Celebrations for Hōkūleʻa’s 50th Birthday Kick Off this Weekend

This March, Hawaiʻi is honoring the 50th birthday of Hōkūleʻa, a symbolic voyaging canoe. When the vessel was first built and launched in the 1970s, it sparked a cultural renewal in the Islands and around the world. To celebrate the momentous 50th anniversary, the Polynesian Voyaging Society invites the public to a series of special events to reflect on the origins of Hōkūleʻa and its profound influence. 

The vessel, which was built in the 1970s, is a replica of an ancient Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe, like the ones that carried the first people to the shores of Hawaiʻi. On March 8, 1975, Hōkūleʻa first launched off the shores of Oʻahu.  

Hōkūleʻa is welcomed at Kailua Beach with a hula performance. When the vessel was constructed and launched in the 1970s, it sparked a renewal of Polynesian voyaging and culture.
Photo: Courtesy of the Polynesian Voyaging Society/Jonathan Salvador

In 1976, Hōkūleʻa’s crew successfully made its first voyage from Hawaiʻi to Tahiti only utilizing ancient seafaring techniques. Like Hawaiʻi, the people of Tahiti have strong ties and traditions to ocean navigation. When Hōkūleʻa arrived at the beach in Papeʻete Harbor, there were more than 17,000 people to welcome the vessel and crew.  

Hōkūleʻa revitalized Polynesian voyaging and its traditions throughout the Pacific. Today, it continues to preserve the legacy of ancient seafaring as well as promote environmental advocacy. Hōkūleʻa’s caption and crew sail throughout the Pacific only using traditional navigation techniques. When the vessel is docked, the crew also lead canoe tours and educational workshops for students and local communities.

From August 2024 to February 2025, the Hōkūleʻa was on its Pae ʻĀina Statewide Sail. The voyage was a part of  Hōkūleʻa’s larger mission to sail around the Hawaiian Islands, engaging with communities through educational experiences that also focus on mālama honua (caring for the Earth). The 7-month voyage covered 3,000 miles and stopped at 31 ports in Hawaiʻi.  

During its Pae ʻĀina sail, stopped at Pōkaʻi to lead canoe tours and workshops with students.
Photo: Courtesy of the Polynesian Voyaging Society/Jonathan Salvador

The Polynesian Voyaging Society, which is dedicated to perpetuating the art and science of traditional Polynesian voyaging, welcomes the public to learn more about Hōkūleʻa as the vessel celebrates 50 years. Celebrations kick off on Saturday, March 8. 

Schedule of Events: 

Hōkūleʻa 50th Birthday Commemoration at the 16th Annual Kualoa/Hakipuʻu Canoe Festival 

Saturday, March 8 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 

Festivities kick off on Saturday, March 8 at Kualoa Regional Park. The free event commemorates Hōkūleʻa’s historic launch on March 8, 1975. It’s also the site where the canoe was assembled, blessed and first entered the ocean.  

Hōkūleʻa 50th Birthday Gala Fundraiser  

Sunday, March 9 (5 to 9 p.m.)

Held at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, the event continues to celebrate Hōkūleʻa’s incredible legacy. Funds from the event also support the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s mission of perpetuating voyaging traditions and protecting the world’s oceans. For table sponsorship details, more information can be found here. 

Hōkūleʻa Dockside Canoe Tours 

Monday, March 10 (3 to 6 p.m.) 

The public has an opportunity to step aboard Hōkūleʻa and hear from young crew members and navigators who are training to take leadership roles in the next chapters of the Moanauiākea Voyage. Tours meet at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center.

Hōkūleʻa 50th Birthday: E Ola Mau 

Friday, March 14 (5 to 9 p.m.)

Bishop Museum is hosting an after-hours event honoring Hōkūleʻa’s 50th birthday. The museum was a pivotal partner in Hōkūleʻa’s inception. The event will pay tribute to the canoe’s origins and legacy with special exhibits and programming. More details can be found here.  

More information about the Polynesian Voyaging Center and Hōkūleʻa, visit hokulea.com.