The brand Aloha Collection is teaming up with the Polynesian Voyaging Society to release a series of splash-proof travel bags and apparel designed to honor the 50th birthday of the double-hulled voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa.
The limited-edition collection launches at the Kaiwiʻula Night Market held from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Bishop Museum. After the launch event, merchandise will be available online at hokulea.com. All proceeds from the sales go to PVS.
PVS is the nonprofit organization that built and launched Hōkūleʻa in 1975. This spring, the double-hulled voyaging canoe celebrated its 50th birthday on Saturday, March 8, at Kualoa Regional Park, where it first launched five decades earlier. To date, it has sailed more than 140,000 miles. Since its launch, it has inspired new generations of voyagers.
Proceeds from the sale of these special edition bags will go to Polynesian Voyaging Society. (Pekuna Hong) 
Proceeds from the sale of these special edition bags will go to Polynesian Voyaging Society. (Pekuna Hong) 
Proceeds from the sale of these special edition bags will go to Polynesian Voyaging Society. (Pekuna Hong) 
(Pekuna Hong)
It also inspired a symphony, “Raise Hawaiki,” by composer Michael-Thomas Foumai, which was performed by the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra. Hōkūleʻa was also present for the funeral of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole at Mākua Bay in Waiʻanae.
“The journey of Hōkūleʻa reawakened a movement that transcended generations and reconnected us to our identity,” said Heather Aiu, cofounder of Aloha Collection, in a written statement. “In honor of her 50th birthday, we are proud to share a special collaboration that pays tribute to that legacy. This collection celebrates the spirit of exploration, connection and cultural pride that Hōkūleʻa continues to carry across the Pacific and around the world.”
Aiu’s uncle, the late Dr. Patrick Aiu, was a crewmember on the Hōkūleʻa and served as its on-board doctor during early voyages.
Aloha Collection is a brand focused on functional, splash-proof bags and travel accessories. It was founded by Aiu and Rachael Leina'ala. For each sale, 5% of proceeds go to conservation efforts in Hawaiʻi.
Hōkūleʻa departed Hilo on June 3 to relaunch its Moananuiākea Voyage, which consists of 43,000 nautical miles and is a nearly four-year circumnavigation of the Pacific. The journey is expected to involve a crew of 400 people that travels to 36 countries and archipelagoes, including nearly 100 indigenous territories.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
