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!

Related Articles

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.

by this author

Destinations

Travel Logistics

Where To Sail

When To Sail

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

How To Choose The Right Sailing Instructor

August 16, 2023

Best Sailing Destinations In BC

June 28, 2023

Best Sailing Charter Destinations

June 27, 2023

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

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:

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

You may also like, 41 sailboat cruising essentials for long trips.

In this post I list the items you are unlikely to have if you have never done bluewater or long-term cruising before. There are some essential safety product and …

How to Convert your Freshwater Boat for Saltwater Use

How Long Does it Take to Sail from San Diego to Hawaii?

3 Ways to Convert Your Winches to Self-Tailing

Own your first boat within a year on any budget.

A sailboat doesn't have to be expensive if you know what you're doing. If you want to learn how to make your sailing dream reality within a year, leave your email and I'll send you free updates . I don't like spam - I will only send helpful content.

Ready to Own Your First Boat?

Just tell us the best email address to send your tips to:

Hawaii Sailing Adventures, LLC

Private Charters in Maui, Oahu, Lanai, Kauai

Private Hawaiian Catamaran, Sailing and Yacht Charters

It's time for the vacation of your dreams.

1/2 day, one-day, sunset, dinner, multi-day to multi-week inter-island vacation, and trip options are available.

Hawaii Sailing Adventures offers private boats, catamaran charters, and sailing trips on our luxury fleet. We provide charter options for Maui, Kaanapali , Kauai , Niihau, Lanai , Molokai , Honolulu, Waikiki, Oahu , Kaneohe Bay, and The Big Island.   Snorkel, whale watch and visit Napali Coast, Kaanapali & Kohala Coast, exploring the beautiful "unknown" Hawaii through our one of our luxury boat trips.

Contact us  to learn more about booking a private catamaran or boat charter where you'll create a memorable adventure for your family and friends. Enjoy extraordinary encounters with whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, swim and snorkel in tropical island waters and have the best sailing experience in your lifetime!

Explore Our Fleet

Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46

Lagoon 440 Fly Bridge

Fountaine Pajot Helia 44

Excess 12 – 39’

Beneteau Oceanis 50

Beneteau Oceanis 48

Nautor Swan 46

Beneteau 42

Beneteau Oceanis 41

Beneteau 393

Beneteau 39

Ready to find out more.

Get information on prices, itineraries, private daily or weekly charters & tours in Hawaii.

Napali Coast, "The Forbidden Island", North Shore Molokai, Kanaapali, Manele Bay

Niihau, Kalalau Valley, lagoon, reefs and beaches, sea cliffs, waterfalls, snorkel, scuba, swim, sunbathe, kayak, paddleboard, surf, windsurf, fish, and dine ashore. Stay in the harbor as a pleasant, charming, quiet, relaxing home base with all the cooking and sleeping amenities, a more creative environment than a hotel or house, and explore on-island activities on a week or two sailing charter. Relax, work the sails, whale watch, extended inter-island trips, short sailing tours, sunset sail, and dinner cruise. Feel what it is like to offshore cruise in the most dramatically beautiful settings in the world. Our crewed sailing and luxury yacht charters and boat tour prices include skipper, food, fuel, gear, other vessel costs, Sail Blue Hawaii, and much more.

What our customers say...

"Thank you so much! We loved the day and the memories will be cherished. We hope to do it again some day."

The Ferrier Family

A dream wedding in hawaii.

Ask us about our tropical, romantic wedding and honeymoon packages. Then, let us arrange your marriage ceremony aboard your private yacht.

Catamaran and Monohull sailboats to; Maui , Lahaina, Molokai , Lanai , Oahu , Honolulu, Kauai , Niihau, Big Island Hawaii .

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!

Do Sailboats Have Motors? Exploring Propulsion Systems in Sailboats

Sailing from toronto to florida: tips, tricks, and essential information, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to Sail from California to Hawaii (San Fran, LA, +)

If you’re looking for a fun new excursion to try out on your boat, then you might want to consider sailing from California to Hawaii. Considered an easy journey, countless sailors successfully complete the trip year in and year out - even beginners. And since navigating the waters from California to Hawaii can be pretty effortless, it can be a fun trip you can take with little worry about getting lost.

Despite the relative ease however, it still pays to know the specifics. Sure, you might have a rudimentary map of the route from point A to point B in your head, but there are nuances you might not be aware of. Wondering how to sail from California to Hawaii as safely and efficiently as possible? Here’s the need-to-know.

The Sailing Route from California to Hawaii

Travelling in a direct line from California to Hawaii entails sailing a distance of 2,467 miles. But who ever said you’d be travelling in a direct line anyway? Taking on a direct route from California to Hawaii isn’t always considered the best idea, because of the presence of what’s called the Pacific High .

