sail to hawaii sailboat

How To Sail From California To Hawaii

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

If you live in California, you’ve probably been wondering why plenty of sailors regularly make the trip from California to Hawaii . Sailing from California to Hawaii can be a truly immersive and enjoyable experience but only if you know how to make the trip.

Sailing a large water boat from one destination to another on the large and blue Pacific Ocean is, without a doubt, one of the most emancipating experiences anyone can have. While hardcore sailors may prefer long jaunts, most of us would prefer short excursions to regions that we are very familiar with. One such trip is between California and Hawaii.

Although California and Hawaii are both in the United States, they are separated by close to 2,500 nautical miles. As such, this is a journey that requires a perfectly equipped long-range sailboat that can handle the nullifying winds and currents of the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll also need a perfect knowledge of sea sailing, a strong stomach, the courage to remain focused and hold it together when there’s nothing to see on the horizon but the deep blue waters for a fortnight. You should also have the ability to survive on short periods of sleep, the ability to change sail, the knowledge to fix a leak on a boat and such things. Nonetheless, the experience is thrilling and very few things will ever come close.

For this reason, this post highlights how to sail from California to Hawaii . The tips will make the voyage more enjoyable and memorable.

Table of contents

Plan the Journey

Planning for the trip is the ultimate thing to do if you want to make this trip memorable and successful. In addition to plotting your course, you should have specifics such as the best time to make this trip, the best route depending on your origin, the ocean currents, and the weather systems.

Another important part of planning is being aware of the required fuel capacity. The voyage from San Francisco to Honolulu is generally appropriate if you use a boat that has a fuel capacity of at least 2,000 gallons. While this may depend on the power of your boat, it’s important to use a vessel that has hourly fuel consumption, cruise speed and fuel tank capacity that can cover the distance twice. This is to ensure that you can compensate for the currents and winds that will most likely work against you.

Given that you might spend close to two weeks on the water, it’s crucial that you carry with you enough food and fresh drinking water for the entire trip. In most cases, you’ll be consuming between 2,000 and 3,000 calories and a gallon of water per day for the two-week trip.

You should, of course, not make this trip alone. Whether you’re planning to travel alone or with a friend, it’s important to recruit a knowledgeable crew to help you with watch duties, as well as with other tasks. Finding a crew on the West Coast shouldn’t be an issue. Just post a notice at your local marina and you’ll readily find them. In fact, don’t be surprised if you find some crew members who are willing to help out for free in exchange for the trip.

Last but not least, make sure that the boat’s engines, electronics, mechanical systems, and navigational equipment are in perfect working condition. Equipment such as GPS, a marine radio, autopilot, and radar are a must-have. 

The Main Sailing Route from California to Hawaii

While you can sail from California to Hawaii from various Californian cities such as San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle or even Oregon, the route will generally be almost the same. While this may depend on the time of the year, the best way to sail from any of these cities is to sail south along the coastline to 35° N – 25° N before heading west for Hawaii.

In other words, the best route is not a direct sail for Hawaii. This is because the Pacific Ocean currents along the U.S. West Coast generally run from north to south. For this reason and as we’ve noted, you should consider heading south along the Californian coast currents before heading west towards Hawaii. This path is of great importance as it will take you away from the path of strong countervailing winds that generally blow intensely against the direct path of travel. Here are some more tips on the route.

• If you want the safest route, sail offshore between 50 and 100 miles offshore. This may offer a very smooth sailing but watch out so that you don’t end up in the Pacific High where light winds and rain may work against you. The Pacific High is essentially a semi-permanent depression in the North Pacific, which is the main reason behind the all year long trade winds in Hawaii.
• Keep in mind that it’s a lot safer if you’re further out. This is because the waters are smoother and there are fewer boats. Again, the navigation will be a lot easier but you need to have efficient navigation equipment that is safe and sound.
• You should follow the coastline at about 20 and 40 miles out if you want the fastest route. This will give you an upper hand on the speed given that the winds and the coastal currents will be of great help.

The Best Time to Make the Sail

The best time to sail from California to Hawaii is in June. It’s early summer, the temperatures are calm, and the hurricanes are still a long way. You should, therefore, avoid the southerly part of the trip in April as it may be extremely cold during winter while you may encounter deadly hurricanes from July to November.

The Estimated Duration for the Trip

When it comes to estimating the duration of the trip, there are certain factors that you should take into account. For instance, the winds, currents, speed of your boat, your navigational skills, and the direction that you choose may affect the duration.

While the direct distance between San Francisco to Honolulu is around 2,500 nautical miles, you shouldn’t take this route. Instead, make use of the trade winds by sailing south until you’re around 600 miles west of the Californian coast. The best vessel for this trip is a boat measuring between 30 and 36 feet. So if you’re sailing the boat at around 6-8 knots for 18 hours a day, it will take you around 14 days to reach Hawaii.

Coming Back Home

It’s important to note that the journey to Hawaii may be easy but the trip back home may present a real challenge as you’ll have to sail around the Pacific High. With that in mind, the best route from Hawaii to California is to sail north until you reach the northernmost edge of the Pacific High at around 47° N Seattle Latitude. You should then turn east and sail to the coast and you’ll be in the range of the coast. Finally, head south and you’ll be within your home range.

If you are one of the few millions who call California home, you’re very lucky. This is because you have a golden opportunity of sailing to the beautiful and pristine island of Hawaii and marking it off your bucket list. This is something that any sailor or angler would always dream of and it’s very possible!

However, always keep in mind that this trip is a dangerous one that requires experienced sailors with the right skills and sea sailing knowledge. Make sure that your vessel is in tip-top shape and have a crew that can handle unpredictable conditions with calmness, proper tactical decisions, and experience. Take this challenge and you’ll have a memorable sailing experience for the next two weeks and a great story to tell your grandchildren. After all, sailing from California to Hawaii is arguably the most pleasant ocean voyage in the world!

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Sailing Guide: California to Hawaii (San Francisco, LA & Seattle)

Sailing from the U.S. West Coast to Hawaii can be a very enjoyable experience and plenty of sailors make the trip regularly. I was curious how to make the trip, so I did the research and this is what I came up with.

How to sail from California to Hawaii? First, sail southerly, following the coastline to 35°N-25°N (depending on the time of year). Then head westerly for Hilo. The best time for sailing is around June when the weather is good and hurricane activity relatively low. The trip will take you anywhere between 2-4 weeks. The sailing distance is about 2,500 nm.

Whether your boat is located in Seattle or San Francisco, the route is pretty much the same. But there are a couple of important things to know before departing. For example, the direct route isn't the fastest - not even close.

On this page:

General sailing route to hawaii, the best time to sail to hawaii, the journey home, specifics for different departure cities, what the journey will be like.

Whether you leave from Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco or even Oregon, your route will mostly be the same.

Route : Southerly to at least to San Francisco or Los Angeles latitude (38°N - 34°N), then head westerly for Hilo.

There are three ways to go about your southern trip.

• Slowest route: follow the coastline and hop from port to port until you reach San Francisco. Then head easterly.
• Fastest route: coastal sailing while following the coastline at about 20-40 miles out. This gives you a speed advantage because the coastal current and wind help you out.
• Safest route: offshore sailing at 50-100 miles out. Smoothest sailing but you run the chance of ending up in the Pacific High, which means you'll have poor winds.

Most people seem to agree that the further out you are, the safer it is.

Steering clear of the coastal waters is safer because the waters are smoother and there are way fewer vessels at even 50 miles out. This makes navigation a lot easier. When choosing for coastal sailing, make sure your navigation equipment is safe and sound. You'll have to deal with shipping lanes.

If you do follow the coastline, watch out for the following points - they can be dangerous:

• Cape Flattery
• Point St George
• Rocky Point/Honda Point
• Cape Blanco

Why do you need to go south?

You want to sail around the Pacific High. If you sail too far north you hit the Pacific High - light winds and rain.

The Pacific High is a semi-permanent depression in the North Pacific. It's the reason Hawaii has trade winds all year long.

How far south do you need to go?

In winter, the High shifts towards the equator and then back again north in the summer.

So the earlier in the year you leave, the more south the Pacific High is. Which means that the earlier you leave, the further south you'll need to sail to get a smooth ride.

A good rule of thumb is to:

• in winter: sail southerly to about 20°N
• in April - may: sail southerly to at least 30°N
• in summer : sail southerly to at least 35°N

Once you reach your southern edge of the Pacific High, turn westerly. It will take a couple of days to reach the tradewinds. From there on, it's smooth sailing all the way to Hilo.

So your route depends on the time of year. The biggest challenge of sailing to Hawaii is staying in the optimum wind zone. This zone is small. Inside of it, sailing is great and your Hawaiian cruise will be a trip to remember. Outside of the zone, this trip will get either boring or chaotic quickly.

Source: Pleistocene water cycle and eastern boundary current processes along the California continental margin

So what's the best time to sail to Hawaii? The best time to sail to Hawaii is around June. The temperatures are comfortable in early summer, and the hurricane season still hasn't really started yet. In July you can encounter hurricanes. In April the southerly part of the trip can be quite cold.

The hurricane season in the North Pacific runs from June - November. I've read dozens of accounts and most sailors agree that hurricanes usually don't cause problems.

They are easy to spot way before they reach you, giving you plenty of time to prepare. Also, hurricanes tend to stay between 10°N - 20°N. The Pacific High ensures hurricanes don't creep up any higher. Hawaii is at 19 degrees north so you won't really get in hurricane territory.

To get back, you essentially try to sail around the Pacific High.

Route: from Hilo, you sail northerly until you reach the northern edge of the Pacific High. This will most likely be around 47°N (Seattle latitude).

Then you turn easterly and sail to the coast. Once in range of the coast, you head southerly to return to your home base.

The sailing distance from Hilo to Seattle is roughly 2,600 miles. After that, add the following distances:

Sailing distances for the U.S. West Coast:

From	To	Distance	From Seattle
Seattle	San Francisco	660 nm	660 nm
San Francisco	Los Angeles	380 nm	1,040 nm
Los Angeles	San Diego	90 nm	1,130 nm

Below I'll discuss the specifics for the following cities:

• San Francisco
• Los Angeles

I'll discuss how long it takes to get there, and what the exact distance is in nautical miles for each point of departure.

Seattle - Hawaii

How long does it take to sail from seattle to hawaii.

It takes 4-5 weeks to sail from Seattle to Hawaii. It's roughly 3,100 nautical miles. At an average sailing distance of 100 nm per day (4-5 knots), it takes roughly 31 days to sail to Hawaii continuously. This is without any stops and under steady sailing conditions.

What’s the distance from Seattle to Hawaii by boat?

The sailing distance from Seattle to Hawaii is roughly 3,500 miles or 3,100 nautical miles. The direct distance is 2,550 miles or 2,215 nautical miles. However, the direct route isn't the fastest route because it runs through the North Pacific High, which has poor winds.

San Francisco - Hawaii

How long does it take to sail from san francisco to hawaii.

It takes roughly 25 days to sail to from San Francisco to Hawaii. It's roughly 2,500 nautical miles. High-performance boats may be able to reach Hawaii within 1-2 weeks. The exact time depends on your route. The best option is to head south to 20-25 degrees north (To make use of the trade winds) and then head west for Hilo.

What’s the distance from San Francisco to Hawaii by boat?

The sailing distance from San Francisco to Hawaii is roughly 2,500 nautical miles. The exact distance depends on your route. Most routes first follow the coastline south before heading westerly at 35°N - 25°N. If you'd sail in a straight line, the distance is 2,000 nautical miles.

Los Angeles - Hawaii

How long does it take to sail from los angeles to hawaii.

It takes between 2-3 weeks to sail from Los Angeles to Hawaii. High-performance boats are able to reach Hawaii within a week. However, they are likely to sail a different, more challenging route. At an average sailing speed of 4 knots (which is usual), it will take 14 days.

What’s the distance from Los Angeles to Hawaii by boat?

The sailing distance from Los Angeles to Hawaii is roughly 2,600 nautical miles. Because of the Pacific High, most sailors first navigate southerly, before heading westerly at 35°N - 25°N. This increases distances but is faster than sailing through the Pacific High.

San Diego - Hawaii

I've previously written an article about how long it takes to sail from San Diego to Hawaii. You can read it here .

Spoiler: it takes between 2 and 3 weeks.

What's the distance from San Diego to Hawaii in nautical miles?

The direct distance from San Diego to Hawaii is 2,160 nautical miles. The sailing distance, however, ranges from 2,400 - 2,600 nautical miles. The exact distance depends on your route. The reason the sailing distance substantially longer is that you first sail southerly before heading westerly.

The start of the journey can be quite cold, especially at night. The sky is generally grey and cloudy.

If you catch the south-eastern edge of the North Pacific High you'll probably get wet. The winds here are poor and it will most likely be slow sailing.

However, if you stay on course you'll catch the trade winds soon enough, after about 4-5 days of sailing.

Once the trade winds are in your back, the air gets warmer and dryer. The sky will be clear and blue, as well as the waters. The next two weeks are a very enjoyable sailing experience. Most sailors agree that it's one of the most pleasant ocean voyages there is.

My Favorite Beginner Cruising Gear

For trips like these, I recommend using sound cruising gear. It doesn't have to be expensive. Here are my top 3 items:

• Chartplotter: Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 74cv (check current price at Amazon )
• Compass: Ritchie Navigation Explorer (check current price on Amazon )
• Backup GPS: Garmin Strike 4 (check current price on Amazon )

For more details on each one, head over to my recommended gear section .

This is great!! Still trying to make sailing my reality ❤️

Shawn Buckles

That’s great to hear, all the best to you!

Kéri Harris

Thanks for a very helpful summary. I am planning to make the trip in Dec 2020, so your winter synoptic snapshot is particularly useful.

Jeremy Merchant

Aloha Shawn! Great articles & information! My gf & I are looking at purchasing our first boat & sailing from San Diego back home to Kauai. A 26ft 1988 MacGregor. I saw that you wouldn’t recommend sailing anything shorter than 30. With that said do you think this trip in this boat would be a bad idea? Mahalo for your expertise insights! Jeremy

Hey Shawn! I was 5 yrs old when we made the trip from Tiburon, Ca (Bay Area) to Santa Monica, then onto Hilo. We were onboard a 38’ DownEaster Ketch. Unfortunately, she didn’t have a I still have dreams about the trip. The dolphins, the stars and the flying fish that got stuck to the deck every morning! I would absolutely love to make the trip again as an adult! Anyway, just wanted to say Hello!

Hi Rachel! Hi to you too. Looks like a cool boat.

Hi Jeremy, You could definitely do it, I’ve heard plenty people making the passage in shorter boats. It could get a bit choppier though, that’s the reason for my recommendation.

Anybody need a deck hand?

Author very knowledgeable but the site so full of ads can’t read the text so will never use again.

Beth Ann Mathews

Shawn, My husband and I just began our discussion last night about whether to sail our Contest 44 to Hawaii. Your article answered all of our basic questions. I’m the limiting factor on such journeys, and I especially appreciate how you explain the big-scale pressure zones, prevailing winds, and currents and how they of course determine optimal routes. Thank you!

Norman D Campbell

This is not even what I asked. All I wanted to know was how much it would cost.

Hi Shawn, I’ve been wanting to make the passage from San Diego to Hawaii for longer than I care to say. I’m expecting it to take roughly 21 days on an Alberg30. So what am I missing in your math? LA to Hawaii is 2600nm. You say 14 days at 4 knots. 2600nm / 4nm/hr = 650hrs. 650 hrs / 24hrs/day = ~27 days.

Leave a comment

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Sailing from California to Hawaii

Set sail from California to Hawaii! Our guide covers everything from ideal times, routes from San Francisco, LA, and Seattle, to essential tips for a smooth sail.

Sailing to Hawaii from California is every seasoned sailor on the west coast’s dream. It may sound daunting, but it is a reasonable trip if you are experienced and prepared. So, what should you expect when sailing to Hawaii from California?

Sailing to Hawaii from California takes 2-3 weeks when departing from LA or San Francisco. San Francisco is 2,500 nautical miles from Hawaii which typically takes 14 days if you sail at 6-8 knots per hour. It takes up to 21 days when sailing from LA to Hawaii and up to 30 days when leaving from Seattle.

Ideally, you should sail to Hawaii from California in September-December or April-June. Returning to California from Hawaii is difficult because you have to sail through Pacific High which has rough waters. Follow along as we explore everything that you need to consider when sailing to Hawaii from California.

How Long Does it Take To Go To California From Hawaii in a Sailboat?

It can take up to 2 weeks to go to California from Hawaii in a sailboat . Factors such as your boat’s weight, engine, and sailing time all play an important role in how long the journey will take. It also depends on where you depart from within California, such as San Francisco or LA.

One of the most important factors in sailing to Hawaii from California is idle time. For example, the voyage will take longer if there is only one person on board that is certified to steer the ship.  That may be the case for you, and if so, you need to account for at least 6 hours of sleeping idle time per day .

This will reduce the risk of dangerous sleep deprivation that can cut your trip short in the event of an emergency. Ideally, you should have an additional 1-2 people that can take over your shift to sleep and eat throughout the day and night.

