Updated at 6:18 p.m., Thursday, June 21, 2007

Hokulea prepares to be shipped home from Japan

Advertiser Staff

The Hokule‘a was lifted out of the harbor at Yokohama, Japan, yesterday by NYK Shipping lines. Courtesy Polynesian Voyaging Society

The voyaging canoe Hokule'a is being readied for its return to Hawai'i after having completed a journey across the Pacific to Japan.

The Polynesian Voyaging Society said in a news release that the canoe has been loaded and strapped down to a container on a ship that is scheduled to depart Yokohama at about 10 p.m. Hawai'i time tonight and is expected to arrive later next week.

The escort boat Kama Hele will sail back to Hawai'i. It is scheduled to depart tomorrow, Hawai'i time, and is expected to arrive in Hawai'i in a little more than 3 weeks, the society said.