The Hawaiian voyaging canoe, Hōkūle'a, set out on a trip around the world in 2013 to promote traditional sailing techniques and marine conservation. Photo: 'Oiwi Tv / Kaipo Ki'aha
Hawai'i Tourism is expecting the Hokule'a homecoming this weekend to be a significant boost on tourism numbers.
After sailing for several years and visiting 150 ports in 27 nations around the world, Hawaii's legendary canoe is returning home.
A wide range of events have been planned over three days in Honolulu with most accommodation already booked.
Hawai'i Tourism spokesperson, Darragh Walshe said when the Hokule'a contingent visited New Zealand in 2014 as part of this trip the interest and engagement soared.
"Over the last three years, the Hokule'a, as part of the worldwide voyage, has been spreading a number of messages around the world, particularly in terms of that navigation, the ecosystems and looking after the world and our environment," he said.
"But in particular too, the sharing of the Hawaiian culture and we saw that when the Hokule'a visited Aotearoa."
Darragh Walshe said there would be the chance to meet the crew members and view a lot of different cultural exhibitions.