San Francisco

You can expect to sail at least 2,500 nautical miles from San Francisco to Hawaii.  This can easily take 2 weeks, but weather conditions and wind strength all play a role in the duration . For example, a sailboat may be able to get a speed boost if the wind is in your favor because they are hydrodynamic.

However, it may take longer for a bulky yacht without a sail that is hauling thousands of pounds of cargo. It also depends on how much of the day you spend sailing. You can reach Hawaii in under 14 days when you depart San Francisco in some cases if you sail constantly.

This requires you to have people take shifts sailing to avoid hazards such as sleep deprivation which can be dangerous.  Sail at 6-8 knots per hour if you want to make the best time possible and arrive in Hawaii sooner.  Try to sail for at least 18-20 hours per day to get to Hawaii within 12-14 days if you have someone else on board that can take over sailing duties.

It can take as long as 21 days to sail from LA to Hawaii depending on where you go in Hawaii . LA is further south than San Francisco which adds to the duration of the trip. The trip can be made in 2-3 weeks, but you should realistically expect it to take closer to 3 weeks.

Ideally, you should plan your trip so that you can have multiple people on board that can steer the ship. This will let you maximize the amount of sailing time so that you can alternate shifts to get to Hawaii as fast as possible.  You should only sail to Hawaii from LA if you have a large boat with a massive fuel capacity .

Otherwise, you will have to make a detour at some point in your journey to refuel which can add an extra day or two to your trip. Try to maintain a speed of at least 6 knots per hour when sailing to Hawaii from LA. Otherwise, you will fall behind schedule and possibly even take over 3 weeks to reach the shore in Hawaii.

You can expect it to take 2-3 weeks to sail from San Diego to Hawaii . It can take as little as 6 days to sail from San Diego to Hawaii, but that only applies to high-speed monohull boats which are uncommon. The distance from San Diego to Hawaii is just under 2,700 nautical miles.

Try to plan your trip to take advantage of trade winds which will give you a much-needed speed boost.  You will catch the winds once you sail as far as 550-600 miles west of California if you stay away from the coast . This can make a huge difference in making your trip go faster so that you reach Hawaii quickly.

Coming back, you will have to sail through Pacific High until you head east and then south towards the last leg of your journey. That is the most difficult part of sailing to and from Hawaii from San Diego.

Routing is key if you want to waste as little time and fuel as possible when sailing to Hawaii from California . Generally, it is recommended that you sail out as far from the coast as possible to avoid shallow and choppy waters that would make the trip more challenging.  Try to sail from latitudes 38°N – 34°N when leaving San Francisco and LA .

The trip is much easier if you sail west towards the island of Hilo in Hawaii. From there, you can reroute to whatever destination you choose, whether it be Maui or Honolulu. Otherwise, you set a course from Maui or Honolulu before you depart, but that will require more zigzagging.

Try to stay at least 50 nautical miles away from the coast until you get close to your destination. You will come across several ports along the way in case you need to refuel, pump your waste tank, or stock up on supplies.  If you depart LA, you will need to sail north towards San Francisco and then head east from there where the routing will be the same between the two .

Returning From Hawaii

Returning to California from Hawaii requires different routing and can often be much more difficult. You need to navigate Pacific High when you come back from Hawaii.  Pacific High is a high-pressure subtropical section of the Pacific Ocean that can be challenging to navigate .

This high-pressure system is constantly pressurized which can pose challenges for even the most seasoned sailors.  Ideally, you should sail out to latitude 47° N in the northern part of Pacific High to make your trip easier . From there, you can head east and get closer to the coast within 50 nautical miles then head south and you will have a mostly straight shot back to California.

Your trip will likely take 3 weeks whether you sail to LA or San Francisco from Hawaii . The trip through Pacific High will take the longest, but you will gain speed once you head east and then south.

Sailing to Hawaii From Seattle

Seattle is located 3,100 nautical miles from Hawaii.  You can take a direct route that is only 2,215 nautical miles from Seattle, but that ironically takes longer because it requires you to go through Pacific High which will slow you down . It can take as long as 5 weeks to sail to Seattle if you go through Pacific High, so it isn’t ideal for fuel and supply consumption.

Otherwise, you can still expect it to take up to 4 weeks to sail from Seattle to Hawaii. You can increase your speed if you stay 20-40 miles from the coast which will give you a speed boost from the wind.  However, it is considered safer to stay at least 50 miles from the coast when sailing from Seattle to Hawaii .

It takes at least 30 days to sail from Seattle to Hawaii in most cases if you sail 100 nautical miles per day. You can exceed that distance if you sail in shifts and shave a few days off of your journey, however.

Best Time To Sail To Hawaii

The best time to sail to Hawaii is between September and December when the sea is less crowded . This can help save time by maximizing your speed which is essential. You can also avoid crowded ports and coastlines during the fall and winter.

With that said, tropical storms can still occur even during November, so you should check the forecast before you sail to Hawaii. Sailing to Hawaii between April and mid-June is also a great idea because of the ideal weather.  This will help save time and increase your speed, especially if you stay 50 miles from the coastline at the beginning of your trip .

Even better, you won’t have to worry about sharing the sea with cruise ships between the spring and mid-June. Cruise ship traffic headed to Hawaii picks up in late June and becomes heavy by July and August. Sailing to Hawaii from California is difficult during cruise ship season is difficult and can reduce your speed adding more time to your trip.

Hazards To Consider

Capsizing is the biggest hazard to consider when sailing to Hawaii from California. Drowning is the biggest cause of death when it comes to sailing, and that most commonly happens when a boat capsizes.  You can mitigate the risk of drowning if you pack at least one life vest for everyone on board .

Try to bring several flares and stash them in convenient locations throughout the boat that you can quickly reach if you need to evacuate. Flares can alert boats that are nearby and even far away so that they can dispatch help. A battery-powered radio can also come in handy so that you have a backup line of communication in the event of an emergency, such as running out of fuel.

Bring a dry bag to protect your important belongings in case of bad weather or capsizing . You should also bring a harness and tether so that you can quickly evacuate your ship without getting injured. Otherwise, it’s worthwhile to bring a headlamp in case of a power outage or simply to help you look through your belongings at night.

How Much Fuel to Sail From Hawaii to California?

You need at least 2,000 gallons of fuel to sail from Hawaii to California in most cases . Not all boats have such a capacity, and in that case, you may not be able to make the journey. Large sailboats and yachts often have a tank that holds 2,000 gallons of fuel or more.

This is important because you may not be able to stop to refuel during your voyage.  Boat fuel comes out to $3.25 per gallon, on average, so you may spend up to $6,500 on fuel when sailing to Hawaii from California . This is a massive and understandably daunting cost, but it is unavoidable.

Of course, fuel prices vary based on inflation and where you go to fill the tank. Plan your trip by checking how many nautical miles are between your departure point and your destination in Hawaii. There are many islands in Hawaii, so you’ll want to make sure that you have enough fuel to make it there. Boats vary in gas mileage and can run from 0.5 miles per gallon to 8 miles per gallon.

How Much Does it Cost To Sail To Hawaii?

It costs at least $7,000 to sail to Hawaii from California in most cases . This includes the cost of fuel, food, water, and toiletries. Fuel costs alone can exceed $6,000 because it takes at least 2,000 nautical miles to make it to Hawaii.

You also have to factor in another $350-$700 in supplies depending on how many people are on board . Supplies such as food and water are the last things that you want to skimp on when you sail to Hawaii. Otherwise, you may need to stop at a port on the way to restock which can add hours to your journey or even waste a day.

Preparation can also cost up to $3,500 or more if you need to rig your boat before sailing to Hawaii . Rigging costs vary based on the size of the boat, and it typically costs $100 per foot. Luckily, you can avoid this cost if your boat is already rigged. However, it is worth re-rigging your boat before the trip to ensure that you won’t run into problems along the way.

How Big of a Boat Do You Need To Sail To Hawaii?

You need a boat that is 30 feet long or bigger if you sail to Hawaii from California or Seattle . Never sail to Hawaii in a boat that is less than 28 feet long. Boats that are under 28 feet long generally have a small fuel capacity and an underpowered engine.

Fuel capacity is arguably the most important aspect of a boat when you make such a long journey to Hawaii from the west coast.  A large boat can also fit more cargo which is essential when you take a 2-3 week sailing trip . You will also have more room for extra people that could potentially relieve you of steering duties to maximize time as long as they are certified.

Some seasoned experts recommend having a boat that measures at least 50 feet long. The bigger the boat, the better, especially when you return from Hawaii. Pacific High boasts rough water that requires a long and heavy ship to handle. Sailing across the Pacific Ocean is difficult, so you should only attempt the journey with a large boat.

Is It Dangerous To Sail From California To Hawaii?

It can be dangerous to sail from California to Hawaii and vice versa if you don’t pack accordingly. The two-week trip can be long and arduous, so you need to be prepared.  Pack enough cargo for at least 28 meals per person assuming you will only eat 2 meals per day .

However, it is wise to pack more food than you may need to play it safe in case your journey takes longer than expected. Dehydration is another serious risk when you sail from Hawaii to California, so you need to pack a surplus of water.  If possible, try to pack up to 1 gallon of water per person for each day of the voyage .

Bring a basic first aid kit with enough supplies to treat everyone that goes with you. You need to bring any medication that you typically take to avoid rebound effects during your trip. Otherwise, it is safe to sail from California to Hawaii as long as you bring all of the aforementioned supplies.

What Food Should I Bring on a Sailing Trip?

Try to bring as many non-perishable foods as possible on a sailing trip when you sail to Hawaii. This includes tuna, beans, pasta, crackers, rice, and noodles. You can bring perishable foods to keep in your refrigerator, but space is often limited.

Since the journey will take 2-3 weeks, it is reasonable to assume that you will have limited refrigerator space . However, most boats that measure 30 feet or more have plenty of room-temperature storage for non-perishable foods. Meat and cheese are acceptable if you can keep your refrigerator at a safe temperature.

Many sailboats have stoves and grills, but you won’t be able to reasonably cook every single meal. That is why you should stock up on tuna, crackers, bread, and even peeled tomatoes. Plan your meals before your trip and take a head count of everyone that will be on board to buy enough food ahead of time.

What Should You Expect When Sailing to Hawaii From California?

You should expect it to take 2-3 weeks when sailing to Hawaii from California . Try to maintain speeds of at least 6-8 knots per hour, or else it will be hard to make good time. San Francisco is 2,500 nautical miles from Hawaii, and you need to sail through Pacific High when you return home.

It takes up to 30 days to sail from Seattle to Hawaii because it is 3,100 nautical miles away . You should ideally have a boat that measures at least 30 feet long when you sail to Hawaii from California or Washington. Your boat should have at least a 2,000-gallon capacity so that you can make it to Hawaii without having to stop to refuel at a port.

Tobi Miles is a University of Florida graduate turned globe-trotting culinary explorer and digital nomad expert. As the founder of "Bytes & Bites," he combines his passion for international cuisine with practical advice on remote work, inspiring others to experience the world through food and cultural immersion. With 32 countries under his belt and a knack for uncovering hidden culinary gems, Tobi is redefining the intersection of work, travel, and gastronomy for a new generation of adventurers.

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Navigating the Pacific: A Guide to Sailing from California to Hawaii (2023)

Sailing from California to Hawaii is a thrilling and challenging adventure that requires careful planning and preparation.

The journey across the Pacific Ocean takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the world, offering a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the ocean and the diverse cultures of the islands.

However, sailing from California to Hawaii is not a journey to be undertaken lightly.

It requires a strong understanding of navigation, weather patterns, and the skills and knowledge necessary to operate a sailboat safely.

In this article, we will provide a guide to help you plan and execute a successful voyage from California to Hawaii, covering topics such as choosing a vessel and crew, plotting a course, packing provisions, and supplies, and communicating and staying safe at sea .

With the right preparation and mindset, sailing from California to Hawaii can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

Preparation for the Journey

To make your trip from San Francisco to Honolulu a memorable and successful one, it’s important to plan ahead.

This includes figuring out the best time and route to take, considering factors like ocean currents and weather patterns.

It’s also important to consider fuel capacity – you’ll want to use a boat with a fuel capacity of at least 2,000 gallons that has enough fuel tank capacity to cover the distance twice, taking into account potential challenges like currents and winds.

Don’t forget to bring enough food and water for the trip, which will likely take around two weeks and require 2,000 to 3,000 calories and a gallon of water per day.

It’s also a good idea to have a knowledgeable crew to assist with watch duties and other tasks. Finally, make sure your boat’s equipment, such as GPS, a marine radio, autopilot, and radar, are all in good working order.

Plotting a Route/Course

The main sailing route from California to Hawaii is a route that sailors can take to travel from the West Coast of the United States to the state of Hawaii.

This route is recommended because the Pacific Ocean currents along the U.S. West Coast generally flow from north to south and sailing south along the coast can help you avoid strong countervailing winds that can blow against the direct path to Hawaii.

Additionally, the time of year may also affect the most suitable route for your voyage.

Here are some additional tips to consider when planning your route.

Safest Route

To choose the safest route for sailing from California to Hawaii, it is recommended to stay between 50 and 100 miles offshore.

This can provide calm waters for the voyage but be aware that you may encounter the Pacific High, which is a semi-permanent depression in the North Pacific that can bring light winds and rain.

It is generally safer to sail further offshore as the waters are smoother and there are fewer boats, but it is important to have reliable navigation equipment.

Fastest Route

If you want the fastest route, staying 20 to 40 miles offshore and following the coastline can take advantage of the helpful winds and coastal currents.

However, it is important to ensure that you have efficient navigation equipment to ensure a successful voyage.

If you choose to follow the coastline during your voyage from California to Hawaii, be aware of the following potentially dangerous points along the route:

• Cape Flattery
• Rocky Point/Honda Point
• Point St George
• Cape Blanco

It is important to exercise caution when navigating near these areas.

What’s the Best Time to Sail to Hawaii?

The hurricane season in the North Pacific typically runs from June to November, but most sailors agree that hurricanes are easy to spot from a distance and can be avoided.

Additionally, hurricanes tend to stay between 10°N and 20°N, and the Pacific High helps to keep them from reaching higher latitudes. Hawaii is located 19 degrees north, so it is not typically in the path of hurricanes.

Details for Setting Sail from California Ports to Hawaii

The following information pertains to specific departure cities for a voyage from California to Hawaii:

Seattle to Hawaii

Length of voyage:.

It takes approximately 4 to 5 weeks to sail from Seattle to Hawaii, a distance of about 3,100 nautical miles.

At an average speed of 4 to 5 knots per day, or about 100 nautical miles, the voyage would take approximately 31 days without any stops and under steady sailing conditions.

Distance in Nautical Miles:

The direct distance from Seattle to Hawaii is about 2,550 miles or 2,215 nautical miles, but the direct route may not be the fastest because it goes through the North Pacific High, which can have poor winds.

San Francisco to Hawaii

It takes approximately 25 days to sail from San Francisco to Hawaii, a distance of about 2,500 nautical miles.

High-performance boats may be able to reach Hawaii in 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the route taken.

The most efficient route is to sail south to a latitude of 20 to 25 degrees north to take advantage of the trade winds and then head west towards Hilo.

The exact distance from San Francisco to Hawaii depends on the route chosen, with most routes following the coastline south before turning west at 35°N to 25°N.

If sailing in a straight line, the distance is about 2,000 nautical miles.

Los Angeles to Hawaii

It typically takes 2 to 3 weeks to sail from Los Angeles to Hawaii, a distance of about 2,600 nautical miles.

High-performance boats may be able to reach Hawaii in a shorter amount of time but may need to sail a more difficult route.

At a typical sailing speed of 4 knots, the voyage would take about 14 days.

The distance from Los Angeles to Hawaii by boat is approximately 2,600 nautical miles.

To avoid the Pacific High, which can slow down the voyage, most sailors choose to sail south before turning west at 35°N to 25°N, even though this route is longer.

This can help the voyage be faster overall.

San Diego to Hawaii

How long does it take to sail from san diego to hawaii.

The journey can be dangerous, so it’s important to plan ahead and take safety precautions

The distance from San Diego to Hawaii by the most direct route is approximately 2,160 nautical miles, but the actual sailing distance may be longer, ranging from 2,400 to 2,600 nautical miles, depending on the route chosen.

Most sailors sail south before turning west, which can add additional distance to the voyage but may be faster than sailing through the Pacific High.

How Long Does It Take to Sail from California to Hawaii (Summary)

There are several factors that can impact the duration of a voyage from California to Hawaii, including the winds, currents, speed of the boat, navigational skills, and the route chosen.

To make the most of the trade winds during your voyage from California to Hawaii, it is recommended to sail south until you are about 600 miles west of the Californian coast.

A boat measuring between 30 and 36 feet is well-suited for this voyage, and if sailed at a speed of 6 to 8 knots for 18 hours per day, it would take approximately 14 days to reach Hawaii.

