TThere is much to celebrate here like the Polynesian voyage canoes star i possible continue his Moananuiākea journey around the Pacific. According to the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS), the crews of both canoes continue to train in New Zealand (Aotearoa) for the next legs of the voyage to Tonga, American Samoa, Samoa and Fiji starting in August.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of starmaiden voyage to Tahiti. In July, PBS Hawai’i commemorates this historic achievement with three films documenting the storied history of the canoe.
star returns to Honolulu on July 26, 1976. Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai’i
It starts on Thursday, July 16 with Place: Star of Joya 30-minute film directed by Tip Davis and released in 1975. The film documents the birth of Hōkūle’a from the carving of the canoe to its launch on Kualoa Beach on Windward O’ahu in March 1975. It features founding members of PVS, including Herb Kāne and Ben Finney. The chants of Ka’upena Wong and the hula of Hoakalei Kamau’u filled a launching ceremony that had not been seen or practiced for hundreds of years.
star returns to Honolulu on July 26, 1976. Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai’i
On Thursday, July 23, PBS Hawaii’i presents The return of the Hōkūle’aa recording of the broadcaster’s live coverage of the canoe’s historic return from Tahiti on July 26, 1976. Hawaiian celebrity Al Harrington hosts the live coverage with thousands cheering. star when he arrived at Magic Island in Honolulu. The program features appearances by then-Governor George Ariyoshi, Zulu Master of Ceremonies, born Gilbert Kauhi, along with music including The Brothers Cazimero.
The month-long celebration culminates on July 30 with Journey of rediscoverya 1987 PBS Hawai’i film documenting Polynesian cultural revivals on several South Pacific islands, including the Cook Islands, Tahiti, and Aotearoa. PBS Hawai’i last shared this film in 2001.
All films starting at 8.30pm will be available on the day pbshawaii.org and on PBS Hawaii YouTube page
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