The Mariners’ Museum and Park invites you to experience the awe of Hokule’a as she sails into Hampton Roads on April 22 and stays through May 8. Numerous educational activities will be taking place throughout the region during her visit.
Hokule'a is currently scheduled to dock at the James River Fishing Pier between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, April 22. While the organized flotilla has been cancelled, the Museum will happily update all interested individuals via email as the schedule of Hokule’a’s arrival is updated. If you would like to receive updates, please contact Anne Marie Millar at amillar@MarinersMuseum.org.
Hokule’a will stay docked in Newport News for the Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 23 at the James River Fishing Pier. The celebration will include tours of Hokule’a, educational activities for families, and opportunities to meet the crew members. The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Hokule’a tours available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. only.
On Sunday, April 24, Hokule’a will sail to Yorktown for a traditional welcoming ceremony with Virginia Indian tribes followed by an afternoon celebration and tours of the canoe. Hokule’a’s approach to Yorktown will being around 10:30 a.m. At 12 p.m., Native tribes welcome Hokule’a with water song, canoe dance, and exchange of gifts. Public tours of Hokule’a will run from 2 - 5 p.m.
Throughout the visit, Hokule’a’s crew will participate in multiple public programs. On Thursday, April 28, the crew will deliver a special lecture on Traditional Polynesian Wayfinding at the Museum. On Friday, April 29, the Museum will host Exploring the Seas Homeschool Day with the Polynesian Voyaging Society. There will also be special opportunities for Hampton Roads students to visit with the crew in their own classrooms.
Hokule’a will also be available for public tours while docked at Yorktown. Tours will take place on Sunday, May 1 and select weekday afternoons thereafter. Please visit www.visityorktown.org for tour schedule. Hokule’a will remain at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown until May 8, when the canoe will continue sailing north, eventually visiting Washington, D.C.
For more information about Hokule’a’s visit please go www.marinersmuseum.org/hokulea-events/.
Hokule’a’s Schedule:
Friday, April 22: Hokule’a arrives in Hampton Roads via the Intracoastal Waterway
Saturday, April 23: Earth Day Celebration at the James River Fishing Pier
Sunday, April 24: Hokule’a sails into Yorktown for welcoming ceremony and afternoon celebration
Thursday, April 28: Traditional Polynesian Wayfinding lecture at 7:00 p.m. at The Mariners’ Museum
Friday, April 29: Hokule’a Homeschool Day at The Mariners’ Museum
Sunday, May 1 - Saturday, May 7: Tours and public visitation at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown
Sunday, May 8: Hokule’a departs Hampton Roads and sails north to Washington D.C.
Paddle Boat Rentals Open May 1 at The Mariners’ Museum and Park
Paddle boat rentals on Lake Maury will open Sunday, May 1 at The Mariners’ Museum and Park. Renting a paddle boat is a popular way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the Park.
Paddle boats are available to rent every Saturday and Sunday through September 5, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Rentals are purchased at the front desk inside the Museum, and are redeemed at the boat dock area on the cove adjacent to the front entrance to the Museum. Paddle boats can be rented for 30 minutes at $5 or 1 hour at $8.
While the Museum improves the boating and fishing opportunities for Park guests, boating will be restricted to paddle boat rentals only for 2016, and fishing will not be allowed for the duration of 2016. Boating and fishing opportunities on the Lake have always been a popular part of the Park, and the Museum hopes to bring those opportunities back in a more effective way in the future. The Museum staff appreciates your patience and understanding during this process.
Visit MarinersMuseum.org for more information on all the excitement happening this spring and summer For up-to-date information on events, programs and exhibitions, join our email list.
