Aug. 5, 2015

Contributed by Communication Group Staff

Hawai‘i's treasured voyaging canoe Hōkūle‘a was greeted with an arrival ceremony in Bali recently after sailing through the Indian Ocean from Australia - the first time traveling in waters beyond the Pacific for the vessel - and facing trying weather conditions with very light winds.

The area, abundant with ancient temples and traditional fishing villages and farms, is a global highlight that Hōkūle‘a crewmembers look forward to exploring. The visit to Bali's cultural and educational sites furthers the mission of the canoe's Worldwide Voyage: to Mālama Honua, or care for our Island Earth.

The vessel arrived at Sanur Beach for the ceremony. Representatives of the governor of Bali, including the lieutenant governor and cabinet members, hosted and welcomed the crew along with representatives from the Hawai‘i-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce.

From Hawai‘i, Rep. Gene Ward, General Darryll Wong, David Day, Sydney Higa, Franky Pudja, Luis Gamarra and Freedom Dennis were part of the welcoming party.

Students and faculty from local grade schools were present at the ceremony as well. Both the arrival and ceremony were open to the public, and attended by visitors from many different countries around the world.  Traditional dancing and music were exchanged, with the Hōkūle‘a crew performing hula and offering mele.      

“We have been planning and training so hard for this moment for about six years,” said Master Navigator Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. “Thousands of people were involved in this landfall and arrival to Bali. It is hard for me to go back and comprehend all that has taken place to make this arrival successful.

“Thirteen people may have sailed this canoe to Bali, but there were at least another 1,300 people that were supporting behind the scenes to make this possible. On behalf of the crew, I want to express our gratitude to all the hands and hearts who have helped to bring Hōkūle‘a here.”

During their time in Indonesia, crewmembers will seek out stories of hope from the people of Bali, a community rich with history, culture, and a combination of traditional and new approaches of sustainable living.  

Thirteen people may have sailed this canoe to Bali, but there were at least another 1,300 people that were supporting behind the scenes to make this possible. On behalf of the crew, I want to express our gratitude to all the hands and hearts who have helped to bring Hōkūle‘a here.
Nainoa Thompson, Polynesian Voyaging Society President

Nainoa Thompson addresses Indonesian dignitaries with a translator by his side, as Hōkūle‘a crewmembers look on.

Hōkūle‘a arrives at Sanur Beach in Bali, completing the vessel's first trip outside of the Pacific Ocean.

Hōkūle‘a crewmembers were greeted with a ceremony that included many traditional Indonesian performances.