When considering the length of the voyage and potential hazards, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Distance: The distance from California to Hawaii is approximately 2,550 nautical miles (2,950 miles or 4,740 kilometers) on average from different cities. This is a significant distance that will require careful planning and provisioning.
• Weather patterns: The weather can have a major impact on the length of the voyage and the safety of the crew. Be prepared for a range of weather conditions, including strong winds, choppy seas, and storms.
• Hazards: There are several hazards to consider when sailing from California to Hawaii, including shipping lanes, coral reefs, and other navigational hazards. Be sure to consult charts and keep a lookout for potential dangers.
• Provisions: Make sure to bring enough provisions, such as food, water, and medical supplies, to last the length of the voyage. Consider strategies for conserving resources and dealing with emergencies at sea.

A Glimpse into Your Journey from California to Hawaii

The beginning of the voyage from California to Hawaii can be cold, especially at night, with cloudy skies. Read this guide on what to wear sailing in cold weather .

If you encounter the southeastern edge of the North Pacific High, you may experience poor winds and rain, which can make for slow sailing.

However, if you stay on course, you should encounter the trade winds after about 4 to 5 days of sailing, which will bring warmer, dryer weather and clear, blue skies and waters.

The next two weeks of the voyage are generally very enjoyable and considered one of the most pleasant ocean voyages by many sailors.

What About the Way Back?

It is important to keep in mind that the voyage from Hawaii to California may be more difficult than the journey to Hawaii, as you will need to navigate around the Pacific High.

The most efficient route is to sail north until you reach the northernmost edge of the Pacific High at around 47° N latitude in the vicinity of Seattle, and then turn east and sail towards the coast.

From there, head south to return to your home range.

Communication and Safety Equipment

Maintaining communication with land-based authorities and rescue agencies is essential for the safety and success of a sailing journey from California to Hawaii.

Communication equipment allows you to stay in touch with land-based authorities and seek help in case of an emergency, as well as to keep in touch with your crew and stay updated on weather and sea conditions.

Here are some types of equipment to consider bringing for navigation and emergency situations:

• Satellite phone: A satellite phone allows you to make calls and send text messages from anywhere in the world, even when out of range of cell towers. This can be a valuable tool for emergencies or for staying in touch with loved ones.
• GPS: A GPS (Global Positioning System) device allows you to track your location and plot a course using satellite navigation. It can also be used to send distress signals in case of an emergency.
• Emergency beacon: An emergency beacon, such as an EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon), allows you to send a distress signal to rescue agencies in case of an emergency.

How Much Does It Cost to Sail from California to Hawaii?

Depending on the type of sailboat , the cost can vary drastically.

• For a smaller sailboat, the cost can range anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 for a one-way trip. This includes the cost of fuel, food, and other supplies.
• If you’re looking for a more luxurious trip, you can expect to pay up to $20,000 for a larger boat such as a yacht. This cost includes a captain, crew, and all necessary supplies.

There are also costs associated with getting to and from the boats.

Depending on the location, you may need to fly or take a bus to get to the port where the boat is located. This could cost an additional $500 to $1,000 or more.

Finally, you will need to consider the cost of docking and mooring fees in Hawaii. This can range anywhere from $30 to $200 per day, depending on the size of the boat.

Overall, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000 or more to take a sailboat from California to Hawaii.

This cost can vary significantly depending on the type of boat you choose, the distance traveled, and other expenses.

How Much Does It Cost to Take a Boat from California to Hawaii?

The cost of a one-way ticket for a ferry from San Francisco, California to Honolulu, Hawaii is $39 for passengers.

Depending on the size of the boat and the mode of transport used to ship as well as the distance between ports, you can expect to pay upwards of $2000 to ship a boat to Hawaii.

Hawaii Cruises from California start at $100 , and the average nautical miles for a boat trip from California to Hawaii is about 2,500 miles.

The cost of this round-trip for a solo traveler starts at $3,892; a second person can join on both legs for just $451 more.

Final Words

If you live in California, you have the unique opportunity to sail to the beautiful island of Hawaii and cross it off your bucket list.

This is a dream for many sailors and anglers, but it is also a dangerous voyage that requires experienced sailors with the necessary skills and knowledge.

It is important to ensure that your vessel is in good condition and that you have a crew that can handle unpredictable conditions with calmness, good decision-making, and experience.

This voyage can be a memorable and enjoyable experience that you can share with your grandchildren, as sailing from California to Hawaii is considered one of the most pleasant ocean voyages in the world.

Saiful Emon is the founder and editor of Sun Sea Skis , a sailing blog for adventure seekers. He loves sailing, traveling, and sharing his experiences with others. He also writes about fitness, wellness, business, and marketing in his spare time!

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Sailing to Hawaii from California

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Each coast of North America has its dream destination. Those that live in New England are a few days’ passage away from Bermuda. The Bahamas are even closer to the Carolinas and Florida. And some thirsty Gulf sailor’s dream of sipping margaritas in Mexico. 

But on the west coast, Hawaii is the jewel that hangs just beyond the horizon. So, for those lucky Californians, how long would it take to sail there, and what type of trip would it be? Here’s a closer look at one of the world’s most epic sailing passages.

Table of Contents

Step 1 – find a bluewater boat and outfit it, step 2 – gain some offshore sailing experience first, step 3 – provision for the passage, step 4 – depart at the right time of year, step 5 – plot your course carefully, step 6 – getting home, final thoughts, perspective on the passage.

Before we look at the specifics of planning the trip, let’s look at some raw numbers. 

How many nautical miles is it from San Francisco to Hawaii? The answer might surprise you—it’s a whopping 2,084 nautical miles. 

In land terms, that’s roughly the same distance as LA to Washington, DC. But we aren’t talking about hopping in your SUV and driving across the country at 70 mph. That’s a big enough adventure for most people. 

Sailing to Hawaii means inching towards those leis and mai-tais at a steady—but snail-like—six to eight knots. That’s the average speed of most cruising vessels. At those speeds, the trip will take you somewhere between 14 and 18 days. 

Operating any vessel for 18 days or more out of the sight of land requires an insane amount of preparation and experience. To be prepared for a safe passage, you’ll want to take your time to get your boat and crew ready for the experience. The following six steps might make it sound quick and easy, but truth be told, it can take years to get ready for a trip like this.

The first step of the journey to Hawaii is to find the right boat for the job. It is a serious bluewater passage between the two states. Unfortunately, most sailboats are not built for it and aren’t up to the task. And most of the sturdy bluewater boats out there which are built for it will still need repairs, upgrades, and outfitting for the voyage. 

You can look at our recent article Best Bluewater Cruising Sailboats to give you an idea of the types of craft that are suited for the trip. In short, it needs to be well-built and outfitted with tons of offshore safety gear.  

Most boats making this trip will be 40 feet long or longer. Smaller boats can and do make the journey, but usually with solo sailors. A 40-foot cruising vessel has a good balance of affordability, capacity, and performance. It will carry enough stores and supplies, including water, for such a long trip. And it will easily make the aforementioned six-knot speed along the way. A shorter boat will move slower. 

If you’re a new sailor, hopping in a boat and heading west right away isn’t the best plan. A better bet is to build up some experience making coastal hops. 

Spend some time cruising Mexico and the Sea of Cortez. As you’ll see in step five below, this is on the way to Hawaii anyway. But more importantly, it will give you some practice cruising the boat long distances and living aboard. And it’s far enough of a trip that you can work your way up to longer and longer passages. By starting with overnight hops and working up to multi-day passages, you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to cross oceans in no time.  

Having the boat and experience are the first steps, and the next step is simply getting ready to make the actual passage. That means your vessel will be serviced and in tip-top shape, needing no work with everything functioning perfectly. You’ll also want to have a good supply of spare parts aboard, so that should anything break during passage, you’ll be able to repair it at sea. 

Once the boat is settled, you’ll need to turn your attention to your crew. You must carry enough water on board for the entire trip, plus extra in reserve. You’ll want to be completely topped off with fuel, and you should have enough food for everyone to live normally and comfortably for one and a half times the length of the anticipated passage. 

That means buying all groceries and supplies that you’ll need to live for an entire month and then fitting them into your small boat. Think of everything because there are no 7/11s or Quick Stops out there!

As you’ll see in step five, picking the winds for your departure is related to the location and presence of the Pacific High weather system. You’ll want to make the trip at a time of year when that high pressure area is well established and predictable—which means most likely in the late spring or early summer. 

But other factors must be considered, too. Summer and fall are the eastern Pacific’s hurricane season. These storms ply the very same waters that you’ll want to use, and they track along in the same prevailing winds that you’re seeking out. Officially, hurricane season is from May 15 to November 30, but of course, it is technically possible to experience storms outside of those dates.

Any offshore passage is a balance between the prevailing winds, the long-range weather forecasts, and the ocean currents. The sailor does not simply point their vessel where they want to go—they must plan their route based on which way the winds are blowing. 

The prominent weather feature in the North Pacific Ocean is the Pacific High, which is typically located directly between Hawaii and California. Sailing directly into an area of high pressure carries a high likelihood of becoming becalmed. The sinking and still air in the middle will leave your sails limp and your boat adrift. 

This might spell great weather for a motor vessel, so long as they have enough fuel to get there. But since most sailboats carry very little fuel—much less 2,000 miles worth. So they’ll have to use the Pacific High to their advantage.

Winds flow clockwise around high pressure systems in the northern hemisphere, and a sailor can plan their route based on this. If a strong high pressure system is active, you should have tailwinds if you follow the California coast southbound. As the winds turn around the periphery of the high, you can then turn your vessel west towards Hawaii, riding favorable winds aft of the beam the entire way. 

This band of consistent east winds north of the equator is known as the northeast trade winds. Sailors have been following them around the world for centuries. They blow out of the northeast to east and push vessels westbound.

The high pressure area moves around and goes through strong and weak phases. All of this means significant changes to the exact location of the trade winds, so before departure, the prudent sailor would watch the long-range computer forecast models very carefully. 

The journey south before turning west adds a few hundred miles to your journey. But it provides consistent and well-forecasted winds and ensures you won’t be becalmed at sea.

So, how long does it take to sail from California to Hawaii? Most cruising vessels make six knots at sea. So, using conservative numbers, the total distance traveled will be around 2,700 nautical miles. That means the journey should take about 450 hours, or 18 days and 18 hours. 

Some performance boats can cut this time in half, but this conservative number is probably the most accurate for most sailboats. Ideally, even a slow boat would hope to have better winds and make more than six knots—but it generally doesn’t work out that way. 

The Transpacific Yacht Club holds an annual race from Los Angeles to Honolulu. The current record was set in 2017 by the sailing yacht Comanche , which finished the route in just over five days! That yacht, however, is a 100-foot-long Supermaxi racing yacht. It is certainly not typical of any other class of ocean cruiser. Its average speed is regularly over 20 knots, and it is known to be one of the world’s fastest sailing monohulls. 

If all of that sounds like a challenge, wait until you get there and are ready to come home! Yachts headed from Hawaii back to California face the same obstacles, but they cannot retrace their steps because then they would have headwinds the entire way. 

That means that the only way home is to follow the wind patterns and head north from the islands. Ideally, you’ll track along the west and north sides of the high pressure zone until you are in the westerly trade winds. These will then take you to the Pacific Northwest for landfall in British Columbia or Washington state. From there, you can follow the coast southbound to your home port. 

Jimmy Cornell’s World Cruising Routes is one of the best references for planning long voyages and ocean passages. The book covers the hows and the whys of these routings. It also describes the challenges associated with each of them. The route to Hawaii from California is described, as are the routes from Hawaii to the Pacific Northwest. 

Voyaging to far-away destinations is something that many people dream of, but few actually do. It takes years of planning and preparation to make such a trip happen, plus a rare level of dedication to see it through. It’s certainly nothing like hopping in your car and driving across the country. 

Sailing across oceans means you must exercise complete self-sufficiency, no matter what. Rescue services may be days away if they can reach you at all. As the most fundamental risk mitigation technique, your boat must be in tip-top shape and your sailing skills expert-level.

Imagine being out of cell phone range and more-or-less completely disconnected for 20 days or more. For the entire time, your only contact with other humans will be within the confines of your small boat. Every problem that pops up, you and your crew must address it alone. You have to be ready for equipment failures, injuries, or terrible weather. Having the right boat and a good plan goes a long way toward making the passage fun and comfortable.  

Every year, serious sailors make this journey safely. They are rewarded with a Hawaiian welcome and an adventure story that will thrill the grandkids. If you dream of pointing your bow towards the exotic islands of the Pacific, start planning your adventure. While the journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step, the journey of 2,084 nautical miles begins with a step-by-step well thought out plan. 

The passage to Hawaii is one of the longest and most storied bluewater passages on Earth. Plus, its connection to those lovely tropical islands fills it with romanticism and adventure. Aloha! 

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Mike leads research, writes, and keeps the site up and running. He's worked on upgrades to an old class A Winnebago, vans, and other homes - wherever they are.

Translated 9 Sets Sail in the Pacific Cup

This new adventure, a regatta spanning over 2,000 nautical miles from San Francisco to Hawaii, brings together the localization and tech communities.

San Francisco – July 16, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that our sailboat Translated 9 will embark on a new adventure in the Pacific Cup starting July 17. This race, spanning over 2,000 nautical miles from San Francisco to Hawaii, will bring together many friends from the localization and tech communities.

Most of the 700+ people who trained with us for the Ocean Globe Race couldn't join the crew, but their support was invaluable. We chose the Pacific Cup, a challenging yet manageable race to give them a taste of ocean racing.

The Pacific Cup, founded in 1980, is one of the most renowned ocean races in the United States. Known for its challenging conditions and the camaraderie it fosters, it offers a perfect stage for Translated 9 to demonstrate our core values of courage, teamwork, and resilience.

Translated 9 has already proven its value, winning two of the four legs in the recent Ocean Globe Race and receiving the "Spirit of the OGR" award despite significant challenges.

Our motto, “We believe in humans” means we believe in people who take on challenges that are a little bigger than anyone thinks possible, who embrace change with courage and without fear, and who build a better future for all.

Led by Paul Cayard , a 7-time world champion and winner of the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1998, our crew of 12 includes notable representatives from the localization and technology industries.

• Teresa Marshall , VP, Globalization & Localization at Salesforce, OGR veteran
• Paul Marshall , English Second Language Instructor at San Jose State University, OGR veteran
• Jitendra Kavathekar , Technology Executive and recent Salesforce Global VP and GM
• Alex Daily , Curative, VP Product Manager
• Jason Chan , Director, Enablement and Communications at Okta
• Kelly Gregory , artist and architect
• Patrick Haesloop
• Baptiste Gillot Devillers , swimming instructor, OGR veteran
• Lana Coones , student, winner of the OGR aboard Maiden
• Jonathan Hammond , Translated 9 US captain

Industry and technology are influenced by many different forces, just like sailing with its natural forces always at play. Entering this dynamic world, whether sailing to Hawaii or working in tech, requires a variety of skills, passion, vision, and the ability to collaborate with a community of people. The Pacific Cup offers an adventure similar to the challenges in tech: both demand heart, skill, and the willingness to face the unknown with enthusiasm. I am deeply grateful to Marco and Isabelle for giving me this extraordinary opportunity with Translated 9, which brings together nature and technology in a unique human experience.

Get on Board in San Francisco

The Translated 9 project is not limited to this race. Translated has set up a twin sailboat in San Francisco where localization professionals from around the world can experience the thrill of ocean sailing and be trained by Paul Cayard , a seven-time world champion who has circumnavigated the globe twice and won the Ocean Globe Race in 1998. Companies and individuals interested in experiencing ocean sailing aboard Translated 9 in San Francisco can send a request to [email protected] .

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Sailing in Hawaii: Everything You Need to Know

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The ocean surrounding the Aloha State beckons all to sail its waters. For those who take the call, they will find ample steady breezes, the sun, and calm seas awaiting their adventure. However, the calm and beautiful ocean can be deceiving to the inexperienced. 

If you want to go sailing in Hawaii, you must come prepared with a plan, a doable destination, and enough supplies if something goes wrong. This is because the trade winds and currents near the islands can change from calm to turbulent in an instant. 

To solve some of the riddles of sailing in Hawaii, the American Sailing Association established a list of tips and accredited sailing schools so you can learn the ropes. By reading further, you will learn what these tips and schools are so you can implement them as needed.

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The Art of Sailing Among the Islands of Hawaii

There is no better way to see Hawaii than by sailing. The trade winds surrounding the islands make nearly perfect sailing conditions without ceasing. Plus, you can enjoy the calm waters and warm breeze all year long, especially on the western side of the archipelago. You can take out your boat or rent one to see all the islands offer, such as the Kohala Coast and Kealakekua Bay.

While the lure of the water splashing onto your boat's hull sounds inviting, the islands are notoriously challenging to sail. The breeze may be steady, but it is not a constant everywhere. The shapes of the islands create a chaotic storm of everchanging ocean currents and weather. The conditions are so bad, sailors boast that if you can sail in Hawaii, you can sail anywhere .

Each island has its unique character traits. The winds are so specific that ancient Hawaiians have 30 names for the winds around the island of Maui alone. It also takes an expert navigator to chart around the swells, currents, and rotating stars. The ancient Polynesian navigators were the best in the world for a reason. 

Therefore, you must come prepared before you embark on your journey through the waters surrounding these volcanic islands. 

