The canoe was escorted by a flotilla of outrigger canoe paddlers who spread fresh flowers on the water as Hōkūleʻa sailed into the marina, and two fireboats saluted the crew with a festive water show.
The program included ceremonial rituals, tributes to Hōkūleʻa and its crew including remarks by Andy Salas chairman of the Kizh Nation Tribal Council (Gabrieleño Band Of Mission Indians) and Kumu Lilinoe Kaio. Her hula school Hālau ʻo Lilinoe performed in honor of the occasion.