Hawaii’s iconic voyaging canoe ended its epic three-year sail around the world and returned home Saturday for a celebration at Magic Island at Ala Moana Park.
People started to crowd the waters as Hokuleʻa arrives in the distance.
The crowd greets Hokuleʻa.
A surfer holds the Hawaiian flag as he rides into the channel where the Hokuleʻa is about to enter.
Dickey Cantohos waves to one of the voyaging canoes as it enters.
James Franco and his son Lee, from Maui, wave their Hawaiian flag as one of the voyaging canoes enter.
A crowd looks on as Hawaii’s iconic voyaging canoe Hokuleʻa arrives at Magic Island at Ala Moana Park.
The mission of the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage was to share with the world indigenous wisdom, conservation and preservation initiatives while learning from the past and from each other, creating global relationships and discovering the wonders of the Earth.
Nainoa Thompson hugs the original crew as the Hokuleʻa is towed in.
Nainoa Thopson, left, is greeted once on land.
This is the Kali'i Rite conducted by Hale Mua for the crew.
Everyone was greeting everyone as they walked to the tent for the homecoming ceremony.
Nainoa Thompson kneels by Hector Busby during the welcoming ceremony.
From left to right: Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Gov. David Ige, Nainoa Thompson, Bruce Blankenfeld and Alaska Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott during the homecoming ceremony.
Gov. David Ige gets a standing ovation for his comments about the Hokuleʻa.
Nainoa Thompson, left, receives the "Key to the City" from Mayor Kirk Caldwell who said it was only the second time in the history of Honolulu that a key was made to be presented as the key to the city.
Nainoa Thompson, left, and Bruce Blankenfeld are given a state proclamation by Gov. David Ige during the homecoming ceremony.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard drinks kava during the kava ceremony.
he homecoming ceremony concluded with the Ohana Halau (made up of six halau) performing a hula.
Jeriel Subvert, left, and Chelsea Correa got to pose for a photo with Auli’i Carvalho, the voice of Moana in the movie "Moana." Carvalho performed later in the afternoon.