Halau Wa‘a o Iosepa to House 57-Foot Voyaging Canoe and Host Interactive Activities, Exhibits and Presentations Highlighting Polynesian Voyaging
Laie, HI – June 17, 2008 – The Polynesian Cultural Center invites kama‘aina and visitors to experience its newest attraction in the Hawaiian village, opening to the public on June 28. At the centerpiece of the just completed Iosepa: Voyage of Discovery is the Iosepa, an all-wood, double-hulled Hawaiian voyaging canoe, originally carved and launched in La‘ie, Hawai‘i, and its new home, the Halau Wa‘a o Iosepa, or Iosepa canoe house of learning.
"We are excited to share the Iosepa and the Polynesian voyaging story with the rest of the world. This will be the first time many of our visitors will see a modern, authentic replication of a traditional voyaging canoe up close," said Polynesian Cultural Center President Von Orgill. "When it is not out on sail, the canoe will be housed in the Halau Wa‘a o Iosepa, where it will be shared, allowing guests to view and appreciate its function and beauty."
Daily interactive activities such as learning to navigate using a star compass, knot tying and voyage preparation provide guests with a better understanding of the techniques and traditions behind Polynesian voyaging. In addition to educational displays and exhibits, a cultural presentation featuring the Polynesian migration story will illustrate that everyone's families are much like the Polynesian voyagers of old, with our ancestors journeying from somewhere to settle in another place. A guided walking tour around the Iosepa and short video will further educate visitors on the purpose, construction and story of the canoe.
Construction of the Halau Wa‘a o Iosepa began in November 2007. Donors Mark Willes, president of the board of directors for the PCC, and Ira Fulton are the primary benefactors of the project. The management of the hālau will be a cooperative effort between the PCC and BYU-Hawai‘i's Jonathan Napela Center for Hawaiian Language and Cultural Studies, whose director is William K. ‘Uncle Bill' Wallace III. A formal, private blessing will be held on June 25 for the Halau Wa‘a o Iosepa prior to welcoming the Iosepa to its new home on June 27.
"The Polynesian Cultural Center is proud to partner with BYU-Hawai‘i to share the amazing migration story of ancient voyaging Polynesians," said Orgill. "The Iosepa represents the extraordinary tale of survival, bravery, and exploration that can be related to all guests' family experience."
"Through hands-on activities and presentations, the Hawaiian and Polynesian voyaging ways of old will be kept alive here at Iosepa: Voyage of Discovery," said Alfred Grace, senior vice president of marketing and sales for the PCC. "This new guest experience is completely different from any other experience currently being offered at the Center. The Iosepa will appeal to guests of all ages and will become a must-see for locals and visitors for years to come."
The 57-foot canoe was commissioned and built in 2001 through a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, under the direction of master carvers Kawika Eskaran and Sione Tuione Pulotu, as a sailing classroom as part of BYU-Hawai‘i's Hawaiian Studies program so that students could learn how to sail and live as the ancient Hawaiians did. Volunteers from the community including BYU-Hawai‘i students participated in its construction.
"Unlike most other contemporary canoes, which are built out of fiberglass with modern technology, the Iosepa is hand-carved out of dakua wood transported from Fiji," said Orgill. "Iosepa's spirit is very strong. It not only connects BYU-Hawai‘i with the PCC, but also unites the entire Hawaiian community and residents of La‘ie."
For more information or to make reservations, please call the Polynesian Cultural Center ticket office at (800) 367-7060 or visit the PCC Web site at www.polynesia.com. In Hawai‘i, call (808) 293-3333.
Founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization, the PCC has entertained more than 33 million visitors, while preserving and portraying the culture, arts, and crafts of Polynesia to the rest of the world. In addition, the PCC has provided financial assistance to 17,000 young people from over 70 different countries while they attend Brigham Young University-Hawai‘i. As a non-profit organization, 100 percent of PCC's revenue is used for daily operations and to support education.
# # #
For media requests or photography, contact:
Amy Hennessey or Maria Quidez
808-531-0244
