One of Lahaina’s most amazing cultural efforts is under way at Kamehameha Iki Park near 505 Front Street.

Hui O Wa‘a Kaulua (Assembly of the Double-Hulled Canoe) is building Mo‘okiha O Pi‘ilani, a 62-foot voyaging canoe.

Like the famed Hokule‘a, Mo‘okiha will be a link to the past and Hawaiians’ incredible seafaring skills based on nature and the skies, not technology.

To perpetuate the art of voyaging, the hui is currently holding adult crew training and youth programs with Mo‘olele, its 42-foot inter-island sailing canoe, and Waipa, a 33-foot single-hulled sailing canoe launched at the 2006 “In Celebration of Canoes” event.

Residents and visitors can learn about the hui and Maui’s growing community of voyagers on Sunday, Dec. 6. The first annual Gathering of the Voyagers will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. at the 525 Front St. park.

Myrna Ah Hee of Hui O Wa‘a Kaulua noted, “This event is to support continued efforts to preserve and perpetuate our culture and move forward with the Mo‘okiha’s completion.”

The event will feature music by the organization’s president, West Maui’s own Willie K, along with arts and crafts, a silent auction, food and hui merchandise on sale. The cost is $25, and tickets can be purchased at the hui office at 525 Front St.

Take advantage of this opportunity to discover the hui and help volunteers complete Mo‘okiha, which will become yet another cultural facet of Lahaina.

For more information, contact Ah Hee at 667-4050 or e-mail hhuiowaakaulua@hawaii.rr.com.