Nainoa Thompson and the relief crew that will sail the voyaging canoe Hokulea back to Honolulu arrived at Palmyra Atoll today.

The return trip, like the initial 1,000-mile voyage to Palmyra, will serve as hands-on instruction for a new generation of Hokulea mariners.

Hokulea is scheduled to leave Palmyra on Tuesday for what is expected to be an 11-day trip home.

For now, the crew that sailed Hokulea to Palmyra without instruments is soaking in the beauty of the atoll — and making the most of its amenities.

"... Cannot tear myself away from this Paradise for more than a moment," Mike Taylor wrote in his blog for the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

"Pristine, unspoiled, Eden, what can I say? Comfortable beds, hot showers, toilet without hanging over the side, scrumptuous buffets, no cell phones ... you get the picture.

"The (host) nature Conservancy is spoiling us with snorkel outings, nature walks, etc."