On The Island Of Maui, Gathering Of The Voyagers Celebrates Hawaiian And Polynesian Culture

The Hawaiian Islands in general, and Maui in particular, have been remarkably resilient over the last four years. First, Covid shut the islands down, and this quick action slowed the spread of illness to locals. When visitors were welcomed back, the proverbial floodgates opened, and talk of over-tourism began almost immediately. That delicate balance played out across all the islands over the next couple of years. Then, the town of Lahaina, Maui’s historical heart and soul, was destroyed by fire just last month, effectively shutting down tourism for several weeks. While the governor will officially welcome visitors back to all parts of the island (except Lahaina) on October 8th, the return will be understandably slow. Many travelers are reluctant to travel to Maui for fear of getting in the way of cleanup efforts and, more psychologically, visiting for pleasure while so many locals are suffering.

The truth is that while Hawai’i needs tourism to thrive economically, it is also simultaneously true that there are many ways to visit by having your presence leave a positive impact, rather than putting your blinders on and chasing the sunset. I’ll be reporting on these opportunities as they arrive — ways to help from near and far.

One upcoming event is truly worth a detour. Over the weekend of October 13-15, The Fairmont Kea Lani, in partnership with Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society will host Gathering of the Voyagers, a three-day celebration of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. The event will bring together voyagers, navigators, canoe builders, and cultural practitioners for a weekend of ceremony, demonstrations, mākeke [a market], and kanikapila [musical jam session] at Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, a location historically significant to Polynesia’s seafaring culture.

“We are voyagers,” says Anela Gutierrez, Executive Director of the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society. “From our ancient origins across the vast Pacific Ocean we arrived by double-hulled canoes and made these islands our home, carrying with us the plants and animals to sustain us, the values to carry us forward, and our families to continue our traditions into the future. Gathering of the Voyagers is a celebration of our great Pacific ‘ohana [family] and the cultures and values that guide us.”

A memorial paddle-out will also take place, along with fundraising opportunities to honor and support the local communities directly impacted by the Lahaina fire. You can register to paddle 10 miles around Molokini from Keoneopolo Beach in front of the Fairmont Kea Lani, departing at 8am on Sunday morning.

“We are privileged to partner with the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society for the second annual Gathering of the Voyagers,” shared Michael Pye, Regional Vice President, Hawai‘i, and General Manager, Fairmont Kea Lani. “Now more than ever, serving our community, perpetuating Hawaiian culture, and paving the way for future generations is incredibly important. Gathering of the Voyagers beautifully celebrates the culture, traditions, and values of Hawai‘i and Polynesia, and we are honored to serve as a conduit for this powerful event.”

A preview of the schedule is below, and additional information can be found at www.gatheringofthevoyagers.com. Support for Gathering of the Voyagers is provided by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority through the Community Enrichment Program.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, October 13

6:00am Hiʻuwai and E Ala Ē Ceremony

7:00am Opening Ceremony, Voyager Canoe Arrival

10:00am The Moʻolelo of Wailea, Talk Story with Kainoa Horcajo

12:00pm Paddle Making Demonstration with Malama Chun

2:00pm Canoe Building with Kalai Waʻa Charlie Noland

4:00pm Polynesian Dance & Drumming Demonstration with Kumu Mana Kekahuna

6:00pm Heiva I Maui Opening Ceremony

7:00pm Star Navigation with Kala Baybayan-Tanaka

Saturday, October 14

7:00am Community Memorial Paddle-Out

10:00am ‘We the Indigenous Migrators’ Talk Story with Kahu Lyons Naone

12:00pm ‘We the Navigators’ Talk Story with Sesario Sewralur

1:30pm PōMahina Designs Fashion Show

2:00pm Heiva I Maui, Tahitian Dance Competition

6:00pm Kanikapila featuring Kika Kila Band, Ron Kualaʻau, Kūlia, Wilmont

Kahaiali’i, Dayan Kai, and more

Sunday, October 15

8:00am Voyage around Molokini, *Advance Registration required

12:00pm Closing Ceremony