Sea Trials
Ho`a`o

The Pier 35 Weight Loss Program

Would Hawai`iloa be seaworthy? How low would she sit in the water? Would the sails withstand makani ikaika (strong winds)? Should there be one hoe uli (steering paddle) or two? These were questions that needed to be answered before embarking on a 2,200 nautical mile trip.

The Hawai`iloa crew spent over 8 months testing the vessel in Hawaiian waters. After the first sea trails (July to October 1993), 6,500 pounds were trimmed from the hulls, their positions were reversed, and the masts moved forward. But the sea trials not only tested Hawai`iloa, they also gave the crew a chance to become familiar with this canoe.

Hawai`iloa with lau hala sail on way to Poka`i Bay. (52k) (Photo by Moana Doi, Bishop Museum)

O ke kahua mamua, mahope ke kukulu.
The site [plans] first, and then the building [construction].
Learn all you can, then practice.
(`Olelo No`eau #2459; Pukui 1983)
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Revised on August 29, 1996 by mcb