Hawaiian Sailing Education Resources

Most people get the taste for sailing around Hawaii on some sunset cruise and believe they are already skilled enough to handle the Hawaiian trade winds. They feel the moist air passing over the West Maui Mountains and over the boat, forcing it to move with purpose. They think they can handle the waters and embark to go off the typical visitor tours. 

However, the Hawaiian straits can get challenging beyond the shores. General sailing skills are not enough; you need local expertise if you want to avoid Hawaii's legendary surf breaks or a free trip to Tahiti. 

You can gather this expertise by hiring a guide for a private tour of the islands, or you can attend classes at one of the three American Sailing Association (ASA) sailing schools on the island of Oahu:

• Waikiki Sailing School
• Sail Hawaii
• Honolulu Sailing

You will find all three schools centrally located at the Kewalo and Ala Wai harbor near the world-famous Waikiki Beach. 

All three schools provide instructions that lead to ASA certifications 101 and 106 using a classic Pearson Ariel 26 keelboat. You will learn your way around Hawaii with practical applications such as a liveaboard Pacific Offshore Challenge sailing adventure around the islands. They even offer courses for ASA 105 and 107 (Celestial Navigation) certifications. 

Best Places to Sail in Hawaii

With your new Hawaii sailing certification, you will want to get out on the open sea. Every Hawaiian island has unique vistas and challenges that will keep you coming back for more. If you set out with a guide, they will point you towards exciting destinations and how to get to them. If you are taking the seas alone, you will want to plan out your excursions before leaving the shore. 

Sailing Around Maui

Around Maui county's islands, the tradewinds generally come from the northeast but can have different effects if they flow from the north versus the east. Either way, they will lead you to the Auau and Pailolo Channels and Maalaea Bay which are often labeled as the best sailing places in Maui. 

The Pailolo Channel

The Pailolo Channel offers the most consistent sailing conditions of the archipelago. Situated between the mountains of the Maui and Molokai islands, the strait forms a 9-mile-wide funnel that keeps the winds going in the same path regardless of their direction. 

Reaching the channel requires knowing how the winds are blowing. With an east wind, your best bet is to start sailing towards Eastern Molokai, then turn towards Maui once you reach the middle of the channel. The winds would then cross your boat from the port side. 

With a north wind, you can go straight through the middle of the channel with the free-running breeze. You will crawl at a consistent 15-25 knots, but you will have a riveting sailing experience. 

Honolua Bay should be available to you regardless of the trade winds. 

Auau Channel

As the Pailolo Channel becomes the Auau Channel near Lanai, the winds get complicated. For example, you can cross the channel from Manele Harbor to Lahaina without much effort with a good north wind. However, crossing the channel with an east wind can challenge even native experts. 

With an east wind, your best chance is to find wind convection or a light breeze caused by the nearby hot land. Though, the occasional south wind can help as well. 

On the South Side of Maui

Maui's volcanoes turn the island into a wind funnel aimed directly at Maalaea Bay. This funneling makes the bay the windiest spot in Hawaii. As such, the bay is continuously whitecapped from dawn to dusk. To make matters worse, the north wind arrives early, rendering snorkeling and other water activities impossible. 

You also must reach the bay traveling upwind. Because of this, even the seasoned veterans will not sail into the bay and recommend using a motor along the coastline. You can bring out the sails again once you reach North Kihei. You can only sail to McGregor Point and Maalaea Harbor during light or westerly winds. Just be ready for the jump from 10 knots to 25 as you pass North Kihei. 

Cruising the Leeward Seas

The leeward side of the islands is the calmer side with much more manageable water and winds. Partly shielded from the tradewinds, these waters provide an unforgettable and unique way to see Hawaii and all that the islands offer. You can sail anywhere with little effort, even upwind. 

Kaiwi Channel

For instance, you can cross the Kaiwi Channel between Oahu and Molokai in less than half a day. Once there, you can spend the rest of the day and night enjoying life in Lono Harbor, a deserted but protected hideaway. You can then take the short-day trip to the Nanahoa pinnacles, an interesting rock formation with a nice anchoring spot for swimming and lunches. 

Lanai Island

Toward the south from Nanahoa, you will find the Island of Lanai and the Auau Channel with a more leisurely approach towards Manele Bay. The bay is Lanai's only recreational marina and has no guest slips, but it does give you access to Hulopoe Beach and the nearby hiking cliff trails. 

The only other interesting spot on the island is Lahaina Harbor. The Lahaina Yacht Club privately owns the historic harbor. As such, you need permissions from the club to dock. Even then, most of the time you will find yourself mooring your boat to a visitors' buoy or anchoring in the bay, using their provided dinghy to reach the bars on the shore. 

Luckily, ASA Hawaiian classes provide Lahaina Club membership, giving full access to the club's other amenities, including hot showers, fish taco shops, and the best view in town. 

Molokai Island

Across the channel from Lanai is Maui, which has nothing special for boaters, but beyond Maui is Molokai. Reaching Molokai requires crossing the Pailolo Channel, but you will find a reef that will lead you towards the calmer lee side of the island. 

Fortunately, there are no harbors or anchorages along Molokai's north shore. So, you can avoid most of the tradewinds and travel down the lee side until you reach Kaunakakai. Kaunakakai is the main town on Molokai, and its harbor is fully equipped. There is a guest dock with end ties and enough room in the harbor in case you must anchor offshore. 

As for the island itself, Molokai has the most native Hawaiians in the state, who prefer a more traditional lifestyle. The "Friendly Island" feels like a time capsule with only a few modern amenities. The island's major attraction is the Paddler's Inn. The popular restaurant serves as the central meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. It is open every day except Sunday and serves Molokai's famous hot bread.

The Open Sea Between Molokai and Oahu

When sailing around the Hawaiian Islands, you rarely venture out into the open ocean. Most travels keep you near the islands or in the semi-protected channels between them. The only time you will travel through the open Pacific is when you go directly between Oahu and Molokai. 

The course will take you past migrating Humpback whales as they play with spinner dolphins. However, we only recommend that you take the route going in the westward direction. This way, you will travel the 45 nautical miles with the trade winds and not against them. 

Sailing Between Hawaii and Mainland U. S.

When people talk about Sailing in Hawaii, they only mention traversing the waters between the islands. However, the open ocean between the archipelago and the mainland offers a gratifying experience on its own. Many sailors prefer the ventures so they can bring their boats with them instead of renting once they get to Hawaii. 

General Hawaii-Bound Sailing Route

Regardless of your starting location, your trip to Hawaii will be essentially the same, with a few deviations. You generally head south along the coastline until you are between 35 degrees North and 25 degrees North. From there, you can head straight westerly for Hilo. The trip will take about 2-4 weeks. While there are more direct routes, this passage is the quickest with the fewest chances for failure. 

Los Angeles is a good staging point . The city ranges from 38 degrees and 34 degrees North. From the south, you want to remain offshore and out of the surf as much as possible, but you can start heading west as soon as you see the city. 

From the north, you must choose from three different routes: 

• Slowest route: Reach Los Angeles through San Francisco. You can hop from port to port until you reach the Bay Area before heading southeasterly to join the northern route to Hawaii.
• Fastest route: Head directly towards Los Angeles, approximately 20 to 40 miles from the shore. This route lets you take advantage of the coastal current and winds. 
• Safest Route : Same as the fastest route, except you remain 50 to 100 miles out. You will find smoother sailing the farther out you are, but try to avoid the Pacific High. 

Regardless of the route you take, you want to avoid:

• Point St George
• Cape Flattery
• Cape Blanco
• Rocky Point/Honda Point

Make Sure You Always Remain South of the Pacific High

Regardless of how you plan to reach Hawaii, you want to avoid the Pacific High. This semi-permanent depression in the North Pacific gives Hawaii its tradewinds, and you need those tradewinds for your trip. The High also has light winds and rain, which will make your trip a miserable experience. 

Therefore, all recommended routes towards Hawaii send you south before you head west. However, the Pacific High moves. It shifts towards the equator in the winter and back north in the summer. The Los Angeles route is only suitable for summer sailing because of this. During any other time of the year, you must head further south before you start heading for the Hawaiian Islands. 

A general rule of thumb is:

• 20 degrees North during winter
• 30 degrees North during spring
• 35 degrees North during summer

Once you reach your travel latitude, it will take you a few days before you pick up the tradewinds for smooth sailing to Hilo. Just note that the optimal wind zone will remain small and narrow throughout the trip. 

Best Time to Sail to Hawaii

Because of the Pacific High, your best time to sail to Hawaii is in June. Setting out in June lets you take the Los Angeles route in relative comfort while avoiding the hurricane season. After June, you must deal with the hurricanes, while your trip will get cold if you venture out during the winter and spring. 

Just note that you may still deal with the occasional hurricane. Fortunately, hurricanes are easily spotted. So, you should have plenty of time to prepare for them. Pacific hurricanes tend to stay south of 20 degrees North Latitude, far away from the summer Hawaii route. 

Heading Back to the Mainland

After your many adventures around Hawaii, you take a different route back to the mainland. The tropical tradewinds only move west, and you need the jet stream which moves easterly, so you must head north of the Pacific High to reach them. 

Therefore, the only route available to you is to head straight north from Hilo until you pass the High's northern edge. This path should take you to around 47 degrees North, which is the latitude of Seattle. From there, you can turn towards the east and sail until you reach the coast. You can then travel south until you reach your home base. The 2,600-mile trip to Seattle will take you 4 to 5 weeks.

Plan for the Journey

As with any long voyages, you must prepare for your trip before setting sail to or from Hawaii. You are looking at a several-week journey through cold nights, rain, and slow winds. These conditions grow worse as you drift near the Pacific High, but you should get through the worst of it after five days of sailing. 

Once you catch the trade winds, the air gets warmer and dryer, and with winds pick up to something respectable. This part of the journey will take about two weeks, but it should be a pleasant ocean voyage. 

However, you will spend all that time on your own. There will be nothing on the horizon to break the monotony. As such, you need to bring your knowledge of sea sailing, courage to remain focused, a strong stomach, and a plan for anything that might go awry. A part of that planning is establishing a time to sleep and change the sail, as well as fixing any leaks that might spring up. Because of this, you may not want to make the journey alone. 

Sailing among the Hawaiian Islands is a fun way to enjoy the sun and the sights from the Aloha State. However, the waters around these islands can challenge even seasoned sailing veterans. To enjoy your voyages while remaining safe, you must come prepared and understand how the winds and water current flow around the islands. Only then can you sail around the archipelago with your friends.

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Cruising the Hawaiian Islands

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Destinations , Schools

ASA Outstanding Instructor Greg Martin of Sail Hawaii is very familiar with the waters around the Hawaiian Islands and he regularly sails and teaches out of Oahu. Greg has contributed to a three-part story on sailing in Hawaii.

A multi-day sailing adventure in Hawaii starts in Oahu and then takes you across the Kaiwi Channel to the windward neighbor islands of Molokai, Lanai, Maui or possibly the Big Island. Crossing the Kauai channel to the west is a longer blue water passage, but is possible if the conditions are right.

Cruising the Windward Neighbor Islands

If the conditions are right, crossing the channels to the neighbor islands to the east of Oahu is an unforgettable and unique way to experience Hawaii. It’s an upwind beat against the trade winds, about 25 nautical miles across the Kaiwi Channel from Oahu to Molokai. Departing Oahu in the morning, you can usually get to Lono Harbor, on the southwest corner of the island of Molokai by the afternoon. Lono Harbor is an abandoned barge harbor and is a deserted but protected hideaway that is a perfect place to practice a med moor, have a fun dinner party on the boat and gaze at the stars at night.

The island of Lanai is a short day sail away from Lono Harbor and cruising down the leeward west side of the island, you first arrive at the Nanahoa pinnacles. The pinnacles are an interesting rock formation that breaks off from the high cliffs, protecting this calm anchorage. The water depth and sandy bottom is perfect for anchoring and stopping for lunch and a swim. Continuing on from Nanahoa, you round the south cape of the island and head straight for Manele Bay, Lanai’s only recreational marina. There are officially no guest slips in the marina but if you’re lucky someone will let you squeeze into a vacant slip for the night. The goal is to get there and safely secured in time to walk to Hulopo’e Beach and the cliff walk for the sunset. After an outdoor beach shower, dinner at the casual Sports Bar in the very posh Four Seasons resort is definitely on the agenda as well.

Just a short sail from Manele Bay, the historic and quaint Lahaina Harbor is also a favorite destination. Lahaina Harbor is small and very busy. Visiting yachts generally can’t get a slip in the harbor and either have to get permission to use a mooring buoy from Lahaina Yacht Club or drop anchor, in either case, use their dinghy to get ashore. When the winds are anything but calm, this can be a wet experience, so a port call in Lahaina often means bar hopping in soggy shorts. Lahaina is always fun though and your ASA instructors’ reciprocal yacht club memberships on Oahu will get you into Lahaina Yacht Club for your first hot shower in days and the best fish tacos with the best view in town.

Departing Lahaina by mid-morning, you’ll be surprised how quickly the water turns from glass calm in the lee of West Maui to the wild windy seas of the Pailolo Channel on your way to Molokai. You’ll most likely be sail surfing at full hull speed downwind with the second reef until you get back into the lee of Molokai. The north shore of Molokai is beautiful but it’s exposed to the trade winds, with no anchorages or harbors you can really visit. So generally a return to Oahu is by way of the south side of Molokai and a stop in Molokai’s main town of Kaunakakai. There’s a big harbor in Kauanakakai with a guest dock, end ties or plenty of room to anchor in the unlikely event that the harbor is full. The island of Molokai is a place that seems to be stuck in time, with only about 7000 people living there, there’s not even one traffic light on the whole island. Known as the “Friendly Island” Molokai also has the highest percentage of native Hawaiians and the “local way” is the only way. The most popular restaurant on the island, Paddler’s Inn is the big meeting spot for locals and visitors with good food and live entertainment every day except Sunday. If you have a sweet tooth, your ASA instructor local guide will also take you on a late night adventure for Molokai’s famous hot bread.

The last leg of our sailing adventure from Kauanakakai back to Ala Wai is the longest, but with normal trade winds is about 45 nautical miles all downwind. Departing by mid-morning, you can expect to arrive back at Ala Wai just after sunset if you’re sailing on course. In the months between October and April, you’ll be sailing with Humpback whales breaching all around, sometimes playing with spinner dolphins. Just as Molokai disappears behind you over the horizon, it’s a welcome sight to watch Diamond Head emerge from the horizon ahead as you sail back home to Oahu.

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Greg Martin  is a recipient of the 2018 ASA Outstanding Instructor award and teaches at  Sail Hawaii  out of Ala Wai Harbor on Oahu. He not only teaches in Hawaii he also leads sail charters throughout the neighboring islands.

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Pacific Passage Planning

• By Alvah Simon
• Updated: July 29, 2019

The definitions and delineations of a sea versus an ocean are complex, contested and best left to the learned geographers to debate. From a sailor’s point of view, excluding landlocked bodies of water, the rest of the brine is a contiguous path to glorious global adventure. Having said that, we do have our favorites. While the dreadful grind of the ice pack in the Far North and the towering graybeards of the Southern Ocean have their devotees, most sailing fantasies turn toward the seductive strum of the ukulele, the swaying palms and the white-sand beaches of the exotic South Pacific .

Ferdinand Magellan may have been a bit optimistic when he named a body of water that encompasses nearly one-third of Earth Mar Pacifico (peaceful ocean), for, like all oceans, it depends. The very size of the Pacific presents unique challenges, but so too do its strong currents, powerful storms, hazardous coral outcrops and remote low-lying islands.

Voyage Planning for Sailing the South Pacific

A successful Pacific passage will rely on meticulous planning , based on current information tempered with flexibility, because, by nature, cruising has it vagaries. But before one gets into the minutia of details, they should first step back and consider the bigger picture of sailing across the Pacific.

Is the vessel truly stem-to-stern, keel-to-masthead ready? Remember, a day’s work at the dock is worth a week’s under way. Is the dream and determination shared equally, or will the plan unravel with the first gale? Does a westward passage commit one to a circumnavigation, or are there strategic exit points? Does the voyage rely on a financial structure subject to change? Are you most comfortable as part of a rally, with a “buddy boat” or as a lone wolf?

Next is the paper chase. Gone are the whimsical days of letting the winds blow you where they may. The modern cruiser must be prepared in advance to face a host of legal requirements. First, ensure that every crewmember’s passport is as current as possible. Many countries will not issue visas to passports within six months of expiry. Next, list every country that you may wish to stop in and those in peripheral waters. Check the visa requirements carefully because the devil is in the details, especially if you have a multinational crew. Many countries require no visas if your stay is relatively short, or issue visas upon arrival. But some, such as Australia, will hit you with a hefty fine for showing up without one. Albeit increasingly expensive, cruising permits are normally obtainable upon arrival, but check the cruising websites and forums for current and accurate information. Make very high-resolution photocopies of your passports and ship’s papers. Bureaucrats love the pomp and splendor of shiny paper, and your precious original boat documents can stay safely on the vessel. If departing directly from U.S. waters, be aware that U.S. Customs does not normally issue a zarpe, or outbound clearance papers, yet these are required for entry into nearly any other nation. Download CBP Form 1300 and insist on a government stamp, any stamp. Be sure to have clear doctors’ prescriptions for every drug in the ship’s medical kit. What might be an over-the-counter medication in one country can be highly prohibited in another. Increasingly, foreign marinas demand third-party liability insurance. If you hope to further insure for damage and loss, check carefully the caveats relating to seasons and areas. If you plan to rent cars for touring, it is best to obtain an international driver’s license before departure.

