Hundreds of family, friends and fans came out tonight to welcome the Wapi'o

Little League World Series champs home, showering them with lei, screams of

encouragement and hugs.

The exhausted 12- and 13-year-olds landed at about 6:15 p.m., and were

greeted off the plane by Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona. They were then

escorted to an area where fans and supporters gathered to welcome the boys

home.

The team won the championship Sunday against Mexico.

Alicia Stevens, of Waipi'o, doesn't have any relatives on the team, but came

out to the airport to show her support.

She carried a big sign welcoming the Little Leaguers home.

"We're all one big Waipi'o family," she said.

The players got off the plane with big smiles, though they were tired and

homesick after a month on the road.

"It was a good experience for all of us," said Waipi'o player Khade Paris,

12.