On Saturday, June 17, Hōkūleʻa returned home after a three-year voyage around the world. Hōkūleʻa and sister canoe Hikianalia covered a combined 60,000 nautical miles, over 150 ports and 23 countries and territories worldwide.

As Hōkūleʻa made her way into the harbor, the mama waʻa was led by kākoʻo on jet skis and hae Hawaiʻi, signaling her return to Hawaiʻi shores.

Executive Vice President of Education, Dr. Holoua Stender and members of KS’ middle school Hawaiian Chant and Dance offered hoʻokupu to honor Hōkūleʻa’s return. KS was the education sponsor of the Worldwide Voyage and continues its support of Mālama Honua.

Members of KS’ Kumu Snowbird Bento’s Hawaiian Chant and Dance honor Hōkūleʻa through a hula hoʻokupu.

President, Master Navigator of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and former Kamehameha Schools’ Trustee, Nainoa Thompson is welcomed home with other crewmembers during Saturday’s protocol.

KS kumu and Kumu Hula, Snowbird Bento and KS’ Cultural Specialist, Lāiana Kānoa-Wong present cultural protocol for Hawaiʻi and world leaders during Saturday’s homecoming ceremony.

The Kāliʻi Rite, spear throwing ceremony conducted by Hale Mua has not been done in 200 years until Saturday. It is a symbol of a warriors worthiness of entering a new land.

KS Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, Lauren Nahme offered maile as hoʻokupu to honor Hōkūlea’s triumphant return home.

KS’ CEO, Jack Wong waits with fellow KS leaders, Lauren Nahme, VP of Strategy and Innovation and Kevin Cockett, VP of the Communications Group to present hoʻokupu on behalf of KS.

Crew members of the Hōkūleʻa participated in an ʻawa ceremony after their arrival at Magic Island.