Hoʻi i ke Kai: Launch of the Aʻa

You’re invited to Hoʻi i ke Kai: Launch of the Aʻa, where Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole’s storied 40-foot racing canoe will return to the ocean for the first time in more than a decade.

At sunrise on Nov. 8, 2025, the Museum is inviting any and all canoes, particularly koa waʻa to join the Aʻa as it returns to the ocean. Waʻa are also invited to paddle through the lagoon to honor the legacy of the Aʻa.

Hoʻi i ke Kai: Launch of the Aʻa
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025
Sunrise to noon

Location: Keʻehi Lagoon Beach Park

The Aʻa was recently featured in our “Kū a Lanakila! Expressions of Sovereignty in Early Territorial Hawaiʻi, 1900-1920" exhibition. This exhibition was inspired by the story of the Aʻa and how koa canoes played an important role in asserting Native Hawaiian traditions during the early territorial period. “Kū a Lanakila!” explored how Kānaka ʻŌiwi engaged in public ceremony, competitive sports, and political activism to maintain their identity and agency in a time of profound change.

In continuing that legacy, the Museum invites supporters to gather to perpetuate the life of the Aʻa as it returns to the ocean newly repaired. The recent repairs to the waʻa were made possible by the Friends of Hōkūleʻa and Hawaiʻiloa, Tay Perry, Ryan Oliveras, and the Dowsett ʻOhana.

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You may also like the following events from Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum:

• This month, 23rd September, 06:00 pm, Beneath 20,000 Feet in Honolulu
• This month, 26th September, 05:00 pm, Shell Song: A Book Reading & Shell Activities w/ Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson in Honolulu
• This month, 27th September, 10:00 am, Nānā i ke Kumu Series: Noʻeau ka hana a ka ua; akamai ka ʻimina o ka noʻonoʻo in Honolulu

Also check out other Sports events in Honolulu, Exhibitions in Honolulu.