The scheduled Feb. 14 launch of the voyaging canoe Mo’okiha o Pi’ilani has been postponed until mid-May. Organizers said the delay is due, in part, to construction at Mala Ramp and the recent rainy weather, which interfered with work on the 62 ft. double-hulled canoe. In addition, they said the cultural importance of the launch being on a Akua Moon with a tide high enough to launch at Mala forced Maui’s Voyaging Society to postpone the launch.
The Akua moon, which is the first night of a full moon, combined with a high tide are very important to the cultural aspect of the launch. The Voyaging Society, Hui O Wa’a Kaulua, said that mid-May will present a better opportunity for launch of the Mo’okiha.
The canoe will serve as a living classroom for the youth of Hawaii and the community of Maui. Students on board the deep-sea voyaging canoe will have the chance to learn leadership values and cultural knowledge in a unique environment that is not bound by classroom walls.
Volunteers–and those interested in seeing the Mo’okiha–can visit 525 Front Street where the final touches will be taking place to ready the canoe for its May launch.
Photo: Matt Lane
Comments
comments