Hokule‘a arrives at Maunalua Bay

The Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokule‘a arrived at the Hawaii Kai Towne Center Saturday as part of its “Mahalo, Hawaii Sail” tour of the state.

The double-hulled sailing vessel, a feature of the Maunalua Heritage Festival, will be available for dockside tours through May 23. It is fresh from nine days in drydock to repair hull damage sustained while sailing along Hawaii island. The canoe will return to Hawaii island later in the year to complete scheduled school and community tours that were postponed due to the damage.

Saturday’s arrival at Maunalua Bay was marked with the sounding of a pu (conch shell), pahu drums, traditional chant and awa ceremony. The visit required Hokule‘a to lower its masts so it could maneuver under the Kalanianaole Highway bridge.

The crew will host tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Saturday and May 20, and 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and May 21 to 23. Talk-story presentations will be at 5:45 p.m. Monday and Friday at the shopping center, and 5:30 p.m. May 21 and 23 at the Kaiser High School cafeteria.