Treasures of Hawai‘i

Treasures of Hawai‘i - Hawai`iloa

Hawai`iloa is the first Polynesian voyaging canoe built of traditional materials in this century. In 1995, Hawai`iloa sailed the South Pacific using ancient methods of navigation. It was the first time in many centuries that a Hawaiian canoe sailed to and from the Marquesas Islands. The name, "Hawai`iloa", was chosen in honor of the legendary voyager who first discovered the Hawaiian Islands.

For many Polynesian peoples, Hokule`a and Hawai`iloa have ignited a cultural reawakening, bringing to life their rich maritime heritage and the heroic accomplishments of their ancestors. A source of tremendous pride for the kanaka maoli (Native Hawaiians), the canoes inspired a voyaging renaissance across the Pacific.

"The initial thought was that, if you look at the canoe itself, the voyaging canoe--that was central to society, to its expansion, to its survival--if we could use the canoe as a focus, we could take all facets of Hawaiian culture, and arts, and community that could help in terms of building the canoe, then we'd be also building our culture."
Nainoa Thompson
Master Navigator

For more information, please see the Hawai`iloa exhibit on the Bishop Museum website.

Revised March 2, 1997