Opening Ceremony Friday, August 23, 6:00am Hiʻuwai and E Ala Ē
We welcome you to join us as we conduct the opening ceremony of the annual Gathering of the Voyagers beginning with the sacred Hawaiian ceremony of the hiʻuwai followed by the greeting of the sun through chanting E Ala Ē.
Conducted when we seek balance within our lives, when there is the need to wash away and let go of what no longer serves us and/or to help us start anew. A peaceful ceremony of Hawaiian chants, followed with each individual slowly walking into the ocean and submerging within the water. Once everyone has gathered back on the beach, the chant “E Ala Ē” will begin. In this chant, the chanter is calling upon the sun to awaken and arise so that a new day may begin and new life may thrive. This chant is to be done with eagerness in the leo (voice).
E Ala Ē:
E ala ē, ka lā i ka hikina
I ka moana, ka moana hohonu
Piʻi ka lewa, Ka lewa nuʻu
I ka hikina, aia ka lā, e ala ē
Awaken and arise, the sun in the east
From the ocean, the deep ocean
Climbing to heaven, the highest heaven
In the east, there is the sun, arise!
Gathering of the Voyagers Programming August 23-25, 2024
Hiʻuwai Ceremony and E Ala Ē
6:00am at Polo Beach
- Hi’uwai is a sacred Hawaiian ceremony. It is done when we need to find balance within our lives, when we need to wash away and let go of what no longer is needed in our lives, and/or to help us start new and fresh. It is a peaceful ceremony with Hawaiian chants. You will slowly walk into the ocean and submerge yourself in the water. Once everyone gathers back to the beach, E Ala E will be chanted.
Hoe Waʻa
7:00am at Polo Beach
- Paddle an outrigger canoe, learn Hawaiian chants and learn the culture. First come, first serve. Waivers to be signed at check-in.
ʻUkulele Interactive Workshop & Demonstration
10:00am at Kea Lani Ballroom
- Learn basic Ukulele, techniques, and a song. All levels welcome: Beginners to Advance. If you have your own ukulele, bring it. Otherwise, a limited supply of ukulele is available.
Makahiki Interactive Workshop & Demonstration
11:00am at Kea Lani Ballroom
- What is Makahiki, how do we identify it and what are the protocols for this sacred time of the year. Meet Ikaika Nakahashi and learn about how we apply culture and protocols to our life, today.
Oli/ Chant Interactive Workshop & Demonstration
12:00pm at Kea Lani Ballroom
- Oli/Chanting is an ancient way of praying, healing, telling stories and giving honor. The mana that comes from the oli is the understanding and connection to its meaning. Learn basic oil techniques from Kumu Kapono Kamaunu who is a master in chanting, taught to him by his Kumu Keliʻi Tauʻa.
Haka Interactive Workshop & Demonstration
1:00pm at Kea Lani Ballroom
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Kumu Kapono Kamaunu will teach Haʻa Hokuleʻa, a Hawaiian Haka that was composed and choreographed by Kumu Keliʻi Tauʻa and used by the Hokuleʻa crew for the voyages.
Determining the Weather (Navigation) Interactive Workshop & Demonstration
2:00pm at Kea Lani Ballroom
- Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur is a Micronesian Navigator from Satawal. He is a teacher of traditional, non-instrumental way finding methods for open-ocean voyaging using the sun, stars, wind, clouds, seas, swells, birds, and fish. Sesario will talk about the storm stars and looking to the East to determine the upcoming weather.
Hula Interactive Workshop & Demonstration
3:00pm at Kea Lani Ballroom
- Immerse yourself in the graceful and storytelling world of hula dance, a cherished tradition of the Hawaiian culture. Hula combines fluid movements, expressive gestures, and rhythmic chants to convey tales of love, nature, and the Hawaiian spirit. Kumu Kanoe will provide a step-by-step guide to help beginners learn the basics of hula.
Honoring Papa Mau Piailug
4:00pm at Kea Lani Ballroom
- Mau Piailug was a Micronesian Navigator who shared his knowledge with the Polynesian Voyaging Society. With Mauʻs help on Hokuleʻaʻs maiden voyage to Tahiti in 1976, proved the efficacy of indigenous navigational knowledge to the world. Talk story with his sons Sesario and Plasito and learn about the legacy of their father.
Star Navigating and Stargazing with Kala Baybayan-Tanaka
6:00pm at Kea Lani Ballroom
- Learn how our Navigators look to the stars to find their way across the Pacific. Learn about the star compass and how it is used. Our stars are true maps. Learn to use this map and you will never be lost.
For additional programming details please visit https://www.gatheringofthevoyagers.com.
Arrival of the Voyagers
7:00am at Polo Beach
- Observe traditional protocol and welcoming of guests as they arrive by canoe. The canoes will arrive on Polo beach, carrying our honored guests, speakers, and presenters. Upon arrival on shore, protocol will begin with chants of asking permission to come ashore. Lei will be presented and hoʻokupu (gifts) will be carried up to the ahu (altar).
Pacific Peoples: One Ocean, One ʻOhana
10:00am until 5:00pm at Kea Lani Ballroom
Enjoy a day of Cultural Sharing with our ʻohana throughout the Pacific. Each delegation will share song, dance and stories from their homelands. Presentations by:
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Halau Hula O Keola Aliʻi O Ke Kai
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Special Guest Presentation: Southeastern Woodland American Indians
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Bahay Kubo Foundation of Maui to represent the Philippines
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Remathau of Maui, Micronesia
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Tongan Society of Maui
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Quinault Nation of Washington State
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Kihei Canoe Club Paddlers
Kanikapila
7:00pm until 10:00pm at Pilina & Main Lobby
- Enjoy a casual evening of music at Pilina, a place of gathering. Food and Beverage is available for purchase.
For additional programming details please visit https://www.gatheringofthevoyagers.com.
Voyage around Molokini
7:00am at Polo Beach
- In the spirit of voyaging, paddlers will meet at the Polo Lawn, to complete a 10 mile paddle around Molokini. Registration opens at 7am. All canoes will be on the water by 8am. VOYAGE IS FULL
Honoring our Voyagers
11:00am at Kea Lani Ballroom
- Join us to honor Maui Nuiʻs own voyagers. Hear their stories and have Q&A time to get to know our beloved kupuna and their contribution to perpetuate our voyaging culture.
Closing ʻAwa Ceremony
3:00pm at Ahu (located at resort entrance)
- Participants and Resort Leaders will take part in a traditional Awa Ceremony to reflect on the event. A commitment is made to continue to serve the community and perpetuate the culture.
For additional programming details please visit https://www.gatheringofthevoyagers.com.
