After nearly two weeks docked at Māʻalaea, Hōkūleʻa departed for Honokanaiʻa, Kahoʻolawe, Friday morning where they were welcomed by the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana and Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, which has a long history and connection with the voyaging canoe.

The stopping of the bombing of Kahoʻolawe and the birth of Hōkūleʻa that revived ancient Hawaiian voyaging in the 1970s were both part of the movement that became the Native Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance. Twenty years ago, the “early warriors” of Kahoʻolawe and the “early voyagers” of Hōkūleʻa reconnected to reaffirm their common history and goals, according to a release. At the time, they rededicated Kahoʻolawe as a sacred navigational center.

“Next year, Hōkūleʻa celebrates 50 years and the following year, the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana celebrates its 50 years of Aloha ʻAina,” said Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO Nainoa Thompson in the release. “We are honored to sail to Kahoʻolawe. We do so with deep respect and gratitude for this special place and all who have worked to reclaim, restore and heal the island.”

Hōkūleʻa will be in Honokanaiʻa for about two days before possibly sailing to Maui’s Keoneʻōʻio Bay, also known as La Perouse. It’s referred to as “the gate” to one of the most dangerous channels in the world, the Alenuihāhā Channel between Maui and Hawaii Island.

Known for its strong winds and large, steep waves, the channel must be crossed with respect for nature, humility and respect, Thompson said.

Keoneʻōʻio Bay will allow Hōkūleʻa a safe respite from which to see the conditions of Alenuihāhā.

After La Perouse, Hōkūleʻa and crew will sail to Hawaii Island for a longer-than-two-week engagement that will include Miloliʻi and Honaunau (Oct. 28 to Nov. 1), Keauhou (Nov. 1 to 8) and Kawaihae (Nov. 8 to 15). A public schedule will be announced at a later date.

The mission of the Pae ʻĀina Statewide Sail is to engage communities in cultural and educational experiences and exchanges focused on mālama honua, caring for our island Earth. The seven-month interisland voyage will cover 3,000 miles, stopping at 31 ports and interacting with 34 communities before Hōkūleʻa and Hikiananlia resume their Moananuiākea Circumnavigation of the Pacific in March 2025.

Stay up to date by following @hokuleacrew on Instagram and Facebook or visiting the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s website.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.