Hikianalia To Sail into Hilo

Hikianalia. Photo credit: Keʻopu Reelitz/Polynesian Voyaging Society.

Hikianalia, the sister voyaging canoe of the traditional sailing vessel Hokulea, will make a stop on the Big Island.

The Hikianalia will spread the message of taking care of Island Earth, with the help of Polynesian Voyaging Society crew members, Hawai’i’s Ohana Waa, and the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.

“It’s very important to PVS that Hikianalia continue engaging our local communities by offering opportunities for the public to interact with crew members and learn more about the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage,” said Mili Tomita, director of the Polynesian Society’s Learning Center. “As an organization, we’re always striving to ensure that the public, especially our islands’ schoolchildren, are engaged in the educational aspects of the voyage at home as well as abroad.”

Various community outreach events will take place in the Hilo community between Feb. 15 and Feb. 25.

On Monday, Feb. 15, a welcome ceremony will be held in Palekai, Keaukaha. Local schools will be invited to event, but must RSVP.

Big Island teachers and students will also be invited to take part in Hikianalia Education Day on Friday, Feb. 19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hikianalia Community Day will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Suisan Pier. This event is open to the community and free of charge.

When ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center celebrates its 10^th anniversary on Sunday, Feb. 21, the public will also have the opportunity to meet PVS crew members and learn more about Hikianalia, as well as the Hokulea and the Worldwide Voyage.