Voyagers’ visit to sacred site buoys Hokule‘a’s trip home

OPOA, RAIATEA >> Following a 24-hour sail from Tahiti, Hokule‘a and its crew greeted hundreds of spectators at this ancient capital of Polynesia, where the Hawaiian replica sailing canoe was feted for its recent return to the Pacific.
Locals adorned in brilliant red and yellow feather headdresses, floral crowns and ti leaves welcomed the crews from Hawaii ashore Tuesday at the ancient temple ruins of Taputapuatea, a significant and Mecca-like site for Pacific voyagers and navigators.