This anticyclone sits in the middle of the Pacific, and is characterized by light rains and almost no wind. Entering the Pacific High might seem like a good idea because of the relative calm in the area. But that also means almost zero wind to push your sails. So it would take you much, much longer to reach your destination.

Most sailors agree that the best route to take would be to sail southerly proceed westerly to Hilo. Following this route lets you catch the best wind to fill your sails and take you to your destination much faster.

Why Go South?

Again, it’s all about the Pacific High. As a general rule, the Pacific High shifts down to the South earlier in the year and then rises back up North as the year trudges on . That means that the earlier in the year you travel, the further down south you might have to go before heading west to Hawaii.

Why is that? The Pacific High brings little to no wind. So entering its territory means sacrificing wind propulsion and potentially overworking your engine or consuming all of your fuel before you even get to your destination.

So how far south do you have to go? Most sailors who have taken the trip recommend going down south until you reach the latitude of either San Francisco or Los Angeles (38°N to 34°N), and then turning west all the way to Hilo, Hawaii. But you won’t always have to go that far. Again, depending on the time of year, you might be able to steer clear of the Pacific High without having to go too far down.

• Winter - At least 20°N
• April to May - At least 30°N
• Summer - At least 34°N

When is the Best Time to Sail from California to Hawaii?

Keep in mind that you can travel to Hawaii from California any time of the year. But there are some things to consider. For instance, starting the trip in the winter means having to face cold weather head on. Starting the trip later in the summer means you might have to deal with potential rains and strong currents brought on by hurricanes.

That said, the best time to set sail for a trip from California to Hawaii would be between the end of May and the start of June. This gives you the best weather conditions, free from both cold and rain.

The Best Way to Get Back

Think of the Pacific High like a giant cyclone in the middle of the Pacific with its winds turning clockwise. Following it south and then west on your way to Hawaii means leveraging that clockwise wind. In the same light, traveling back means having to go with the direction of the winds, which entails travelling north and then east.

As you leave Hawaii, travel up north until about 45°N alongside Seattle. Then travel all the way east towards the shore. As you arrive at the coast of Seattle, you can travel slightly south to reach California.

How Long Does It Take to Sail From California to Hawaii?

The duration of the trip isn’t set in stone, and sailors achieve the distance at their own pace. For instance, during the Transpac race, a monohull was able to achieve the trip in just 5 days and 2 hours. The slowest was able to accomplish the distance in 16 days. But again, these are some seriously good numbers.

For a novice sailor or a first timer, you can spend as much as 3 weeks out on the water. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’ve packed enough of the essentials to take you the distance, as well as the mental courage to take on the often quiet and isolated journey.

Details of the Trip

Aside from just the distances, the latitudes, the directions, and the time of year, you’ll also want to consider a few other factors related to the trip. For instance, how far out of the cost should you sail?

Sailing closer to the shoreline means having to deal with more traffic and stronger currents. And while that might make the technicalities of sailing a little more difficult, some sailors prefer sailing near the coast because it gives a semblance of direction and familiarity. After all, sailing with nothing but water around you might be a daunting sight, especially for a first time sailor.

If you choose to sail close to the shore, make sure you avoid these ports which tend to be busy and littered with boats, people, strong currents, and lots of rocks and obstacles, making them difficult to navigate especially in the dark:

• Point St.George
• Cape Blanco and Cape Arago
• Cape Flattery
• Rocky Point

However if you want a peaceful ride with sufficient wind and not a lot of waves or currents, it’s recommended that you sail between 50 to 100 miles off of the coast. This lets you take advantage of the Pacific High’s wind. Of course, the trade off is that you won’t see a lot of landmarks while you’re out on the water, which might be a little frightening.

Tips for the Journey

If you’re making the trip for the first time, or if this will be your first sailing trip that lasts more than just a day, you might not be entirely aware of the things and specifics you need to prepare to guarantee your safety, comfort, and efficiency.

So to help you make the right preparations, consider these tips from some of the pros:

Mentally Prepare

You can have all the supplies at your disposal, but if you’re not mentally ready for the experience, then you might find yourself worrying and anxious for the entire trip. There will be lots of times when you’ll be surrounded by nothing but open water.

And with the silence of the sea assailing your boat at every side, you might find yourself riddled with strange emotions and fears. Expect loads of silence and days of travel where you’ll see nothing but open water around you.

Pack Seasickness Medication

Even if you’re not the kind to usually get seasick, you’re going to want to pack medication or natural remedies to help keep your stomach calm. Long bouts of sailing on nothing but open water can cause an upset stomach, and may push you to the point of vomiting over and over.

