Hikianalia Update | Oct 7, 2018: Ventura Arrival

Posted on 7 Oct 2018
In Hikianalia Updates, News, Newsletter, Photo Galleries, Teachers, Updates, Video Update

In the hours before dawn, Hikianalia and crew passed by Point Conception, California, where we blew our pū in honor of entering Chumash territory. After about two days of challenging swells, we passed into calmer waters and winds, and in the light of a waning moonrise, we arrived in Ventura Bay, awaiting the sunrise shortly after. Across the water, rising with the sun, came numerous outrigger canoes—a friendly sight, slipping across the swells to welcome us and guide us into port, where arrival ceremonies were about to begin.

Once docked, we announced our arrival and asked permission to disembark on this land, chanting Auē ua Hiti ē, and were welcomed in return by chant and song from members of the Chumash Nation, as well a as welcoming from Hālau Hula O Pualaninaʻaualiʻioha, Kumu Rona Koe (Camarillo) & Hula Hālau O Puananihaʻaheo, Kumu Sylvia Puananihaʻaheo Edgar (Ventura).

Adorned in lei, the crew was gifted Hula, as well as dance and songs of the Chumash Nation and a set of ceremonial gifts for each crewmember. The Hikianalia crew also gifted the Chumash with a traditional kahili on behalf of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

This welcoming ceremony was truly special, as we not only made new bonds with indigenous peoples of this region, but also got to see firsthand how Hawaiʻi’s culture and people thrive not only in our archipelago, but throughout the world. The crew looks forward to connecting and reconnecting with these amazing communities in Ventura.

Continue reading about the Ventura arrival

Polynesian Voyaging Society Media Release

The Hikianalia Alahula Kai o Maleka California Voyage continues with a stop in Ventura County. The traditional voyaging canoe arrived in Ventura Harbor this morning accompanied by local outrigger canoe paddlers. The crew was given a special water welcome followed by a cultural welcome ceremony at the dock hosted by the Ventura community. While in Ventura Harbor, the crew will host school visits and public dockside canoe tours. The canoe is also scheduled to make stops in Channel Islands Harbor and Santa Cruz Island while in Ventura County.

During this morning’s welcome ceremony, the crew was greeted by the Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians of the Chumash Nation, the indigenous people of this area traditionally known as Chumash Territory. Local community leaders and hula halau including Ka Hale Hula O Pilialohaokalani O Hilo, Hālau Hula O Pualanina‘auali‘ioha and Hula Hālau O Puananiha`aheo also welcomed the crew with chants and dance.

Following the welcome ceremony, hundreds of people from the Ventura County community visited Hikianalia and the crew to learn about the mission of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the California Voyage during dockside canoe tours. This afternoon, the crew conducted a presentation about traditional Polynesian voyaging at Channel Island National Park.

Since arriving into San Francisco on Sept. 16, 2018, Hikianalia has made stops in Sausalito, Half Moon Bay and Monterey. Following the approximately 10-day engagement in Ventura County, the crew will head to Redondo Beach in Los Angeles followed by Dana Point in Orange County. The final stop of the California Voyage will be San Diego. Below is the tentative port schedule.

Please check www.hokulea.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Tentative Port Schedule (weather permitting – schedule subject to change):

Ventura Harbor – Oct. 7-10
Channel Islands Harbor – Oct. 10-14
Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island – Oct. 14-16
Redondo Beach, King Harbor (Los Angeles) – Oct. 17-22
Dana Point (Orange County) – Oct. 23-30
San Diego – Oct. 30-Nov.5

Ventura County Coast Events

[tribe_events_list category=”Ventura County Coast”]

Hikianalia made landfall at Half Moon Bay on Monday, Sept. 10 after sailing approximately 2,800-miles over 23 days. Powered by wind and sun, the 13-person crew demonstrated the important relationship between humanity and the natural environment as they navigated their way from Hawaiʻi to California using cues from nature, rather than a GPS or other modern navigational instruments, to guide the way.

The crew arrived just in time for the Global Climate Action Summit, Sept. 12-14.

For more, including public events, check out the Hikianalia California Voyage page.