Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO Nainoa Thompson said, “The level of hurt thatʻs happening in our home is something I canʻt comprehend. All I know is that we have to come home because of it.”
Joining the crew on board was a member of the Coast Miwok Tribe of what is now known as Marin and southern Sonoma counties, as well as renowned oceanographer, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and Founder of Mission Blue, Sylvia Earle. Members of the Ramaytush Ohlone tribe of the San Francisco area stood on the beach and granted permission for the crew to make their landing and go ashore.
The voyaging canoe Hokulea will arrive in San Francisco’s Aquatic Park Cove at noon on Sunday, September 24—as it continues to circumnavigate the Pacific as part of its Moaninuiakea Voyage.
The people of Lahaina and the rest of Maui were on the forefront of everyone’s minds as Hōkūleʻa symbolizes hope and resilience to many of the Native Hawaiian community who were present at the welcome event. In honor of Lahaina, crew members wore red Hōkūleʻa shirts and red ceremonial kihei. They also hung special pink feather lei hulu at the top of the mast. The crew also placed over Hōkūleʻaʻs canvas, a “Lahaina Strong” banner created by members of Seattleʻs Native Hawaiian community.