Eureka will host the tall ship Hawaiian Chieftain for six days as the vessel nears the climax of its six-month tour of California ports.

From March 5 through March 11, the replica of a late 18th century trading vessel will be in Eureka and open to members of the public and K-12 students as part of its 2009-2010 “Hands-On History for Youth” tour.

The ship is scheduled to arrive at the Adorni Center, 1011 Waterfront Drive in Eureka, after a four-day passage from Redwood City.

”Upon arrival, Hawaiian Chieftain will fire a cannon salute to the city,” a press release stated. “The exact arrival time will be set as the vessel nears Eureka.”

Space on Hawaiian Chieftain for K-12 schools and home-school groups in the Eureka area is still available. Educators interested in learning more about the vessel’s educational programs should contact Roxie Underwood, programs manager, at 800-200-5239, or at runderwood @historicalseaport.org.

The ship will open for walk-on tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 7, and from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. March 9 and 10. A $3 donation per person is appreciated. Visitors will be greeted by crew dressed in 18th century costume.

Information about an upcoming stop in Crescent City, as well as an on-board gift shop, will be available during the walk-on tours.

At 2 p.m. on March 6 and 10 a.m. on March 7, the Hawaiian Chieftain will take guests on

three-hour Adventure Sails, which feature a chance for guests to help sail a real tall ship. Crew will also demonstrate tall ship handling, fire the cannon, and lead a sea shanty.

Tickets are $55 for adults, $45 for students/seniors/active military, and $35 for children under 12. To purchase tickets, call 800-200-5239 or visit www.historicalseaport.org.

Launched in 1988, the steel-hulled Hawaiian Chieftain is 103 feet, nine inches long overall, 22 feet at the beam, and her main mast is 75 feet off the water. The modern ship was acquired by the Historical Seaport in 2004.

Lady Washington, which normally accompanies Hawaiian Chieftain during her California tours, is at her home port of Aberdeen, Wash., during the Hawaiian Chieftain’s Eureka visit. Shipwrights are replacing Lady Washington’s diesel auxiliary engine with a new engine that meets California emissions standards.