Familiarize yourself with the basic elements that will shape your course and schedule — the direction and timing of the prevailing winds, significant currents, cyclone seasons, the positioning of the intertropical convergence zone and the South Pacific convergence zone. Ascertain if the year of passage has been deemed an El Niño or La Niña year because these phenomena can affect the above.

West Coast sailors may depart from as far north as the Strait of Juan de Fuca, near Seattle, or dally south to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, while awaiting the passage season. For European and East Coast sailors, the Pacific launching point is obviously the Panama Canal. The details of a canal transit are complex enough to warrant an article of their own, but relevant here is do not assume a quick passage, because during peak periods there can be several weeks of delay. Also, build in time to enjoy both the San Blas Islands, on the Atlantic side, and the Las Perlas Islands, on the Pacific side.

Pacific Sailing Routes

Although the official window for departures from Panama extends from February all the way to June, the trade winds tend to stabilize and strengthen as the year progresses. However, an early exit has many advantages. Leaving it until June allows only six months to transit up to 9,000 nautical miles before being forced to exit the cyclone belt at the western edge of the Pacific. This truncates the time to linger in favorite anchorages or tend to inevitable breakdowns and delays. Leaving as early as late January might technically put one out into the Pacific during the official cyclone season, but the statistical chances of a storm developing this far to the east are slim.

There are countless permutations of a westward passage, but the path dubbed the “Milk Run” is the most popular. Regardless of one’s plan for the western Pacific, this route passes by or through the Galápagos Islands , the Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands (Tahiti).

The initial stage presents a challenge because the winds can be light and the currents contrary in the Gulf of Panama. It’s advisable to head slightly east of south when heading out of the Gulf; the western promontory is aptly named Punta Mala (Bad Point) due to its penchant for confused currents and squally weather.

Once well clear of the Gulf of Panama, fashion a southwestward course with a pronounced southern belly toward the Galápagos group. I once sailed a direct course for the Marquesas Islands that passed over the northern edge of the Galápagos. I paid for this foolishness by spinning in lazy circles for five excruciatingly long days. Given the early time of the year, I would have been better served by passing several degrees south of the island group. Because the intertropical convergence zone (better known as the doldrums) is widest in the eastern Pacific, it is best crossed at the least oblique angle reasonable.

On another Pacific passage, I chose to head south for Bahia de Caraquez in Ecuador. Not only was the cruise down the Ecuadorian coast fascinating, the passage to the Galápagos from Salinas provided steadier winds than had we departed directly from the canal.

The cost and conditions of a stay in the Galápagos are forever changing. As an admittedly stubborn form of protest, I sailed right by them on two different occasions. On the third, my wife, Diana, put her sea boots down and demanded we stop. Even with a limited stay and restricted access, we were treated to one of Earth’s most unique and fascinating natural habitats.

The 3,000-mile passage from the Galápagos to the Marquesas will probably be the longest of your sailing career. If you can focus on the journey instead of the destination, it might also be the most memorable. Many modern sailors tend to fill the Pacific void with a frenetic schedule of radio nets, emails and obsessive navigational updates. Others soak up the rare opportunity to commune deeply with nature, and experience a rare solitude and reaffirming self-reliance, which I believe to be the core virtues of bluewater sailing.

Counterintuitive to the landlubber but axiomatic to any old salt is that the rhumb line is often not the quickest route to a desired destination. Favorable winds mean speed, and the extra distance in search of them is usually well rewarded. When transiting from the Galápagos to the Marquesas, by first heading south-southwest down to 3 to 4 degrees south latitude, one should reach the upper limits of the southeast trade winds, albeit possibly sporadic at this point. But as you proceed west-southwest toward 6 degrees south latitude and 100 degrees west longitude, they should increase in both strength and consistency. As you straighten course toward your chosen port of entry in the Marquesas, you should begin experiencing your best noon-to-noon runs because you will still have a southerly component in the trades. This puts you on a broad reach, a point of sail most boats excel in. The farther west one heads, the more easterly the trades become until you are eventually running dead downwind. This tends to be a touch slower, with exacerbated rolling. Be sure to carry light-wind sails for the early portions of this journey, and equipment and sails suitable for downwind situations. That fortunate discrepancy you will notice between your speed on the log (i.e., through the water) versus the GPS speed (over the bottom) is compliments of the South Equatorial Current, which fortifies with the steadier trades.

There is only one shoal area along the route, which is well-charted (8 degrees 5 minutes N and 139 degrees 35 minutes W), and the islands are high and easily sighted from afar. Entrances to the main ports are open and well-marked, thus safely approached, a blessing for a fatigued crew. What the Marquesas Islands might lack in terms of white-sand beaches and aqua lagoons is more than made up for with a geography so dramatic as to be somewhat foreboding — towering rock spires, dense jungle and precipitous waterfalls. These islands have been protected from rampant development by a crushing remoteness and therefore arguably remain the cultural heart of Polynesia.

Passages between the islands are mostly clear and well-charted, but potentially windy. The anchorages tend to be open roadsteads, so anti-roll tactics and equipment come in handy. Yachts can clear in at Hiva Oa, Ua Pou or Nuku Hiva. Those first stopping in Fatu Hiva have met with mixed results, ranging from spot fines to official clearance. Yachts are no longer required to rush to Tahiti to extend their initial 30-day visa. Thus, with 90 days in pocket, you can divide your time between the Marquesas, Tuamotus and Societies more evenly than in years past.

Encompassing an area larger than Western Europe, the Tuamotus are the longest chain of atolls in the world. Historically, they were known as the “dangerous archipelago,” and rightfully so due to a baffling maze of poorly charted reefs, low-lying islands and diabolically unpredictable currents. Even with the best of modern navigational equipment and weather forecasting, they demand the mariner’s absolute vigilance regarding watchkeeping, entry and exit from atoll passes, and anchoring techniques.

Those in a hurry to reach Tahiti tend to pass through the wider channels at the northern end of the chain, perhaps visiting Ahe, Manihi and the main center of Rangiroa. Others, with more time, make landfall far to the south and make their way up the chain via Makemo and the beautiful Fakarava Lagoon, enjoying a better angle off the wind on the short sail to Tahiti.

The Society Islands are divided into two groups: the Windwards, including Tahiti and Moorea, and the Leewards, with Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and, perhaps the most beautiful of them all, Bora Bora. They are all lush, high and ringed by azure seas. If early in the season, all are worth visiting. If time is short, be sure to at least attend the amazing group-dance competitions held in the buzzing capital of Papeete, celebrating Bastille Day on July 14.

North or South?

In Tahiti, the Milk Run divides into myriad possibilities. There is the northern route, for those planning to cross through the Torres Strait or into the Northern Hemisphere for the coming cyclone season, and the southern route, for those dropping south of the danger into New Zealand.

Although the majority of the South Pacific islands would remain unexplored, Tahiti is the earliest cutout for those needing to return to North America because its easterly location allows for a viable starboard tack through the southeast and northeast trades to Hawaii. The long but logical route from there is wheeling over the top of the North Pacific summer high and back south into U.S. West Coast waters.

While the land mass of the Cook Islands is a mere 100 square miles, its economic exclusion zone covers nearly 700,000 square miles of Pacific Ocean. One can only hope to draw a thin line through this scattered nation. For those on the southern route, the four- to five-day passage to Aitutaki or Rarotonga offers a predictable beam-to-broad reach right on the rhumb line.

En route to Niue lies one of two opportunities to experience the eeriness of anchoring in the middle of a featureless ocean (the other being the Minerva Reefs between Tonga and New Zealand). Beveridge Reef is a sunken atoll with not a skerrick of land awash at low tide, yet it offers anchorable depths within.

Niue is a raised coral atoll and geographically rare in the South Pacific. As anchoring depths are prohibitive, deep moorings are available. Keep in mind that it is an open roadstead vulnerable to dangerous swells. If the wind even hints at going west, as it occasionally does, get out immediately.

To break up the 1,200-nautical-mile haul to American Samoa from the Society Islands, the northern fleet usually takes a break in the remote and uninhabited atoll of Suwarrow, also known as Suvorov. The pass is challenging, as is the anchoring. But those who dare will be treated to one of the wildest places left on this planet.

From this point west, both the northern and southern fleet enter into the South Pacific convergence zone, a dangling arm of the intertropical convergence zone that extends from the Solomon Islands in an east-southeast direction. The South Pacific convergence zone drifts with some seasonal predictability (more to the north from December to May and the south from June to November), but is also influenced by larger weather anomalies. It tends to shift to the northeast in El Niño years and southwest in the La Niña phase. Generally, it is an area of enhanced convection resulting in a frustrating mix of cloud cover, line squalls and calms.

The list of interesting stops from here west includes Tonga, Wallis and Futuna, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Nevertheless, those planning to sail directly through Torres Strait into the Indian Ocean cannot afford to dally. They should be through the Torres by late August or early September in order to cross the entire Indian Ocean into South Africa before the cyclone season begins sometime in late November. A popular alternative is to pass south to a good cyclone hole on the Australian coast, such as Cairns or Port Douglas, and backtrack up to the Torres Strait at the beginning of the next safe season.

Keep in mind that an east-to-west circumnavigation does not demand a route through the Torres. I once circumnavigated by passing north of Papua New Guinea, avoiding the Southern Hemisphere cyclone season, taking in Palau, the Philippines, and Borneo before dropping back into the Southern Hemisphere for the Indian Ocean passage to southern Africa. Any destination north of 10 degrees south latitude will keep you out of harm’s way, albeit without the steady assist of those lovely trade winds.

Those on the southern route can linger through Tonga or Fiji until well into November and still safely make New Zealand shores before any tropical depressions threaten. Most cruisers heading for New Zealand do not venture as far west as Vanuatu or New Caledonia on the assumption that they can easily fetch them on their way north the following season.

Unanimous acclaim for the beauty of the northern Tongan groups of Niua, Vava‘u and Ha‘apai makes some time here mandatory, which harks back to my original advice to head out of Panama as early as safely possible. The southern contingent usually drifts south toward Nuku‘alofa, the capital, until it likes the long-range forecast for the passage to New Zealand. Many plan to hole up in Minerva Reef, getting a head start on the 1,100 miles to New Zealand, and depart there with the absolute latest weather predictions.

The reputation of this leg has more bark than bite, but it cannot be denied that tropical weather events drifting down from the Coral Sea and cold fronts coming up from the Southern Ocean have dramatic potential. One can expect winds from nearly every direction, starting with southeast trades on departure and potentially deep lows with strong southwesterlies shifting to northwesterlies when approaching New Zealand. Thus, the usual advice is to fall off the southeast trades and make some westing in anticipation of that southwest-to-northwest change. Not to be a contrarian, but I have made this passage more than a half-dozen times and believe it is better to hold to the east as far as wind and waves allow because if that southwest change does not occur, you might find yourself on the wrong side of North Cape, New Zealand, with contrary winds and confused currents. Although Norfolk Island is not a fully protected anchorage, many vessels that find themselves west of the rhumb line with foul forecasts to the south will shelter here until conditions improve.

It’s possible, albeit tedious, to return to North America from New Zealand. Vessels head out to the east from as far south as Tauranga hoping to catch the northerly limits of the westerlies until they fetch the longitude of the Austral Islands, then turn north for Tahiti. From there, they follow the route as previously described. From the outset of their voyage, some have planned to sell their yacht in New Zealand or Australia rather than carry on with a circumnavigation or a very lengthy sail back to the United States, especially if they are East Coast residents. Import duties, brokerage costs and currency exchange rates must be factored into this strategy. Is it heresy to suggest that another option is to ship the vessel back home? The initial estimates might seem staggering, but once compared to the escalating marina and maintenance costs, and the many windward months and miles home, the horror subsides.

Whatever your plan from here, through a combination of wind and will, you have done it. You, your crew and your splendid craft have spanned the mightiest body of water on Earth. You have immersed yourself in millions of square miles of salty solitude and self-reliance. You have absorbed the exotic cultures of Central Americans, Polynesians, Micronesians and Melanesians. And now, as only a seasoned mariner can, you truly understand why they call it the Big Blue.

Contributing editor, Alvah Simon, and his wife, Diana, are presently sailing New Zealand waters on their cutter Roger Henry, with occasional voyages to the South Pacific islands.

South Pacific At A Glance

• Dry Season: May-October
• Wet Season: November-April
• Cyclone Season: November-April. Active
• Cyclone Area: south of 10° S; west of 140° W
• Distance: Panama to Australia — 8,000 nautical miles
• Cultural Areas: Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia/New Zealand

References:

• World Cruising Routes by Jimmy Cornell
• noonsite.com (Virtually everything you will need to know on a current basis will be found on this comprehensive website.)
• Atlas of Pilot Charts — South Pacific, DMA/NOAA
• The Pacific Crossing Guide by Kitty Van Hagen
• Charlie’s Charts of Polynesia by Charles and Margo Wood
• Landfalls of Paradise by Earl Hinz and Jim Howard
• South Pacific Cruising by David Thatcher
• South Pacific Anchorag es by Warwick Clay
• Rocket Guide to Vanuatu & New Caledonia
• Solomon Island Cruising Guide by Dirk Sieling
• New Zealand Coastal Cruising Handbook by Royal Akarana Yacht Club
• Lonely Planet South Pacific Travel Guide

Selected SSB/Ham WX Nets:

• Southbound Evening Net: 6516 kHz at 0100 UTC
• Panama Pacific Net: 8143 kHz at 1400 UTC
• Pacific Maritime Mobile: 21.412 MHz at
• 2100-2400 UTC
• Pacific Magellan: 8173 kHz at 1730 UTC
• Pacific Seafarers: 14300 kHz at 0300 UTC
• Namba/Sheila Net: 8101 kHz at UTC plus 11 hours
• Gulf Harbor Radio: 8116 kHz at 0715 local New Zealand time
• (There is a host of smaller and temporary VHF and SSB nets throughout the Pacific.)
• More: Destinations , How To , offshore , Pacific , passage making
• More How To

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Shaft Bearing Maintenance Tips

When the Wind Goes Light

How We Built Our Own Bulwarks

Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts: How You Can Help

Gary Jobson To Talk U.S. Prospects in Upcoming World Sailing Competitions

For Sale: 2005 Tayana 48

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Sports | Sailing in Marin: Pacific Cup 2024 – the fun…

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Sports | Sailing in Marin: Pacific Cup 2024 – the fun race to Hawaii

Courtesy Elliot James

Elliott James' boat Bloom County is expected to compete in the Pacific Cup for the first time as the race begins from San Francisco Bay on Monday, July 15, 2024.

Downwind may be a challenging point of sail for Elliot James' Bloom County during the Pacific Cup 2024 race from San Francisco Bay to Hawaii.

Elliot James (center) and Kyle Vanderspek (left) won their class in the recent Spinnaker Cup race from San Francisco to Monterey.

The crew of the Bloom County practices for the Pacific Cup 2024 race from San Francisco Bay to Hawaii.

Doublehanding from San Francisco to Hawaii in the Pacific Cup (Pac Cup) race for the first time on his sailboat Bloom County is the culmination of some five years’ worth of delays for owner Elliott James. His first attempt to compete in the 2020 edition of the race was thwarted due to the pandemic, he was waitlisted for the 2022 event but notified of a place in the fleet too late to make it logistically work. Third time’s a charm, as they say, and Elliott is chomping at the bit to set sail in the 2070-mile biennial invitational race which finishes in Kaneohe, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu.

“I’ve been trying to do Pac Cup forever, not necessarily on my boat, but a ride with someone else just to do it and it’s never worked out!” James laughed. “People keep telling me I have the perfect boat to race Pac Cup on so we’re finally doing it!”

Bloom County, a Mancebo 31, is a purpose-built safe ocean racing boat so race prep has been relatively minimal for James, who will sail with his buddy Kyle Vanderspek. most of the work so far has involved putting together items required for a long voyage that one wouldn’t normally carry inshore, like an emergency rudder system, which James had built, and a power generation system (he’s installed solar panels).

“I never imagined doing a long offshore race like Pac Cup double-handed in the boat, but when we did the double-handed Farallons race in April in stormy conditions, she held up really well while boats around us were dismasting and breaking all kinds of things,” said James, who grew up sailing in the junior program at the Sausalito Yacht Club. “She’s well-built.”

Being sturdier than others in his Pac Cup fleet means bloom County will be faster upwind if it’s breezy, but the race is typically just a few days of reaching and mainly downwind, which will benefit the lighter boats in his division.

“I’ll have some stiff competition with boats who do well downwind. My main competition will be Wolfpack, a Donovan 30 also racing double-handed — very experienced sailors who have done the Pac Cup several times,” James said. “We rate similarly but I’m concerned about fending them off.”

