miss.

 It was pouring down rain as we waited for the canoe to arrive.  We were told it would arrive at 9:00 a.m. but it was after 10:30 a.m. when it arrived.  We sat in the rain for a long time and I was soaked from the waist down.  My umbrella kept the top half of me pretty dry.

 Sister Wang and Sister Nance trying to keep dry.

Sister Hubbard and Sister Woods are in front, me, Sister Wang and Sister Nance are sitting behind.

(When I first published this I made a mistake and it said,

"Me, Sister Wang and Sister Nance are sinning behind.")

When I told Sister Wang about my goof she said I should include the goof because it is so funny.

Kids played in the water, rain or shine, some played on the sand.  These boys are getting ready for a "snowball fight" Hawaiian style.

People are waiting in the water and on the beach.  Through the rain storm and in the hot sun.

At last it arrived with the two smaller escort boats.

This is the Hokulea.

This picture shows the kids on their boogie boards watching the Hokulea arrive.

The crew were brought ashore in this little boat.

After they dropped off one load of people they went back for more.

This is the greeting committee.  They blew big Conch Shells that made loud "horn sounds" to welcome the boat and the crew.

The crew were given leis and hugs and kisses on the cheek in welcome.

More leis and hula dancers.

This was a formal greeting and welcome.

This is what we were hoping to see.  It is so much more impressive with the sails up.