While it’s unlikely to die as the result of seasickness , the dehydration caused by too much vomiting can become a major health risk if it goes on for too long without any medical aid or assistance. So to cut the risk, prevent nausea all together by using the right medicine.

Study Basic Boat Repairs

Of course, before you even leave the port, you’re going to want to make sure that your boat is up to code. But even then, there’s no guarantee that you won’t be met with minor damages and performance issues as you go through your journey.

Read up on how to perform basic repairs on your boat, and make sure you put together a proper tool box for the purpose. It’s going to be a long journey, so double up on consumable supplies.

Consider Food Choices

A trip that lasts close to 3 weeks will have you feeling hungry constantly. So make sure to pack food that’s sure to last the entire way. While fruits and vegetables might seem like a good choice, anything perishable will probably rot before you can eat it, and might cause a mess on board.

Canned goods, instant noodles and soup, rice, granola bars, grains, cereals, and other products that are slow to perish should be at the top of your list. As a rule of thumb, always pack a week’s worth in excess. It’s always better to find yourself with more than you need than with less.

For all of those wondering how to sail from California to Hawaii, it’s worth noting that the trip isn’t really that tough. With the right preparations and proper knowledge on the conditions out at sea, you should be able to navigate the waters and make it to your destination and back without any incident. Just stay mindful of the Pacific High, pack the right stuff, and prepare for the mental challenge, and you should be ready to sail.

Related Posts

Why are Superyachts So Expensive? [The Costs Explained]

The 10 Best Sailing Movies of All Time

Why Do Yachts Have Two Steering Wheels? (The Reasons)

What to Wear to a Yacht Party: Business or Leisure

California to Hawaii Yacht Journey: Tips, Stocking & Crew

Are you up for an incredible yacht journey from California to Hawaii? Before you embark on this fantastic adventure, there are some essential factors you need to consider. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of preparation, crew dynamics, and yacht considerations for a successful trip across the Pacific.

Key Factors for a Successful Yacht Journey from California to Hawaii

When planning your journey, make sure to take into account your yacht’s mileage, gasoline intake, speed, and weather conditions. Storage, supplies, crewmates, and mental/emotional health are also crucial factors to consider. Did you know that a yacht typically needs roughly 2,000 gallons of fuel for this trip? Keep that in mind when planning!

Preparing and Stocking Your Yacht for the Journey

Before setting sail, it’s essential to stock up on all necessary supplies, including food, water, and medical supplies. Don’t forget to ensure that everyone on board is in good physical, mental, and emotional health before embarking on this adventure.

The Importance of Crew Dynamics on a Boat Trip from California to Hawaii

A smooth journey relies heavily on excellent crew dynamics. Start by establishing roles and responsibilities for everyone on board. Assign tasks such as cleaning, managing food and water supplies, serving as a doctor, and acting as a helmsman. A well-organized and efficient crew is vital for a successful trip. Plus, having friends on board can help with communication, rest, and treatment of seasickness, making the journey even more enjoyable!

General Tips for a Successful Boat Journey from California to Hawaii

Here are some general tips to ensure a smooth sailing experience:

• Believe and plan with confidence.
• Take into account your boat’s size and speed.
• Be cautious of weather conditions.
• Consider cruise ship or other alternatives if needed.
• Understand the history of the yacht trip to better prepare.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing the Adventure of the Yacht Journey

As with any adventure, there are bound to be challenges along the way. Be prepared for potential storms, rogue waves, and wildlife encounters. Additionally, navigation can be tricky, so be cautious of other boats or ships, and ensure you have a plan in case of a lack of wind or fuel shortages. Please read this The Ultimate Guide to a Boat Ride from California to Hawaii for more info.

But most importantly, stay positive and embrace the unique experience of sailing to Hawaii! This journey is one for the books, so enjoy every moment.

Fair winds and following seas, sailors!

• The Ultimate Guide to a Boat Ride from California to Hawaii
• 3 Luxury Hawaii Yacht Charters to try in 2023
• Hawaii Tuna Fishing: Techniques, Locations, Tips &…
• Ahi Fishing in Hawaii: Tips, Best Spots, Culture &…

Hawaii Top Things to Know Explore Now →

Kauai Guide

Big island guide, essential travel tips.

• Which Island to Visit? →
• Best Time to Visit →
• Hawaii Must See & Do →
• Hawaii Itineraries →

Travel Information

• Hawaii Weather →
• What to Pack? →
• Best Hawaii Island to Visit →
• Hawaii Safety Tips →

Hawaii Resources

• Hawaii Airports & Terminals →
• Hawaii Maps →
• Hawaii Travel News & Blog →
• Hawaii Visitor FAQ →

View our Hawaii Visitor Guides →

Hawaii Accommodations →

Lodging by island.