Pam and Bill Hughes, who live aboard a power boat in Sausalito, purchased their Antrim 27 Cascade 18 months ago with the goal to race the Pac Cup. They were inspired to make each day count after Bill incurred a serious health issue. It took a few years for him to regain his strength but through that time he kept sailing. When his health improved, the couple figured that it was time to fulfill some lifelong dreams.

“Bill is now 100 percent so we’re doing Pac Cup while we’re healthy and if I can help his dream come true, I’m thrilled,” Pam Hughes noted. “ I think we will be successful if we can all work well together, learn something about each other, enjoy the immediate and whatever the outcome is I know that the process of doing it will be fun!”

A maritime couple who have been around boating for a long time, Pam and Bill Hughes completed the requisite safety training classes and have concentrated their race prep focus on getting to know the boat. Lopez is a veteran offshore racer with many ocean miles under his belt.

“It’s a pretty simple race boat with an open transom and not a lot of complicated systems,” Pam Hughes explained. “We’ve been at the boat at least twice a week figuring out how to store equipment, how to work the communications systems, testing out horrible dry foods that everyone seems to love for camping (laughs), going through safety inspections, we updated the rigging, and I’ve been swimming as much as possible to be in good shape.”

Other boats hailing from Marin include the custom 43-footer Carodon owned and skippered by Heather Richard (Sausalito) competing in Pac Cup for the first time, the Santa Cruz 52 City Lights, owned and skippered by Aaron Wangenheim (Tiburon). This will be Wangenheim’s third Pac Cup, and second on City Lights. Bob Horton (San Anselmo) is competing for the second time on his Cal 40 Highlander, and veteran ocean racer Paul Cayard, formerly of Marin, will skipper the Swan 65 Translated 9 US with a mostly amateur crew. Viva, the Cal 40 owned by Don Jesberg (Belvedere) is racing Pac Cup for the first time, although Jesberg is a veteran of nine Transpacific races.

Horton, learning from his first Pac Cup in 2018, commented, “We redid the boom preventer to be more elastic because we broke the boom four days out from the finish last time which was a heartbreaker! We’re looking forward to finishing the race on the podium, although we have some pretty tough competition in the Cal 40 fleet.”

Translated 9’s goal is to introduce its colleagues, clients, and collaborators to the sport and some 600 guests have sailed on the boat on the Bay in the past year. As Cayard explains, the Pac Cup experience is an opportunity for Translated 9 to embrace a corporate goal to celebrate the human element through communication and understanding.

“Translated discovered sailing as a means to support its corporate mantra which is, “we believe in humans, through communication and understanding,” Cayard explained. “With the right people, anything is possible, challenges are everywhere but if you have people with the right values; determination, discipline, desire, resilience to bounce back, and motivation — all virtues exemplified in sailing. It’s amazing the impact sailing has on a person. They have no idea.”

Follow the race: https://www.pacificcup.org/

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Better Sailing

Is it Dangerous to Sail from California to Hawaii?

If you want to sail from California to Hawaii, it is totally doable. And, if you travel by boat, you must be aware of the sailing time and distances involved. Basically, a sailboat can go from California bay to Hawaii due to its close nautical vicinity. A boat trip from California to Hawaii covers approximately 2,500 nautical miles and can take up to two weeks to complete. However, the journey will be difficult because it will require a significant amount of sailing time from California to Hawaii. Plus, there’s a lot to consider before you leave. So, in this article, I’m going to list useful information about the voyage from California to Hawaii and answer the question “Is sailing from California to Hawaii dangerous?” So, follow me!

Planning your Voyage

If you want to make this vacation memorable and successful, the most important thing you can do is plan ahead. You should have information such as the ideal time to undertake this voyage, the optimal route depending on your departure point, ocean currents, and weather systems in addition to planning your voyage. Another key aspect of preparation is knowing how much fuel you’ll need. If you use a boat with a fuel capacity of at least 2,000 gallons, the trip from San Francisco to Honolulu should be OK; but unfortunately you can’t carry this much fuel on your sailboat so you will have to use your sails (this part is applicable to powerboats). While the power of your boat may have a role, it’s critical to use a vessel with hourly fuel consumption, cruise speed, and fuel tank capacity that can cover the route twice. This will allow you to be prepared for the currents and winds that will almost certainly be against you.

Given that you may be on the ocean for up to two weeks, it’s critical that you bring enough food and fresh drinking water to last the duration of your journey. For the two-week vacation, you’ll need between 2,000 and 3,000 calories every day, as well as a gallon of water. In addition, double-check that the boat’s engines, electronics, mechanical systems, and navigational devices are all in good working order. GPS, a maritime radio, an autopilot, and radar are all essential items. It’s also important to have onboard the appropriate necessary equipment for this kind of journey. Even if it is only two weeks, you will be out on the open ocean. In other words, you need to have enough provisions and all safety equipment in order to deal with an emergency situation.

Possible Routes to Take

Your trip will be mostly the same whether you depart from Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, or even Oregon. The safer route to take is to head south to at least the latitudes of San Francisco or Los Angeles (38°N – 34°N), then west to Hilo. The majority of people appear to agree that the further out you go, the safer you are. It’s safer to stay away from the coast because the waters are calmer and there are many fewer vessels even 50 miles out. This greatly simplifies navigation. If you’re going coastal sailing, be sure your navigation equipment is up to par.

It’s better to go south because if you sail too far north, you’ll run into the Pacific High, which is characterized by weak winds and rain. In the North Pacific, the Pacific High is a semi-permanent depression. And this is why Hawaii experiences trade winds all year.

There are other southern routes to take as well:

• Until you reach San Francisco, stick to the coast and hop from port to port. Then turn eastward. In case you’re following the coastline keep an eye on Point St.George, Cape Blanco and Cape Arago, Cape Flattery, and Rocky Point. They can be dangerous from time to time.
• Another option is to go coastal sailing at a distance of 20-40 miles from the coast. Because the coastal current and wind assist you, you gain a speed advantage.
• Offshore sailing at 50-100 miles out is the safest option. Smoothest sailing, but there’s a potential you’ll end up in the Pacific High, which implies bad winds.

Seattle to Hawaii Route

When sailing from Seattle to Hawaii, how much time will you need? Well, the journey from Seattle to Hawaii takes about 4-5 weeks. It’s a distance of about 3,100 nautical miles. It’s worth mentioning that it takes around 31 days to sail from California to Hawaii at an average speed of 100 nm per day (4-5 knots). However, note that this is done without making any stops and under calm sailing conditions. In addition, the distance between Seattle and Hawaii is approximately 3,500 miles (3,100 nautical miles). The direct distance between the two points is 2,550 miles (2,215 nautical miles). The straight path, however, isn’t the quickest because it passes over the North Pacific High, which has strong winds.

San Diego to Hawaii Route

From San Diego, it takes 2 to 3 weeks to cruise to Hawaii. It’s worth mentioning that the fastest monohull made the journey in 5 days and 2 hours during the last Transpac race. However, a 48′ sailboat, took over 16 days to complete the journey. In any case, traveling at the typical speed for a leisure sailor will most likely take 14 days. Keep in mind that it’s simple to get there; going back is the real challenge. Some people aren’t ready for the challenge of sailing upwind in the North Pacific, claiming that boats are cheaper in Hawaii for this reason!

The distance between San Diego and Hawaii is 2,269 miles. However, if you want to enjoy a pleasant sailing experience, you should aim to position your sail in front of the easterly trade winds. Also, you must first sail south to take advantage of the trade winds. This is because only around 600 miles west of California do the trade winds start to build up. And, it’s a fantastic off-the-wind trip once you’ve picked up the trade winds. You’ll add 200-400 miles to your journey this way. The total distance you will sail if you do it this way is 2,600 miles. The voyage from the California coast to Hawaii is one of the world’s longest maritime journeys with no land in sight. So, it’s good to know that ahead of time.

San Francisco to Hawaii Route

From San Francisco to Hawaii, it takes about 25 days to sail. It’s a distance of about 2,500 nautical miles. Note that high-speed boats may be able to reach Hawaii in as little as 1-2 weeks. So, the actual time will be determined by your route. The best strategy is to travel south to a latitude of 20-25 degrees north (to take advantage of the trade winds) and then head west to Hilo. In addition, the distance between San Francisco and Hawaii is approximately 2,500 nautical miles. Again, the precise distance varies depending on your route. The majority of waterways follow the shoreline south before turning west at 35°N – 25°N. Keep in mind that the distance is 2,000 nautical miles if you sail in a straight line.

Los Angeles to Hawaii Route

Sailing from Los Angeles to Hawaii takes about 2-3 weeks. Within a week, high-performance boats can reach Hawaii. They will, however, most likely take a separate, more difficult route. It will take 14 days at an average sailing speed of 4 knots, which is normal. Furthermore, the distance between Los Angeles and Hawaii is approximately 2,600 nautical miles. Because of the Pacific High, most sailors head south first, then west between 35 and 25 degrees north. Bear in mind that this adds to the distance traveled, but it is faster than sailing through the Pacific High.

Best (and Safest) Time to Set Sail and Duration

Many vessels traveling from California to Hawaii take an average of two weeks or more to get to their destination. As a result, it’s critical that you stock up on essentials like food and water before setting off on your excursion. In short, sailing can be dangerous, and it is something that must be decided with absolute conviction despite the risk. When you’re out on the open seas, pay attention to the changing wind patterns. The winds become more constant and warmer during the fifth or sixth day, which can help you complete the journey faster and more efficiently.

Around June is the finest time to cruise to Hawaii. Early summer temps are pleasant, and the hurricane season hasn’t yet officially begun. Note that hurricanes are possible in July. The southern leg of the journey in April can be fairly cold. The North Pacific hurricane season runs from June to November. I’ve read hundreds of reports, and the vast majority of sailors say that hurricanes rarely create issues. They are simple to see well before they arrive at your location, giving you plenty of time to prepare. Hurricanes also tend to stay between 10 and 20 degrees north latitude. Bear in mind that the Pacific High prevents hurricanes from getting any stronger. You won’t actually get into storm territory because Hawaii is at 19 degrees north.

Understanding your Sailboat

A boat is a costly piece of property to own, and you’ll want to make sure it’s well-maintained. That stated it’s critical to know if the boat will be able to make the voyage from California to Hawaii. This contains elements such as the total distance traveled, maintenance issues, and available fuel. Note that a boat that will need to cover that distance will require around 2,000 gallons of fuel. In addition, your boat must be well-maintained before setting sail and inspected. If there are any repairs you have to fix them beforehand.

If your boat can withstand the strain of traveling from California to Hawaii, you must guarantee that you can refuel the tank when necessary. The typical gallon intake of a boat is about 100 gallons of fuel, so if you plan to make the journey, make sure you stock up on gasoline. Of course, you have to be aware of the rigging and be able to handle it. Having all appropriate sails is crucial for any type of voyage.

Returning to California

It’s crucial to know that while getting to Hawaii may be simple, getting back home may be difficult due to the fact that you’ll have to sail around the Pacific High. With that in mind, the best way to get from Hawaii to California is to sail north until you reach the Pacific High’s northernmost edge, which is around 47° N Seattle Latitude. After that, head east and sail to the coast, where you will be within range of the coast. Finally, travel south till you reach your home range. The distance between Hilo and Seattle is approximately 2,600 miles. Then add the distances from Seattle to San Francisco (660NM), San Francisco to Los Angeles (380NM), and Los Angeles to San Diego (90NM).

Final Safety Tips to Sail From California to Hawaii

GPS navigation is a must-have onboard, but make sure you have at least two electronic devices with you in case one breaks down. In addition, plan your food and water carefully, and leave a 20% margin in case the voyage takes longer than expected. Bring plenty of clean, dry, and warm clothing in waterproof bags. This is because during the voyage there will be times that it will be freezing. Some people remark things like, “We had the warm trade winds blowing on us the entire passage”! However, note that it can be very chilly and damp at first, but depending on the time of year, the weather will be warmer, and although warm, dry clothing was always appreciated. Furthermore, you will need some extras because they never entirely dry out once they’ve been exposed to seawater at sea. If you plan ahead of time, you will have a fantastic time and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And, if you have the opportunity, repeat the process on different types of vessels.

So, Is It Dangerous to Sail from California to Hawaii?

If you choose a well-built and seaworthy boat designed for off-shore sailing, equip it properly, and have an experienced crew, you’ll be OK. Preparation and willingness to do so are the most critical aspects of organizing any offshore voyage. Of course, I don’t mean years of planning and arranging when I say preparation. Simply plan your routes, do some research, properly equip your boat, and find your crew. If you stay in the trade winds and keep a close eye on the weather, you will have the adventure of a lifetime. Note that feeling confident and have no doubts or hesitations is the key to a successful voyage.

You’ll also need a thorough understanding of sea sailing, a strong stomach, and the courage to stay focused and hold it together for two weeks when all you can see on the horizon is deep blue waters. Moreover, you have to be able to survive on little sleep, be able to change sails, and know how to fix a leak on a boat, among other things. Regardless, the experience is exhilarating, and few things will ever compare.

So it’s not risky to sail from California to Hawaii! You can avoid any dangers with the right safety equipment, a dependable sailboat, education, and alertness. Sailing from California to Hawaii may be a genuinely engaging and delightful experience if you know how to do it. Sailing with your boat from one location to another across the vast and blue Pacific Ocean is without a doubt one of the most liberating sensations one can have. Even though the voyage from California to Hawaii isn’t considered a really long voyage it offers a great experience and also demands to be experienced. Note that despite the fact that California and Hawaii are both in the United States, they are about 2,500 nautical miles apart. As a result, this is a journey that necessitates a well-equipped long-range sailboat capable of handling the Pacific Ocean’s winds and currents.

The Bottom Line

Sailing from California to Hawaii is basically an open-ocean crossing. The weather isn’t too extreme, and the winds and currents are rather predictable. It’s a lot less difficult than, say, crossing the North Atlantic. However, ANY open-ocean voyage can be dangerous. A well-equipped, properly-provisioned vessel, a strong background in offshore sailing, the ability to read weather charts and plan safe routes, and so on are all crucial. This is because it’s a vast, wide ocean out there, and a lot can go wrong. But, don’t get discouraged because with the right planning, knowledge, and a seaworthy vessel nothing can go wrong!

Sailing from California to Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! This is something that any sailor has always wished for, and it is now a reality. Keep in mind, however, that it can be a dangerous voyage if you are not well-prepared. You have to be an experienced sailor with the necessary skills and understanding of sea sailing. Make sure your vessel is in good working order and that you have a crew that can manage a variety of situations with calmness, sound tactical judgment, and expertise.

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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Published on July 17th, 2024 | by Editor

Sailing, a great metaphor for life

Published on July 17th, 2024 by Editor -->

American Hall of Famer Paul Cayard helped to train the Swan 65 Translated 9 entrant for the 2023-24 Ocean Globe Race , and now is onboard with a new crew for the 2024 Pacific Cup, leading the team on the biennial 2070 nm race from San Francisco, California to Kaneohe, Hawaii.

“Sailing to Hawaii is one of the most beautiful things in the sport of sailing,” said Cayard. “When you sail out under the Golden Gate Bridge leave the coast of California, it’s cold and windy. Each day, as you sail south and west, it gets a little warmer, and the wind goes from abeam to astern. Each day just gets better and better and you finish in Paradise. I’m really happy to share the experience with the Translated 9 team.”

Founded in 1980 and now in its 22nd edition, the Pacific Cup is one of the most renowned ocean races in the United States.

“What’s important about believing in humans is that in everyday life, and in sport, there are ups and downs. One of the most valuable skills that any person, especially young people, can learn early on is to deal with the ups and downs and the uncertainties of life. Sport, and specifically sailing in the ocean, is a great metaphor for this. The wind is constantly changing, so you have to be very resilient and adaptive to sail the boat well.

“Then, of course, you’re going to have challenges with the boat and competition, which require grit and determination just as in life. You’re going to win some races, you’re going to lose some races, you’re going to have difficult sail changes, you’re going to have beautiful sailing to Hawaii with the moonlit night, and you’re going to have stormy days that are freezing cold and miserable.

“All of it is life’s journey and you learn to knock off the peaks and fill the valleys of this journey. What shines through it all, is the human spirit … because the human spirit is what gets you through all the tough times so that you can celebrate the good times.”

Start date: July 15: Doublehanded 1 & 2, and PHRF 1 & 2 divisions July 17: Multihull boats, PHRF 3 and 4, and ORR 1 July 18: ORR 2

Event information – Scratch sheet – Facebook

Tags: Pacific Cup , Paul Cayard , Translated

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Quick Guide: How Long Does It Take to Sail to Hawaii?

Alex Morgan

Sailing to Hawaii is a dream for many adventure enthusiasts and sailors. The journey across the vast Pacific Ocean offers a thrilling and rewarding experience. The duration of the journey can vary based on several factors, such as the distance from the starting point, the type of sailboat and its equipment, as well as the chosen route and weather conditions.

When considering the duration of a sailing trip to Hawaii, it is crucial to factor in the distance from the starting point. Whether departing from the West Coast of North America, other Pacific islands, or international locations, the distance will impact the overall time taken to reach Hawaii.

