as part of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival celebrating Hawaiian culture. Abigail Pocasangre & Julia Ross In Hawai'i, the art of carving outrigger canoes has traditionally been a male pursuit.

Wendall DeVera, Vietnam veteran, longtime paddler and president of Pu‘ali Koa Kahiko, listens to opening speeches and a blessing of a Hawaiian outrigger canoe on Friday morning in South Maui.

The group remained in high spirits after being rescued and planned to drive to the Hawaiian Canoe Club hale at Kahului Harbor for food and drinks. “I feel great. I want a beer,” Pacheco joked.