Ku Holo Mau, Ku Holo La Komohana
2007 Voyage to Micronesia and Japan

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES...
June 10, 2007
Hokule'a's 149-day, 7,375 mile voyage through Micronesia and Japan came to a triumphant end in Yokohama Bay on Friday, June 8th as the double-hulled canoe pulled up to the dock at about 4pm, Hawai'i time – Saturday, June 9th at 11am, Japan time. Several hundred people greeted the crews of Hokule'a, captained by Bruce Blankenfeld, and the escort boat Kama Hele, captained by Mike Taylor. This voyage was Hokule'a's first to the western Pacific and the first time she has sailed to nations outside of Polynesia.

With a blow of the pu, first by Taylor then by one of two Hokule'a crewmember's who was on the entire voyage Atwood Makanani, Hokule'a arrived at her final port, the same port where King David Kalakaua arrived 126 years ago. On board Hokule'a, Kahu Kaniala Akaka chanted a blessing as Hokule'a docked. On the dock to welcome the crews with a chant in return was Kumu Keli'i Taua. That was followed by the welcoming protocol of the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Four members were on the dock while one member, Leighton Tseu, was on Hokule'a. They were there to greet Hokule'a and honor King Kalakaua's historic arrival in 1881, which established the King's relationship with Emperor Meiji and lead to the opening of immigration from Japan to Hawai'i.

Also among those on hand to greet the vessels: Hawai'i expatriates, including sumotori Akebono or Chad Rowan and Yamato or George Kalima, both retired in Japan now, Japanese hula halau, and representative from about 50 Japanese media outlets.

A ceremony was held on dock, followed by a press conference. Another welcome ceremony was held at noon yesterday, followed by a dinner reception hosted by the government of Yokohama. Most crewmembers will remain in Yokohama for the week to conduct canoe tours, give presentations at schools and make courtesy calls. On Saturday, June 16th (Friday, Hawai'i time), a two-hour final event will be held involving Governor Linda Lingle, Amy Hanaiali' Gilliom, Pukalani Hula Hale and Mi'ilani Cooper's halau.

Polynesian Voyaging Society President Nainoa Thompson commends and thanks the more than 200 crewmembers who participated in this voyage, the leadership, the hundreds of volunteers, the voyage sponsors and supporters for making this historic voyage possible, and in the end successful and with everyone safe and well. Thompson told the people of Yokohama that the success of the voyage to Japan and the kindness with which they were received at each of the 8 ports, gives encouragement that Hokule'a will continue to voyage beyond the Polynesian Triangle, to touch people in a way that celebrates what makes each other unique while honoring shared values and encouraging the caring of our environment and one another in a never-ending endeavor to foster peace and harmony.

VOYAGE SPONSORS
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Hawaii Tourism Japan
Japan Airlines
NYK Line
Matson Navigation Company
Yanmar Co., Ltd.
First Hawaiian Bank
Continental Airlines
Queen Lili'uokalani Trust
Island Insurance Companies
HMSA
Bank of Hawaii
Hawaiian Electric Industries
Central Pacific Bank
Kobayashi Family Foundation
Chemi-Pure Termite and Pest Control
Boatswain's Locker
Industrial Electronics

Find more information on this voyage and a tracking map.