The type of sailboat and its equipment also play a significant role in determining the duration of the journey. Factors such as the boat’s speed, stability, and fuel capacity can affect the speed and efficiency of the trip.

the chosen route and weather conditions can greatly impact the duration of the journey. Sailing along the West Coast of North America may involve different routes and weather patterns compared to journeys from other Pacific islands or international departures.

Considering these factors, let’s explore the typical timeframes for sailing to Hawaii from various locations:

• West Coast of North America to Hawaii: This route usually takes around 15 to 20 days, depending on the starting point and prevailing winds.
• Pacific Islands to Hawaii: Sailing from other Pacific islands, such as Tahiti or Fiji, can take approximately 10 to 15 days, considering the distance and favorable trade winds.
• Other International Departures to Hawaii: Sailing from international locations, such as Australia or New Zealand, can take anywhere from 20 to 30 days or more, considering the longer distances involved.

To ensure a successful sailing trip to Hawaii, planning and preparation are essential. Some tips include researching and familiarizing yourself with the route, ensuring the sailboat is in good condition, and stocking up on necessary supplies and provisions.

Safety considerations and precautions are also critical for a sailing adventure of this nature. This includes having proper safety equipment and training, as well as reliable communication and navigation systems.

##Key takeaways:

Key takeaway:

• The duration of a sailing journey to Hawaii varies depending on several factors including the distance from the starting point, the type of sailboat and equipment used, and the route and weather conditions encountered.
• Typical timeframes for sailing to Hawaii range from the West Coast of North America to Pacific Islands and other international departures. Each route may have its own travel duration.
• When planning and preparing for a sailing trip to Hawaii, it is important to conduct thorough research on the route, ensure the sailboat is in good condition, and stock up on supplies and provisions for the journey.
• Safety considerations and precautions, such as having proper safety equipment and training, and reliable communication and navigation systems, are crucial when sailing to Hawaii to ensure a safe and memorable adventure.

Factors Affecting the Duration of the Journey

Embarking on a sailing journey to Hawaii is an adventure filled with possibilities, but have you ever wondered what factors can affect the duration of this thrilling voyage? In this section, we’ll dive into the key elements that influence the length of the journey. From the distance from your starting point to the type of sailboat and equipment you choose, along with the route and weather conditions you’ll encounter, we’ll unveil the intricate details that shape the duration of your sail to the tropical paradise of Hawaii.

Distance from the Starting Point

The distance from the starting point is crucial when planning a sailing trip to Hawaii. The table below shows the distances from various starting points to Hawaii:

| Starting Point | Distance to Hawaii (nautical miles) |
|————————–|————————————|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |

These distances are direct routes, and actual sailing distances may vary based on wind patterns, currents, and detours.

When planning your sailing trip, consider the distance from your starting point to Hawaii to estimate the journey’s duration. The time required to sail to Hawaii depends on your boat’s speed and prevailing weather conditions.

To ensure a successful and memorable sailing adventure to Hawaii, it is recommended to plan for rest stops, be well-prepared with provisions, and ensure your vessel is in good condition. Stay updated with weather forecasts and have proper navigation systems for a safe and enjoyable journey.

Embarking on a sailing trip to Hawaii can be exciting and rewarding. By considering the distance from the starting point and taking necessary precautions, you can make the most of your adventure while ensuring your safety and well-being.

Type of Sailboat and Equipment

The type of sailboat and equipment used for a sailing trip to Hawaii is crucial. Here is a table outlining key factors to consider:

	Choose a sailboat suitable for long-distance ocean voyages.
	Select a sailboat with sufficient size and stability to handle open ocean conditions and accommodate necessary supplies and crew.
	Ensure the sailboat is equipped with essential safety gear.
	Equip the sailboat with reliable navigation systems for route planning and guidance.
	Have well-maintained sails and rigging to optimize performance and adapt to varying weather conditions.
	Install effective communication devices to stay in touch with other boats and shore.
	Stock up on ample food, water, and fuel supplies to sustain the crew.

Carefully considering the sailboat type and ensuring it is equipped with necessary equipment and supplies will contribute to a safe and enjoyable sailing experience to Hawaii.

Route and Weather Conditions

• The route and weather conditions are of utmost importance when sailing to Hawaii.
• When sailing from the West Coast of North America to Hawaii, the Pacific Ocean route is the most commonly used .
• Along this route, the weather conditions can vary, and the trade winds play a significant role .
• Trade winds , which consistently blow from the east, are a vital aid for sailors in navigating towards Hawaii.
• It is crucial for sailors to keep an eye on weather forecasts as the strength and direction of the trade winds can change sporadically.
• Storms , squalls , and ocean currents are other weather conditions that sailors need to take into consideration.
• Storms can pose a significant danger to sailors, so it is essential to avoid sailing during stormy weather.
• Squalls, which are sudden and intense bursts of wind, can also impact the safety and progress of the journey.
• Ocean currents can affect the speed and direction of the sailboat, so sailors must be aware of these currents and plan their route accordingly.
• Prior to embarking on the journey to Hawaii, sailors must carefully assess the route and weather conditions to ensure a safe and successful trip .

Typical Timeframes for Sailing to Hawaii

Sailing to Hawaii is an adventure worth embarking on, but have you ever wondered how long it takes? In this section, we’ll dive into the typical timeframes for sailing to Hawaii , exploring the routes from the West Coast of North America , Pacific Islands , and even other international departures. Get ready to set sail and discover the varying durations it takes to reach this enchanting island paradise . No more guessing—let’s uncover the facts and figure out the ideal timeline for your Hawaiian voyage !

West Coast of North America to Hawaii

When sailing from the West Coast of North America to Hawaii, consider these factors for a successful journey:

– Distance: The West Coast of North America to Hawaii is about 2,400 nautical miles.

– Sailboat type and equipment: Choose a suitable sailboat equipped with necessary safety features like life rafts, emergency beacons, and navigation systems.

– Route and weather conditions: Plan the route and monitor weather forecasts. The Pacific Ocean can be unpredictable, so choose a favorable weather window.

Timeframes for the journey vary:

– Fastest crossings take around 12-14 days with favorable wind and weather conditions.

– On average, the journey takes approximately 18-21 days.

– Note that adverse weather conditions or slow speed can prolong the duration.

Before embarking, thoroughly plan and prepare:

– Research the route, including potential hazards or challenges.

– Ensure the sailboat is in good condition with all systems and equipment working properly.

– Stock up on supplies and provisions based on the journey duration and crew size.

By considering these factors and making careful preparations, you can enjoy a memorable sailing adventure from the West Coast of North America to Hawaii.

Pacific Islands to Hawaii

To sail from the Pacific Islands to Hawaii , refer to the table below that provides relevant information:

	2,600 miles	15-20 days
	2,500 miles	14-19 days
	3,200 miles	18-23 days

Sailing from the Pacific Islands to Hawaii involves traversing distances between 2,500 and 3,200 miles. The duration of the journey depends on factors such as sailboat type, weather conditions, and crew proficiency. It generally takes between 14 and 23 days to complete the voyage.

From Fiji , about 2,600 miles away from Hawaii , the journey typically lasts 15 to 20 days. Tahiti , approximately 2,500 miles from Hawaii , requires 14 to 19 days of sailing. Departing from the Cook Islands , situated around 3,200 miles away, the journey can take 18 to 23 days.

When planning a sailing trip from the Pacific Islands to Hawaii , it is essential to consider the significant time commitment and ensure the sailboat is well-equipped for long-distance voyages.

Other International Departures to Hawaii

When considering other international departures to Hawaii, there are a few factors to keep in mind. The journey duration, sailboat type and equipment, route, and weather conditions should all be considered. It is also important to ensure you have the proper safety equipment, training, and communication and navigation systems in place.

Embarking on a sailing trip to Hawaii from other international destinations requires careful planning, research, and preparation. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the route and ensure that the sailboat is in good condition. It is important to stock up on necessary supplies before setting sail.

Whether you choose to depart from Japan , Australia , New Zealand , or Tahiti , sailing to Hawaii from an international location can be a thrilling adventure. Just make sure you have the necessary skills and resources for a safe journey. And of course, don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful sights and experiences along the way.

Tips for Planning and Preparing for a Sailing Trip to Hawaii

Embarking on a sailing trip to Hawaii? You’ll want to be fully prepared and equipped for the adventure ahead. In this section, we’ll provide you with essential tips to make your journey a success. From researching and familiarizing yourself with the route to ensuring your sailboat is in top condition, and stocking up on supplies and provisions, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to set sail to the beautiful Hawaiian islands with confidence and peace of mind!

Research and Familiarize Yourself with the Route

When planning a sailing trip to Hawaii, research and familiarize yourself with the route. This ensures a smoother and safer journey. Here are some steps to consider:

• Study nautical charts and maps of the Pacific Ocean to understand the general route to Hawaii.
• Research prevailing wind and current patterns along the route to determine the most favorable times to set sail.
• Consult experienced sailors or join online forums to gather information and insights from those who have sailed to Hawaii before.
• Obtain up-to-date weather forecasts and monitor weather conditions in the Pacific Ocean to plan your departure accordingly.
• Identify key landmarks, islands, or navigational aids along the route to use as reference points during the journey.
• Familiarize yourself with potential hazards or challenges along the route, such as strong currents , reefs , or shipping lanes .
• Learn about local customs, regulations, and safety procedures specific to sailing in Hawaiian waters.

Thoroughly researching and familiarizing yourself with the route will better prepare you to navigate the challenges and enjoy a successful sailing trip to Hawaii.

Ensure the Sailboat is in Good Condition

Ensuring the sailboat is in good condition is vital for a safe and successful sailing trip to Hawaii . Follow these steps:

Inspect the hull: Check for cracks , blisters , or damage . Repair any issues before setting sail.

Check the rigging: Examine the standing rigging, such as the mast , shrouds , and stays . Look for wear , corrosion , or loose fittings . Replace or repair damaged components.

Inspect the sails: Check the condition of the mainsail , jib , and spinnaker . Look for tears , fraying , or worn-out areas . Repair or replace as necessary.

Ensure rigging and hardware are secure: Check all fittings, blocks , and cleats . Tighten and confirm they are in good working order.

Inspect the engine: Ensure the engine is in good condition. Change the oil, check fuel and coolant levels, and test all necessary systems.

Check the electrical system: Test batteries , lights , and electronics on board. Replace any malfunctioning equipment.

Inspect safety equipment: Ensure you have all necessary safety gear on board, including life jackets , flares , fire extinguishers , and a first aid kit .

Check navigation equipment: Make sure your navigation systems, such as GPS , compass , and charts , are updated and in good working condition.

Test the plumbing and water systems: Check freshwater tanks, pumps, and plumbing for leaks or damage . Repair or replace as needed.

Stock up on spare parts and supplies: Have essential spare parts and tools on board, including extra lines, fuses, and hardware.

Stock Up on Supplies and Provisions

When preparing for a sailing trip to Hawaii , it is important to incorporate these keywords naturally in the provided text. It is crucial to stock up on supplies and provisions for a safe and comfortable journey. Here is a list of essential items to consider:

1. Food and Water: Bring non-perishable food items like canned goods, dry goods, and snacks. It is recommended to stock up on at least one gallon of water per person per day.

2. Cooking Equipment: Make sure to pack a camping stove or a portable grill with pots, pans, and utensils for cooking on board.

3. Clothing and Personal Items: Remember to stock up on appropriate clothing for different weather conditions. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and toiletries.

4. Safety Equipment: Ensure that you have stocked up on life jackets, first aid kits, flares, and fire extinguishers on board. Also, bring a marine GPS, compass, and navigation charts.

5. Communication Devices: It is important to have a reliable communication system like a marine VHF radio or a satellite phone to stay connected and call for help if needed.

6. Extra Supplies: Incorporate extra fuel for your boat, spare parts, tools, and batteries into your stock. Also, bring extra bedding, towels, and blankets for added comfort.

7. Entertainment and Comfort Items: Don’t forget to stock up on books, games, and music for entertainment during the voyage. Also, bring pillows, cushions, and other items to enhance your sleeping arrangements.

By adequately stocking up on supplies and provisions, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable sailing trip to Hawaii .

Safety Considerations and Precautions for Sailing to Hawaii

When embarking on a sailing adventure to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands , it’s crucial to prioritize safety every step of the way. In this section, we’ll dive into the essential safety considerations and precautions for a successful voyage. Discover the importance of proper safety equipment and training, as well as the significance of reliable communication and navigation systems. Let’s ensure we have all the necessary measures in place to make our journey to Hawaii not only memorable but also safe and secure.

Proper Safety Equipment and Training

When sailing to Hawaii , ensuring you have proper safety equipment and training is essential for a safe journey. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Life jackets: It is crucial to have enough life jackets on board, in good condition, for each passenger.

2. Flotation devices: Keep a throwable flotation device easily accessible in case of emergencies.

3. Navigation lights: Make sure your sailboat has functional navigation lights to ensure nighttime visibility.

4. First aid kit: Always have a well-stocked kit with essential supplies for treating minor injuries and illnesses.

5. Emergency signals: Carry flares or approved distress signals to attract attention if you need assistance.

6. Fire extinguishers: Keep fire extinguishers on board and regularly check their expiration dates.

7. Communication devices: Have a marine VHF radio or other communication devices to reach emergency services or other vessels if necessary.

8. Emergency procedures: Familiarize yourself with procedures such as man overboard drills and handling rough weather conditions.

9. Training: It is highly recommended to take boating safety courses to learn navigation, safety, and emergency procedures.

Remember, safety should always be your top priority when sailing to Hawaii . By following these steps and ensuring you have proper safety equipment and training, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable journey.

Communication and Navigation Systems

To ensure a safe and successful sailing trip to Hawaii, reliable communication and navigation systems are crucial. These systems are essential for staying connected and accurately navigating the ocean. Here is a breakdown of the key aspects of communication and navigation systems for sailing:

It is vital for communicating with other boats, marinas, and the coast guard. It provides real-time information and emergency assistance.

The determines the precise location of the sailboat using satellites. It helps plot the course and maintain the route.

Radar systems use radio waves to detect and locate objects, landmasses, and other vessels that may not be visible due to poor visibility or darkness. It aids in collision avoidance and identifying hazards.

This system displays electronic nautical charts and the sailboat’s position, making navigation easier and more accurate. It allows sailors to mark waypoints and plan routes.

AIS is a tracking system that enables sailors to identify and track nearby vessels. It provides crucial information like vessel speed, course, and identity, enhancing situational awareness.

To ensure a smooth sailing experience, regularly maintain and test these systems before embarking on the journey. Also, have backup systems and keep them properly charged. Familiarize yourself with the operation of these systems and practice their usage before setting sail.

Remember, communication and navigation systems are essential for safety at sea. Investing in reliable systems and understanding their proper usage will ensure a more enjoyable and hassle-free sailing trip to Hawaii.

Some facts about “How Long To Sail To Hawaii”:

• ✅ Sailing from California to Hawaii takes approximately 2-4 weeks. (Source: improvesailing.com)
• ✅ The journey covers a distance of about 2,500 nautical miles. (Source: bettersailing.com)
• ✅ The best time to sail to Hawaii is around June. (Source: lifeofsailing.com)
• ✅ Returning from Hawaii to California can be challenging due to sailing around the Pacific High. (Source: improvesailing.com)
• ✅ The start of the journey can be cold and cloudy, but once the trade winds are reached, the sailing becomes enjoyable. (Source: improve sailing.com)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to sail from california to hawaii.

The duration of the journey depends on the departure point. It typically takes about two weeks to sail from San Francisco to Hawaii and up to three weeks from Los Angeles. The sailing time from Seattle can be as long as four weeks.

What is the best time to sail to Hawaii?

The optimal time to sail to Hawaii is generally in June. This period offers comfortable temperatures and lower hurricane activity, making it safer for the journey.

What factors can affect the sailing time?

The duration of the trip can be influenced by several factors, including wind strength, boat speed, navigational skills, and the chosen route. Currents and weather conditions can also impact the sailing time.

What is the safest route to sail from California to Hawaii?

The safest route is to sail offshore between 50 and 100 miles from the coast. This avoids shallow and choppy waters while minimizing the risk of encountering significant maritime traffic.

How much fuel is needed for the journey?

It is recommended to have a boat with a fuel capacity of at least 2,000 gallons. This allows for compensating for currents, winds, and potential idle time during the trip.

What are the important things to consider for a successful trip?

Some crucial considerations include having enough food and fresh drinking water for the entire two-week journey, ensuring the boat’s mechanical systems and navigational equipment are in perfect working condition, and having a knowledgeable crew to assist with watch duties and other tasks.

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UnCruise Adventures is owned by a captain, CEO Dan Blanchard. He’s a normal person who wants to explore and share unique travel experiences, hence developing UnCruise to what it is today. Working in travel, it’s interesting to chat with people and hear that they know who owns the company and they alway mention him as being invested in making the UnCruise experience impactful for both passengers and the places they port.

When we were on Molokai, I was talking to a local lady about our sailing experience between the islands and about our time on Molokai. She shared with me that initially there was a good deal of pushback towards UnCruise being able to port at Molokai and it took the owner and team explaining what made UnCruise different and what they wanted passengers to experience that WASN’T normal Hawaii travel to be able to have a successful portage here. The lady said that once the locals saw both the different approach to tourism and the positive financial impact welcoming UnCruise would have, they were cool with it.

