Restore - Re-Launch - Hawai'iLoa: Celebrate Celestial Navigation Concert

Bring family, friends, and neighbors to Bishop Museum for The Friends of Hokule?a and Hawai?iloa?s one-time, don?t-miss back-yard-party celebration and fundraiser to help restore and relaunch Hawai?iloa, Hawai?i?s only double-hulled canoe constructed entirely of traditional materials.

ISLAND BACKYARD PARTY

Like the very best island backyard party, there will be plenty of food and music, and of course, hula. According to Kumu hula Mapuana de Silva, this will be a first-ever event as she and the dancers of Halau Mohala ?Ilima take the stage, joined by Maelia Loebenstein Carter and Ka Pa Hula o Kauanoe o Wa?ahila, Michael Pili Pang and Halau Hula Ka No?eau, and Vicky Holt Takamine and Pua Ali?i ?Ilima, Manu Boyd and Halau Ke 'A'ali'i Ku Makani. In this one-of-a-kind hula celebration, these four kumu hula and their halau will present hula kahiko and hula ?auana individually, in small groups and en masse to raise funds for this worthy cause. Musical group WELO featuring Chad Takatsugi, Glenn mayeda, and Dennis Keohokalole will be performing.

TRY YOUR HAND AT LASHING

Touch, feel, and even try your hand at lashing with the crew of Hokule?a as they perfect skills for their around-the-world journey by relashing Hawai?iloa.

CELEBRATE CELESTIAL NAVIGATION

Prior to the main event, guests can also enjoy a special lecture and interactive Pacific navigation activity with Chad Baybayan, the Navigator in Residence at the Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Program starts at 3:30 p.m. Special ticket required. Hurry! Space is limited for this exciting activity.

RESTORE AND RELAUNCH HAWAI?ILOA

Built in the record time of two years and launched in 1993, Hawai?iloa voyaged 6,000 miles to Tahiti and throughout French Polynesia to the Marquesas and back. Over the years, weather and exposure took a toll. The Hawai?iloa was disassembled and stored in pieces. The challenge now is to put the giant jigsaw puzzle of canoe parts together. Well into the process of restoration, the Friends are fund raising and friend-raising in a race to complete and re-launch the canoe. As the Hokule?a embarks on a four year journey around the globe, Hawai?iloa will re-launch and be the touch-stone for the Hawaiian islands during the Hokule?a?s voyage.

Please Note: No coolers or outside food or beverage allowed. Lawn chairs must be low profile. Admission tickets are nonrefundable.