2011 Hokulea Model
Read More
2011 Hokulea Model
When the National Library of Medicine was searching for appropriate ways for native Hawaiians to demonstrate their cultural contributions to early medical practices, they found the Polynesian Voyaging Society and eventually decided on the Hokulea sailing canoe. Why Hokulea? They reported that the Hokulea is the iconic symbol of Hawaiians rediscovering their traditional origins, beliefs and pride that are essential precedents to taking charge of their health and resisting the illnesses that modernity brought to the islands.
2011 Hokulea Model
Outrigger's expert canoe builders Tay Perry and Jay Dowsett and members of the Friends of Hokulea and Hawaiiloa accepted the challenge and began an 18-month process of building a scale model of the famed sea-faring double-hulled canoe for the exhibit from a koa log obtained from Olinda, Maui.
2011 Hokulea Model
The two craftsmen worked out measurements and design based on the exact specifications of the full-sized Hokulea but using a 1/6 scale. The model is 10-feet long and constructed of all native woods including koa, ahakea, ohia, hau and milo. Hala was used to weave the sails, pili grass was gathered and thatched for the roof of the hale. Using templates the koa log was sawed into rough-cut hulls which were fine-cut and sanded, then hollowed out using chisels and drills.
2011 Hokulea Model
Other pieces of the hulls, such as the bow end piece were shaped, sanded, varnished and then glued to the main hull. The two hulls were connected by eight crossbeams or i'ako. Care was taken to follow the specifications exactly so as to ensure the replica was exact.
2011 Hokulea Model
Tay Perry and Jay Dowsett work on the Hokulea model at their Sand Island warehouse.
2011 Hokulea Model
When no one in Hawaii could be found to weave lauhala as finely as required, Tay and Jay searched until they found someone in Tonga who wove the eight-foot high sails.
2011 Hokulea Model
Jay and Tay accompanied the model to Bethesda to set it up and attach the sails, a job that took them nearly four days. Located in the center of the library's entry hall, it is the most prominent object on display, and in true Hokulea fashion appears to be leading visitors toward the exhibit. The exhibit opened on October 5, 2011 and was on display for two years. At the dedication were Kauila Clark, a Hawaiian healer, who performed the blessing of the exhibit; Tay Perry, co-builder of the canoe; and Billy Richards, President of the Friends of Hokulea and Hawaiiloa and a crew member of the first Hokulea that sailed to Tahiti in 1976.