The Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokule'a returned home to Sand Island this afternoon after its voyage to Palmyra Atoll.

Capt. Russell Amimoto's crew of 12 brought the canoe in to a waiting crowd of family and friends.

Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, said that storms and overcast skies had been a big problem for the 12-day, 1,400-mile return leg of the voyage, but Amimoto and navigator Bruce Blankenfeld showed great skill and leadership in bringing the vessel home.

The trip to Palmyra is part of the Polynesian Voyaging Society's plans for an around-the-world voyage for Hokule'a beginning in 2012.