I will say, our visit to Molokai truly was unique and unlike any other Hawaiian experience we’ve had. While there we got to spend time with a local family that’s been farming in the same valley for hundreds of years, we learned about the island’s forests and science, and we got to enjoy a pa’ina (party) with some awesome aunties and uncles. It was very different and special.

Why spend $6k per person on UnCruise

This is the part I’ve been really jazzed to talk about. I don’t talk a lot about budget and costs because a lot of people think it’s crunchy, but when it comes to UnCruise I think the value is surprising so it’s going to be awesome to talk about.

When you look at booking a normal cruise for 8 days, you’re paying for individual excursions, drinks or drink packages, and all kinds of other fees. You might think you’ve found a great deal, and you really might have, but at the end of the day it may be twice the ticket price you first found. And that’s where I have been able to really see and define the monetary value of UnCruise. The following is my own analysis based on our own planning and research, and then based on our own experience, so if you have questions tell me!

Overall Cost Savings

I did the math for our Alaska Uncruise that we’re completing in 2024. We also had been looking at doing a family Alaska cruise on a major cruise line (keeping the company name anonymous). When we looked at the activities we wanted to experience from the big boat and then the additional cost of adding a drink package, we saw a significant price difference in general, and that doesn’t even account for the nature of being a smaller, more intimate cruise experience.

Doing an UnCruise sailing adventure is all-inclusive: food, drinks, fun… As you look at the expense breakdown per person, keep in mind that not everyone chooses to do an excursion at each port of call, but also that UnCruise offers an excursion of some sort at each port AND makes stops midway through a day of sailing for activities. (data below is based on early season sailing dates for both UnCruise and cruise line X)

	Base Fare	Excursions	Drink Package	Total
Cruise Ship	2800	1685	420	4905
UnCruise	3600	0	0	3600

I fully get it that sometime you’ll find amazing cruise deals or maybe you don’t do excursions or cocktails or specialty dining, and if so, then my budget layout doesn’t matter to you, but for people who go all in on a mega cruise, this sort of consideration may be a huge part of their next decision.

If you’re trying to plan 8 days of island hopping in Hawaii , here’s the budget breakdown for what that may cost, as it too can be a costly trip (we’ve done it!). My prices noted in the below budget table are based on our costs from our November 2023 trip to the Big Island, Kauai and Maui.

	Base Fare	Hotel	Dining	Rental Car	Flights	Activities	Total
Island Hopping		1400	1120	455	240	900	4115
UnCruise	5310	0	0	0	0	0	5310

Benefit of bespoke travel

Something I really liked about doing an UnCruise small ship sailing with our kids was that since we had complete flexibility with our activities each day, we could change our plans based on how we all were feeling. For example, I fell while hiking and cranked my back, so later I didn’t have to kayak like was planned but went on a skiff outing and took it easy. I didn’t miss out on an excursion we’d already booked and paid for.

Another thing that is cool about the UnCruise experience is the flexibility of the overall itinerary. On our Hawaii adventure because the water was so calm and the weather was awesome, we got to go a different route than normal and see the northern sea cliffs of Molokai and loop around to the backside of Lana’i. This gave us different views and wildlife than other trips had previously in the season. The same thing happened when there was a forecasted swell so we were able to get to a sheltered bay instead of getting rollers rocking us, which meant we woke up in the shadow of Haleakala on Maui . Bespoke travel like this is so unusual for us and it really ensured our best possible experience.

What are UnCruise Cabins like?

There are a variety of cabin types across the different UnCruise ships. We’ve had a Single and Trailblazer Cabin, each of which gave us plenty of space to function and prepare for our daily adventures. Each cabin had a desk area, sink/vanity, water closet, and sleeping space. The kids loved the twin beds of the Trailblazer, and we did great in the queen cabin (Single). I also got to check out the Admiral Cabins which were a bit bigger and had more living space.

Each boat does vary and you’ll find a range from several twin beds in a cabin to a king suite with a balcony. There’s plenty of space onboard so having a large cabin wasn’t important to us. We spent very little time there.

What’s different about UnCruise vs mega cruise?

I think there are three primary things that differ between an UnCruise and a mega-ship cruise: sailing inclusions, flexible itinerary and crew to passenger ratio. There are more nuanced differences too, but these three things really stand out to me. Getting to hang out with other like-minded guests having adventures for a week is an added bonus.

Personalized service, crew / passenger ratio

I’m fine just being a number and having a shared experience with lots of people, but I think I may be spoiled for that now. When we sailed on the Safari Explorer on UnCruise’s Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, there were only 30 passengers. For our small group we had 2 expedition leaders, 4 or 5 stewards, hotel manager (shout out to Tichelle!), skiff crew, cool kitchen staff and an awesome captain that was always around. Of all the ships in the UnCruise fleet, the largest guest to crew ratio is 3:1.

For our Kids in Nature sailing on the Wilderness Legacy out of Juneau , there were more expedition guides under the direction of an expedition leader. This was great for ensuring that there were plenty of crew to provide addition support and attention with the kids. All of our guides were wonderful and really knowledgeable about the Alaskan ecosystems.

Having so many people available to support guests both onboard and during expeditions / excursions from the ship made it feel that all our needs and wants were met at all times. There was always a snack available or a bartender around for us. The kids were welcome to hang out with the stewards between activities and the expedition leaders when we were on an adventure. Somebody knowledgeable was always available for questions, whether it was about the ship or our itinerary or whales. Also, being such an intimate cruise experience, we got to know the crew and they, in turn, got to know us. By our last day our youngest was in the galley working with the pastry chef, Julia, baking the day away.

When I say that we were amazed by the overall experience of small ship sailing, I’m serious. I don’t think any of us understood the friendly nature and joy of the crew when we started, but by the end we were sad to leave our new friends.

Community on an UnCruise Sailing

We travel to enjoy time as a family and see new sights. I didn’t expect to do our UnCruise sailing and make friends, let alone feel like a part of a community. I think this is one of the most important parts of what made this experience special for us. When we’re traveling as a family, every time we meet new people we’re “coming out” again and it’s always very visible if our presence makes somebody uncomfortable. In fact, there’s usually a subtle comment about being friends or leaving the wives at home that sets the tone. As we met the 26 other passengers and the crew for our sailing, not a single person batted an eye at our family in a negative way and EVERYONE addressed us just as any other family would be.

This may not mean much to some readers, but if you’re a part of an atypical family, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The people we met during our sailing, beforehand when passengers had disembarked and were hanging out, and even after we had ended our time on the boat and the next round of passengers was arriving on Molokai at the welcome station, everyone was very like-minded in terms of being welcoming and what they were looking for from their UnCruise experience.

In talking with lots of different people, the themes of environmentalism, healthcare, international relations, LGBTQ issues, community work and much more kept coming up. Conversations at breakfast or on hikes were always engaging and meaningful. Despite our ages and backgrounds varying so much, over the course of a week we all really got to enjoy one another’s company. And I loved seeing so many people taking to the kids and treating them as fellow passengers versus rowdy kids onboard. It was really special for all of us.

Accessibility of UnCruise

Due to the nature of being small ships with very active daily excursions, there are not many options available from UnCruise for handicap accessible sailing. The Wilderness Legacy has one wheelchair accessible cabin, and then both the Wilderness Legacy and the Wilderness Explorer have an elevator. This is the one area that a mega cruise ship has up on UnCruise, but who’s to say that won’t change in the future.

If you don’t use a wheelchair but still have mobility issues, there are things that make doing an UnCruise still an option. Different ships have first floor cabins and there is outdoor space at each level. While disembarking to a skiff or dock during rocking waves may need to happen, there are lots of staff available for assistance. Some guests may not be comfortable or feel safe if they’re unstable or need mobility assistance in general, so that’s something to keep in mind before planning this sort of adventure.

Onboard Amenities

I love how active the small ship sailing with UnCruise is. You’re not left with oodles of downtime on the ship, but there is certainly enough to relax or enjoy some of the amenities onboard. Not every ship is the same, and ships that vary their routes might have different amenities depending on the sailing, but in general you can expect the following for your UnCruise adventure:

• Paddleboards
• Yoga / fitness gear
• Snorkel gear
• Lounge chairs
• Library / lounge area – games, books, musical instruments maybe…
• Hot tub (not always available even when onboards, dependent on sailing)

And there are other features of UnCruise ships that might be considered amenities. Things like turndown service, specific outdoor gear and certain expedition experiences all can fall into the bucket of amenities onboard. Like I said though, you do stay quite busy if you take advantage of the “adventure” side of doing an UnCruise. You’ll love it, I think.

Where does UnCruise Sail To?

I really do wish that UnCruise had sailings all around the world, but for now it’s limited to the Pacific Ocean and western ports. That’s okay though, because each itinerary is different and you’ll get to experience different coastal landscapes, wildlife and ports of call. As of Spring 2024, here are the destinations available with UnCruise:

• Alaska – a variety of cruise itineraries from the Inside Passage to the Aleutian Islands
• Hawaii – the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary is amazing and is such a different Hawaii trip
• Baja California – this is MY favorite part of Mexico, including La Paz and the Sea of Cortez
• Galapagos Islands – a bucket list destination for many, this is our kids’ dream sailing

Previously, UnCruise also offered small ship sailings in the Puget Sound , including the San Juan Islands and Olympic Peninsula , as well as a sailing in the Caribbean in Belize and Guatemala. These are no longer available but the company is always evaluating their routes, so if there are updates and new sailings become available, we’ll be sure to update this article. You can still sail out of Seattle and do Olympic National Park on the 12 night sailing to Juneau , but some people don’t want to do that long of a cruise.

Read about our different trips here:

Alaska’s Inside Passage – Kids in Nature on the Wilderness Legacy

Island Hopping – Hawaiian Seascapes on the Safari Explorer

Does UnCruise do Land Tours?

Ahh, this was the big question I had before I started to research and subsequently do an UnCruise with my family. There are land-tour add-ons available if you’re doing a sailing, but they are not specifically run by UnCruise. They have tour vendors who execute that part of the trip. You’ll find land tour options with Alaska sailings that include trips to Denali National Park, and then trips to Machu Picchu if you’re doing the Galapagos sailing.

I think this should answer nearly every question somebody might have about doing an UnCruise . I’m excited to do another sailing (Alaska in June 2024, and hopefully Baja in April 2025) and look forward to hearing from friends and readers about their experiences. If you have any questions, whether it be about life onboard, kid-friendly ideas, seasickness or whatever, please ask away. Feel free to leave a comment or send us a note .

When booking an UnCruise Adventure, mention our code (online or via phone) TWODADS500 to receive $500 discount towards your passage. Education and adventure await!

Sunday 21st of April 2024

Thanks for sharing! I have never heard of uncruise before’

It's such a personal, wonderful experience. I'm so excited that we get to do another up in Alaska this summer!

Cruising to America’s National Parks- Hawaii Ports of Call | Park Ranger John

Thursday 29th of February 2024

[…] out 2 Travel Dads experience on UnCruise Hawaii leaving right from Kona. It looks […]

Can You Take A Boat To Hawaii? (HONEST Experience)

Yes, tourists traveling from the USA can take a boat or a yacht to Hawaii. Parts of the USA are incredibly close to this tourist destination, so multiple boat services are available on this route.

Hawaii is one of the best tourist destinations in the world, especially if you are a fan of beaches. The beaches here are exquisite, and the beautiful scenery can swoon any traveler.

With hills, mountains, and beaches, Hawaii has it all and can be the ideal vacation for most Americans. Its proximity to the mainland USA is a great plus for people in the country.

Not only are several flight services available from almost all parts of the USA to Hawaii, but you can also reach this island by boat. The beautiful ride through the rich blue water makes boat rides here highly lucrative.

I have visited Hawaii several times and know quite a bit about the place. Earlier I used to travel here by air, but recently I have found it much more enjoyable to take a cruise to this beautiful island.

If you are planning a getaway to this exotic island, you should check this article for more information. Here, I will give you all the details about reaching Hawaii by boat so you can plan your tour even better.

Can You Reach Hawaii By Boat?

Yes, tourists can reach Hawaii by boat. It’s not located very far from the mainland USA and is easily accessible from California. 

Many people may need to learn that Hawaii can be reached in multiple ways than one. While it is much faster to get to Hawaii by air, it’s not the most enjoyable ride.

On the other hand, reaching Hawaii by boat or cruise is a much better option. You won’t have to stare at the barren sky while you travel to your dream destination.

A boat ride from the mainland USA to Hawaii will be a delightful journey where you can enjoy the ocean thoroughly. The ride will take you through the deep blue sea, and you might spot dolphins and sharks.

Although cruises take a long time to reach Hawaii from other parts of the USA, they will provide the ultimate luxury experience for tourists. Some cruises take weeks to reach Hawaii, but the journey is far from boring.

A cruise to Hawaii will allow you to get into the party mood before you reach your destination. The nightlife on cruise ships to Hawaii is something to rave about, and there are fun activities for people of all ages.

They may be slightly expensive, but if you can spare the money, you will have an experience of a lifetime. From California itself, you will reach Hawaii pretty easily.

However, from other parts, it will be slightly tricky to reach this destination. The navigation rules in the USA are rather odd, so the travel time is slightly longer than it should be.

You can look up all available options and then decide on one based on your budget and time. Many popular travel companies operate boat or cruise rides between Hawaii and the mainland USA.

You can even travel to Hawaii via boats from Mexico and Canada, among many other countries. Most nations near Hawaii have plenty of deals on cruise rides to this holiday destination.

How Long Does It Take A Boat To Get To Hawaii?

On average, a boat from the southwest coast of the USA will take around seven days to reach Hawaii. Sometimes it may take over two weeks, depending on the source port and country.

Cruise ships and boats reach Hawaii in 5-7 days from San Diego and the California coast. However, the time might be significantly longer if you are traveling from elsewhere. 

Some cruise ships have elaborate tour packages that take around two weeks to reach Hawaii. However, you can opt for the shortest tour if you are in a time crunch.

The time taken to reach Hawaii is pretty long because of port restrictions. It would help if you traveled to Hawaii via any international port in the USA.

Therefore, most cruise ships must take a detour to reach an international port before landing in Hawaii. If you are traveling from other countries, there are no such restrictions. 

The best way to reach Hawaii without taking the extra detour would be via Mexico and Canada. Since these countries don’t have detour stipulations, reaching Hawaii would be much easier and faster from here.

How Much Would It Cost To Take A Boat To Hawaii?

On average, boat rides from the South-West coast of the USA to Hawaii can cost around $1000. A ferry ride through San Francisco, California, and Honolulu is priced at $39 only.

Sailing to Hawaii from the mainland USA can cost a pretty penny. It is enough to make people think twice if they are on a tight budget.

Average cruise prices from the USA range from 1000-2000 dollars. The overall costs depend on the cruise you take and the benefits or perks included in the package.

The longer the ride, the bigger the price attached to it. Luxury rides from the USA can start at 3000 dollars and go up to much more.

If you hire a yacht, you will pay much more than this. This option is unsuitable for most people since it costs a lot, even for a one-way ride.

Is It Cheaper To Fly To Hawaii Or Take A Boat?

The difference between the prices of flights and cruise fares to Hawaii mostly depends on the season. However, sometimes it is cheaper to reach Hawaii by boat.

Considering the prices of hotels and inland travel expenses, taking a cruise will be cheaper. Sure it does extend your travel time, but the all-inclusive prices make it worthwhile.

However, you will find cheaper plane deals if you are an early bird and have your flights booked in advance. You can also look up cheap hotels and restaurants that won’t drain your savings and let you enjoy the trip without worry.

Final Remarks 

I hope to highlight the pros and cons of traveling to Hawaii by boat through this article. Boats make a pretty scenic journey but take a long time to travel.

Here’s a quick recap of what I’ve talked about.

You can take a boat to Hawaii from the USA and its neighboring countries. However, the travel time via boat will range around 5-15 days on average.

NOTE: If you are seasick, skip it entirely. Getting ill on your vacation is a strict no-no, especially when spending that much money.

My name is Jeyn Dashner and I am the founder of WanderFever. I have worked as a travel journalist for many years, and exploring new places is my greatest pleasure in life.

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US Coast Guard searches for man sailing from California to Hawaii

HONOLULU (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard on Friday asked mariners for help in finding a 60-year-old man sailing from California to Hawaii.

Noel Rubio left Long Beach on Dec. 28 on the 32-foot (9.7-meter) sailboat Malulani, the Coast Guard said in a news release. He planned to arrive in Kaneohe on the island of Oahu three weeks later.

He last made contact via cellphone on Dec. 28th south of Catalina Island in California.

The agency has been unable to find him despite searching harbors in California, Hawaii and Mexico and sending urgent marine information broadcasts.

Rubio’s only form of communication on board the Malulani is a VHF-FM marine band radio.

The Coast Guard is asking people to report information or sightings of the vessel or Rubio to rescue and coordination centers in Alameda, California, or Honolulu.

The Coast Guard recommends that mariners crossing the open ocean travel with multiple forms of communication, including radios and satellite and an electronic position radio beacon so authorities can find those needing rescue.

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.