Immense Gathering Welcomes Hikianalia to Dana Point

More than one thousand people gather at Ocean Institute to welcome crewmembers

Huge mahalo to Anthony for the clip. © 2018 Diamond Block Studios

Over one hundred canoe paddlers, boaters and other water enthusiasts converged outside Dana Point to escort the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hikianalia and crewmembers into port after sailing in from Avalon Bay on Catalina Island.

A tribal canoe with members of the Acjachemen Nation greet Hikianalia voyagers

Acknowledging Hawaiian custom, crewmembers chanted outside the breakwater at Dana Cove, requesting permission to land in port. From a tribal canoe, members of the Acjachemen Nation, greeted the voyagers who proceeded into port at Ocean Institute where over 1,000 supporters cheered in support.

An estimated 1,000 spectators, ʻohana and supporters gathered at Ocean Institute to celebrate the arrival of Hikianalia.

After disembarking, crewmembers and the public were greeted with ceremonial performances from Hula Hālau Lani Ola led by Puanani Jung, and Adelia Sandoval and the Acjachemen Nation. The arrival included welcome speeches from Acjachemen Chairwoman Teresa Romero, Mayor of Dana Point Rick Viczorek, Ocean Institute CEO Dan Pingaro, State Senator Patricia Bates, and Hikianalia Captain Mark Ellis.