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by Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Through a thick haze of vog blown up from the Big Island,
Hokule'a approaches Kualoa Beach Park today to mark the
25th anniversary of its voyages.

Hokule‘a returns,
triumphant

The voyaging canoe's landing at
Kualoa park today marks the
25th anniversary of
its endeavors

Star-Bulletin staff

The Hokule'a is back.

Kauwila Hanchett said the voyaging canoe's trip has united the various Polynesian cultures.

"When I was out in the canoe, I closed my eyes and I was a thousand years in the past. The canoe connects us to our kupuna, values, mana, which they carried with them in the canoe," said Hanchett, 20, a Windward Community College student who was in one of the canoes shuttling crew members to shore.

"It's not just a canoe, it's a symbol of our rich heritage," Hanchett said today.

by Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Ceremonial chants on the beach welcomed Hokule'a's return.

by Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Hawaiian warriors lined the beach in a traditional challenge and
welcome to Hokule'a's crew.

The voyaging canoe arrived about 9 a.m. today at Kualoa Beach Park, accompanied by three other canoes. It was towed the last 70 feet to shore.

An estimated 2,000 people jammed the beach to greet the canoe and its 15-member crew.

The Polynesian Voyaging Society sponsored the voyage, completing a series of Polynesian voyages that began 25 years ago in the triangle from Hawaii to the north, New Zealand to the south and Rapa Nui to the east.

by Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
The masters of voyaging canoes and crew members gather at
Kualoa Beach Park from Hokule'a, Hawai‘iloa and the Makali‘i.

Hokule'a made the final 2,655-mile leg from Tahiti to Hawaii in a record 21 days. The voyaging canoe left Hilo on June 15. It arrived at Rapa Nui on Oct. 8 and started for Tahiti on Nov. 9.

The crew was led by master navigator Nainoa Thompson.

The Hokule'a anchored off Hilo Feb. 26 and stopped Feb. 27 at Kaunakakai, where the crew was feted by 200 people with leis and food.

by Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Karlo Huke Atan of Rapi Nui was one of those who
attended Taputapuate, Raiatea for the 1995 ceremonies
that brought together all islanders to lift the curse. He
attends the ceremony of the arrival of Hokule'a
back from its voyage.

by Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
The students of Kamuela Chun distribute the 'awa to
all involved in celebration of Holulea's
voyages since 1976.

Today marked the 25th anniversary of the launching of Hokule'a, which was built and launched at Kualoa Beach Park.

The voyaging canoe had to contend with rain swells and overcast skies that covered the stars challenging navigators. Other times it had to contend with a lack of breezes.

by Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Hundreds of well-wishers and spectators lined the waterfront.

by Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
Space on the beach was at a premium.

Hokule'a to Rapa Nui
Jun. 7, 1999
Rapa Nui, the Loneliest Island
Jun. 14, 1999

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Hokule'a on the World Wide Web at http://leahi.kcc.hawaii.edu/org/pvs/

Photographs from the Hokule'a at http://www.hokulea.net