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Perpetuation of voyaging knowledge continues through Virtual Wa‘a Fest

11th Annual Kualoa/Hakipu‘u Canoe Festival offering series of six educational videos

O‘AHU -- Perpetuating the ocean voyaging culture of Native Hawaiians, and all of our islands' inhabitants, is the focus of a Virtual Wa‘a Fest launched today as part of the 11th Annual Kualoa/Hakipu‘u Canoe Festival.

Through a series of six videos, interested participants from around the world can enjoy five experienced watermen and women as they pass along their mana‘o (wisdom) in their respective areas of expertise. Wherever you have access to the internet, you can enjoy or share these educational opportunities.

In our first episodes, now available online on the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation's YouTube Page and other social media, Liko Hoe of the Hakipu‘u ‘Ohana shares several stories pertaining to the history of the Kualoa/Hakipu‘u area and its connection to Native Hawaiian voyaging and mythology.

Every Wednesday over the next month you'll hear from a variety of presenters on various voyaging-related subjects including:

  • Hōkūleʻa captain & navigator Ka‘iulani Murphy and her various journeys with the fabled vessel and its crews.
  • Master canoe & paddle builder Uncle Bobby Puakea on his crafting techniques and what influenced his traditional methods.
  • Nakoa Prejean, cofounder of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association & Kawaipuna Foundation, and the importance of sailing culture, and need to continue its perpetuation, in Hawai‘i and beyond.
  • Uncle Calvin Hoe and the historical significance of Mau Piailug and the Hōkūleʻa.

These videos were produced by 30-year filmmaking veteran Tobi Nova, owner of Go West Audio who has worked on various film and television projects, including several major motion picture productions, here in Hawai‘i. He has also helped with the canoe fest for several years.

For over a decade, this festival has sought to highlight and continue Hawai‘i's oceangoing traditions, and most years was blessed with a visit from the Hōkūleʻa and her crew from the Polynesian Voyaging Society. The event also served as a birthday celebration of the famed vessel from the very region where it originated.

Last year, the canoe festival was not held as one of the first large DPR events to be cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to offer these virtual opportunities this year and extend a fond mahalo to all of the participants and Kualoa Regional Park staff who provided their time and knowledge to help continue this festival.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodations due to a disability, or an interpreter for a language other than English in reference to this announcement, please call DPR at (808) 768-3003 on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or email parks@honolulu.gov

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