Hale Wa'a Completed and Blessed
Hale builder Francis Sinenci and part of his 20 member crew lash the ironwood poles which form the framework of the 40' x 20' x 18' high canoe house. This is one of the largest ancient Hawaiian hale replications on Maui and will be used for meetings, demonstrations and ceremonies.
Part of the 1500 Loulu palm fronds have been tied and attached to the framewwork which was done by Francis, his building crew, and volunteers. All these materials were gathered locally and used construction methods of pre-contact Hawai`i.
Nakoa On April 4th 1997, members of the Hana Lua Group (ancient Hawaiian martial arts) participated in the blessing of the canoe house which was officiated by Boy Kana`e and Mohala Banner. Also participating in this special ceremony were crew members of the visiting Hokule`a voyaging canoe.
