The Hokule’a, the storied Hawaiian canoe that has sailed throughout the Pacific, was returned to the water this morning following a sunrise blessing.

The canoe spent 18 months in dry dock as crews completely rebuilt it. Dozens of volunteers gathered in the predawn darkness at Honolulu Community College’s Marine Education and Training Center on Sand Island to help with the launch.

Before the boat touched the water, they clasped hands and formed a prayer circle around it.

We’ve put together three short videos and a slideshow of the morning launch.