![](https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_original/public/media/hokulea_waves.jpg?itok=AiAQjH6L)
The voyaging canoe is sturdy enough to sail the oceans/Polynesian Voyaging Society, Kaipo Ki'aha
The traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe Hōkūle‘a will be stopping at Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park, as part of her leg through the New England area. This sail is part of a historic Worldwide Voyage covering more than 60,000 nautical miles, 100 ports, and 27 nations.
Hōkūleʻa is a double-hull sailing vessel that voyages without the use of modern instruments, using stars, winds and waves to navigate from destination to destination. During this current leg, the crew is honoring Native American tribes in the region and teaching and learning about traditions and practices of protecting cultural and environmental resources.
Weather permitting, the crew conducts community and educational outreach programs, including canoe tours for the public during each stop. The visit is part of the Acadia Centennial celebration and part of a larger effort to link Acadia National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, which share their centennial in 2016.
The Hōkūle‘a visit will create a physical connection between the two island parks.
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Two oars are used to steer the Hōkūle‘a/Polynesian Voyaging Society, 'Aina Paikai
Following is the tentative schedule for Mount Desert Island. Since the schedule is subject to change, the public is encouraged to visit www.hokulea.com for the latest information.
* Saturday, July 23
9 a.m.: Wabanaki and the Mt. Desert community will gather for a public Arrival Ceremony to welcome Hōkūleʻa at JW Boat Company (Hall Quarry Road)
12 p.m.-4 p.m: Public Engagement and Canoe Tours to follow Ceremony and Exchange
Sunday, July 24
6 p.m: Crew Presentation at JW Boat Company, Open to the Public
Tuesday, July 26
10 a.m. - 3:15 p.m: Youth Groups visit Canoe (by appointment)
4 p.m.-5 p.m: Crew Presentation in Gallery at Abbe Museum, 26 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, Open to the Public
Youth groups are invited to visit Hōkūleʻa on Tuesday, July 26th. Group size is limited to 50 youth and reservations are required for time blocks throughout the day. Interested groups should contact Debra Deal at Camp Beechcliff to inquire about reservations: (207) 244-0365, [email protected].
Hōkūleʻa is sailing the Earth’s oceans to visit and learn from those who are working to solve some of the greatest challenges facing the world today. Her crew spreads the Mālama Honua (care for Island Earth) message as it grows the global movement for a more sustainable world. The stories exchanged among crewmembers and communities they visit add to the collective wisdom shaping global lessons for the future health of our Island Earth, and the health of our people, lands, and oceans.
For Hōkūleʻa's most up-to-date U.S. East Coast schedule, visit http://www.hokulea.com/hokuleas-planned-east-coast-port-stops/. To follow the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage, visit http://hokulea.com/track-the-voyage
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