• Oahu Lodging
• Maui Lodging
• Big Island Lodging
• Kauai Lodging

Where to Stay

• Where to stay on Oahu →
• Where to stay on Maui →
• Where to stay on Big Island →
• Where to stay on Kauai →

When to Visit

• Best Time to Visit Oahu →
• Best Time to Visit Maui →
• Best Time to Visit the Big Island →
• Best Time to Visit Kauai →

Explore Hawaii Hotel Deals & Specials Search Now

• Hawaii Things to See & Do →

Tours by Island

• Big Island Tours
• Kauai Tours

Hawaii Attractions

• Oahu Attractions →
• Maui Attractions →
• Big Island Attractions →
• Kauai Attractions →

Hawaii Must See & Do

• Oahu Must See & Do →
• Maui Must See & Do →
• Big Island Must See & Do →
• Kauai Must See & Do →

Explore all Hawaii Tours Search Now

Sailing in Hawaii: Everything You Need to Know

2024 Hawaii Visitor Guides

Discount Hawaii Car Rentals

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.

— article continued below —

Visiting Hawaii soon? Be sure to grab a copy of one of our updated Hawaii Visitor Guides .

~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~

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.

You may also be interested in...

Recommended hawaii tours, terms of use & disclosures.

This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms , conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures . For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Mahalo!

Download our Hawaii Map Packet

Includes most major attractions, all major routes, airports, and a chart with estimated driving times for each respective island..

Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included.

Download your copy of our... 2024 Hawaii Travel Guide

Hawaii-Guide.com has been featured in...

Hawaii Visitor Information...

Try out our new AI Powered Search & Chatbot →

Plus & Premium Benefits

Donate and remove ALL the ads

Mahalo for your support!

By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms . Mahalo!

• Explore boats
• Text +1 910-447-2456 Call +1 910-447-2456

Looking to plan a sailing trip to Hawaii and experience the true ocean paradise? You’ve come to the right place!

•  Sailo Home
• Destinaton Guides
• OTHER DESTINATIONS

The only way to enjoy a sailing trip in Hawaii

Nestled in the Pacific, Hawaii is a stunning tropical delight for tourists. Read on to explore how you can enjoy your visit to this spectacular island.

Hawaii is a state in the United States of America, located north of the Pacific Ocean. Once a major whaling hub, it now largely depends on its beautiful scenery to attract tourists worldwide. We will explore the beauty of Hawaii, alongside the best beaches to explore in a Maui boat rental, and see exactly why sailing to Hawaii should be at the top of your vacation list.

Sailing to Hawaii

If you are an American citizen, check out the best catamaran rentals in Waikiki, HI , sailing to Hawaii from the contiguous US.

You can get on the Trans-Pacific Hawaii boat rentals cruises that regularly sail between Hawaii and the West Coast. If you prefer to cruise privately in a Maui private boat charter, you can embark on a trip from California to Honolulu.

Sailing in your boat rental in Oahu, you will see over 20 volcanic islands in Hawaii along the Central Pacific. Six of the eight major islands are open to tourists sailing in their boat rental in Honolulu.

Things to do in Hawaii

Tour the beautiful Oahu, filled with scenic white sandy beaches, a lively atmosphere, delicious food, and exotic wildlife. Tour the Waimea Botanical Garden and learn about the culinary history of Hawaii. Also, check out Byodo-In Temple, a great location to tap into your inner spirituality.

Experience the scenic coastal views of Paradise Cove in your Hawaii boat charter. Indulge in traditional Hawaiian cuisine, including fresh seafood, tropical fruits, kalua pork, and much more. You can also dock your Hawaii yacht rental here and watch the sunset, while being entertained by Hawaiian musicians, magicians, and hula dancers.

Hop aboard your Hawaii catamaran charters and visit the Pearl Harbor National Monument, where you can tour the visitor's center, watch a short documentary, and see historical exhibits of the events.

Go whale-watching in your yacht charter in Hawaii. Whales are majestic creatures, and you can find lots of them in Maui. Perks include stunning views of the Polynesian sea, photo opportunities with the whales, Hawaiian fish cuisine, and much more.

Check out over 200 different fish species, including manta rays, sea urchins, eels, and sharks. Your tour in the Maui yacht charter also takes you to Turtle Town, where you can sail alongside Hawaiian Green sea turtles.

