When the crew of 16 hearty Cook Islanders sailed into San Francisco Bay last August, they were manning a classic, double-hulled Polynesian voyaging canoe. They were also completing an amazing 15,000-mile, multi-month journey from the South Pacific to California via Hawaii.
At the time, the thought that I could and would soon be sailing in a scaled-down version of a double-hulled Hawaiian war canoe never crossed my mind. For a start, who knew a spin in a war canoe was even possible for your average island visitor?
A new voyaging canoe in Maui
In Hawaii, a small dedicated group of craftsmen is currently hand-building a 62-foot canoe similar to those that recently crossed the Pacific. They have, in fact, been working on the project (located in Lahaina, Maui) for the past 12 years. Just ask Captain Timi.
To test their skills, the group built a smaller war canoe which is powered by Hawaii’s traditional crab claw sail. This 42-foot canoe named Mo’olele has space for 10 passengers. Half ride seated in one hull and half in the other. And one wet ride it is. If you have the chance to try this, you’re guaranteed to get soaked.
Who gets to sail the war canoe?
Travelers cruising on America Safari Cruises’ 36-passenger Safari Explorer are the lucky ones. Time spent sailing in the war canoe is a scheduled activity for everyone who’s ready for an exhilarating adventure, not to mention a lesson in island culture.
American Safari positions their yacht in Hawaii from November to mid-May for a series of week-long cruises. That’s also prime humpback whale season.
To join a cruise, San Francisco residents can fly from SFO non-stop to either Hawaii or Maui with United, or travel via Honolulu with Hawaiian Airlines.
As to the Cook Islanders’ ocean-going canoe, it was one of seven to reach the shores of San Francisco. They’ll all be returning to the South Pacific (from San Diego) on another epic voyage this summer.
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