Photo by Courtesy of Polynesian Cultural Center
A timeline of the Iosepa Canoe:
Mid-1970s | The movement to preserve the Hawaiian legacy by reconstructing ancient canoes started with the building of Hokulea. |
Mid-1990s | The BYUH Hawaiian Studies Department, led by Uncle Bill Wallace, launched a project to build a canoe in the year. |
| February 7, 2001 | Seven massive logs arrive at a vacant site managed by Hawaii Reserves, Inc. to be carved into a canoe. |
| March 2001 | Kawika Eskaran, the master carver and captain for the upcoming voyage, together with Tuione Pulotu from Tonga, carver for the Tongan royal family, started to work on the logs. |
| October 2001 | Uncle Bill Wallace named the canoe Iosepa, following instructions he received in a dream of his Hawaiian grandfather. |
| November 1, 2001 | President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated and launched the Iosepa. |
| May 2004 | The Iosepa sails to the Big Island of Hawaii. |
| June 28, 2008 | The Iosepa was showcased to the public at the PCC. |
| May 2011 | The Iosepa was launched from Hukilau Beach. |
| August 2014 | Iosepa launches from Hukilau Beach planning to sail to Kauai. |
| Fall 2015 | An 11 crew members, comprised of students from various countries, working every day to prepare the canoe for a journey. |
| June 15, 2016 | The Iosepa launched from Hukilau Beach, but was short-lived as failed logistical plans prevented further sailing. |
| May 30, 2024 | Iosepa sets sail as part of the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture, the largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders since 1972. |