Hawaiian Hōkūle'a

A team of four apprentice navigators sailed the vessel using traditional techniques on its latest voyage to promote marine conservation.

They used the stars and nature to guide the vessel from the Galapagos Islands.

The captain Archie Kalepa said finding small, remote Rapa Nui was one of the biggest challenges the crew has faced.

RNZ reports the Hōkūle'a, which is sailed using traditional techniques, began voyaging around the world to promote marine conservation in 2013.

The Polynesian Voyaging Society said it reached Balboa city in Panama after two days of transit through the Panama Canal.

Crew members will stay in Balboa for a week preparing the Hōkūle'a for its next journey to the Galapagos Islands and Rapa Nui before heading back to the Hawaiian Islands.