Hawaiian Canoe Hokule'a Sails Into Alexandria

PHOTOS of Hōkūleʻa visitors courtesy of Smithsonian American Indian Museum and from Hokulea Web site.

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ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Hawaiian canoe Hōkūleʻa sailed into port Sunday for a two-day stay in Alexandria as part of a worldwide voyage.

First stop is Waterfront Park Pier, where Hōkūleʻa was expected to be open for tours and crewmembers were expected to be on hand to talk with visitors who want to learn about the worldwide voyage.

If you couldn't make it Sunday, the canoe and crew will also be hosting tours and outreach Monday, May 16 from 1-5 p.m. at City Marina, Cameron Street.

The Hawaiian name for this voyage, Mālama Honua, means “to care for our Earth.”

Hōkūleʻa has voyaged traditionally for 40 years, sailing over 150,000 nautical miles throughout the Pacific.

In March, Hōkūleʻa touched the continental US for the first time in the Everglades of Florida. She is sailing up the East Coast over the next several months connecting with schools, Native American peoples, maritime communities and more. Hōkūleʻa will engage in ports from the Everglades to Manhattan to collect and share stories.

Next, Hōkūleʻa will sail to New York City, where she will be a focal point at World Oceans Day events hosted by the United Nations.