The canoe has come a long way from the time it was just a vision for its creators. “Namahoe,” Kaua‘i’s voyaging canoe, started as a dream and through the efforts of many pairs of hands and its creators, today sits
The canoe has come a long way from the time it was just a vision for its creators.
“Namahoe,” Kaua‘i’s voyaging canoe, started as a dream and through the efforts of many pairs of hands and its creators, today sits on the dock at Nawiliwili Harbor.
But there is still work to be done before she is floated and joins “Hokule‘a,” and Na Kalai Wa‘a O Kaua‘i will host a fundraiser for Namahoe this Saturday at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Po‘ipu Resort.
Tickets for the event are available at the Hanalei Surf Company, Vicky’s Fabrics in Kapa‘a and at Progressive Expressions in Old Koloa Town.
Doors will open at 10 a.m. and features an art auction of Keala Kai’s art work.
Additionally, three of the five Hawaiian navigators who were inducted into the Pwo ceremony by Mau Pialug on the island of Satawal will be present.
The induction into the Pwo ceremony is the highest level of a navigator in Micronesian society and is the first time that anyone outside of Micronesia has been bestowed this honor, states a press release from Dennis Chun, one of the navigators from the Hokule‘a.
Nainoa Thompson, Bruce Blakenfield and Chad Kalepa Babayan are scheduled to be present at Saturday’s fundraiser, the release states.
Shorty Bertleman and Chadd Paishon, both of Waimea, Hawai‘i, were also inducted into the Pwo ceremony.
A Silent Auction featuring the works of Keala Kai will include a 36×48 gallery-stretched giclee autographed by crew members of the Hokule‘a. The Pwo ceremony inductees will also be available to autograph the art pieces.
The $75 donation for admission will include the lunch which will be served starting at noon and entertainment will be provided by Hokule‘a and Namahoe crew members as well as other Kaua‘i musicians.
Cost of the donation is tax deductible in accordance with 501(c)3 tax-exempt guidelines, the release states.
For more information on the fundraiser as well as depictions of the artist’s work, visit Keala Kai’s Web site at www.the originalkealakai.com
A link on that Web site will also provide information on the Saturday fundraiser.