Best beaches in Hawaii

Explore Ko Olina Beach in a yacht rental in Honolulu. This beach is great for kids, with clear blue shallow water, clean sand, gentle waves, and lots of rocks. You can also try the best Hawaiian cuisines aboard your Hawaii catamaran charters .

Waikiki Beach is arguably Hawaii’s best beach, and the major reason tourists visit Hawaii in Maui boat rentals . It’s a calm, scenic, golden beach, shaped like a crescent and built with all the modern amenities a beach needs.

Sail on a boat rental in Waikiki, HI to Waimea Bay Beach Park, one of Hawaii’s most famous surfing beaches. You should also check out the nearby Turtle Bay Resort.

If you want a relaxed and hidden beach, sail to Polihale State Park, which is only accessible via a private yacht charter in Honolulu, Hawaii , making it one of Hawaii’s most sought-after areas. It has a quiet, ethereal atmosphere, filled with landmarks like the Napali cliffs and Niihau.

Sail to Makena Beach in one of the catamaran rentals in Honolulu, HI . This beach has a long boardwalk and is a local favorite. Its clean sand is great for picnics, and you can sunbathe on the shore while enjoying views of the island of Molokini. Some of the best food trucks are parked here at all times, so your picnic or takeaway is covered.

Polihua Beach is another great beach to explore in a Maui yacht rental. It is over two miles long, with strong waves and rocky terrain. Polihua Beach is less crowded and allows for some privacy, although swimming is not encouraged due to the strong currents.

Top beaches close to Hawaii

Nearby Australia has some top beaches, including Noosa Main Beach in Queensland. Rent a boat in Australia to experience this ocean delight surrounded by palms, warm sunshine, pandanus, and pines. Its shoreline is covered with golden sand and blue-green water, and many other sights, including the national park, scenic hills, and the ever-present koalas .

Get on the yacht charters in New Zealand , to Maunganui Beach on the Bay of Plenty. This chilled surfing beach is a local favorite, lined up with beachside cafes and clean white sand.

Check out La Paz, one of Mexico's best beaches. In your yacht charters in Mexico , steer to this piece of paradise located north of Cabo San Lucas, featuring a waterfront promenade, long stretches of white sand, warm shallow water, and a breathtaking coastline.

Rent a boat in California to Pfeiffer Beach, famous for its stunning cliffs and rock formations. Other attractions include Keyhole Rock and many tide pools. This beach has strong currents and many rocks, so it is not ideal for swimming.

If you prefer a big beach to party, check out Half Moon Bay. This beach is perfect for party boat rentals in California due to its vast coastline, sunset parties, its mountains, and breathtaking sunset. The locals love to have fun and always welcome tourists looking for a party.

On your sailboat charters in California , sail to Pismo Beach, south of San Luis Obispo. Bring the kids to check out Dinosaur Caves Park and Pismo Beach Butterfly Grove.

Enjoy your visit to Hawaii

More than just one of the many states in America, Hawaii has a unique personality due to its Pacific roots. This island state is a marvel to explore on a Maui boat charter with many wildlife and locations. Whether you are sailing on a Kauai boat rental or you are a lover of adventure on a Maui sailboat rental, Hawaii should definitely be your next tourist destination in the United States.

Most Popular Yacht Rentals in Hawaii (HI), US

Find Your Dream Boat to Go Sailing in Hawaii (HI)

Search for the best deals on yacht rentals in hawaii (hi), us, see all boats in hawaii >, top destinations for yachting, you should discover other sailing paradise states and destinations.

• FAQ and Policies
• Accessibility Statement
• Boat Rentals
• Boat Calculator
• Discover Boating
• Community questions
• Referral Program
• Vivre: Furniture & home decor
• British Virgin Islands
• La Paz, Mexico
• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Key Largo, FL
• St. Vincent and Grenadines

• Find A School
• Certifications
• North U Sail Trim
• Inside Sailing with Peter Isler
• Docking Made Easy
• Study Quizzes
• Bite-sized Lessons
• Fun Quizzes
• Sailing Challenge

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.

Sailing Schools

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.

Related Posts:

• Learn To Sail
• Mobile Apps
• Online Courses
• Upcoming Courses
• Sailor Resources
• ASA Log Book
• Bite Sized Lessons
• Knots Made Easy
• Catamaran Challenge
• Sailing Vacations
• Sailing Cruises
• Charter Resources
• International Proficiency Certificate
• Find A Charter
• All Articles
• Sailing Tips
• Sailing Terms
• Destinations
• Environmental
• Initiatives
• Instructor Resources
• Become An Instructor
• Become An ASA School
• Member / Instructor Login
• Affiliate Login

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.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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.

Recommended

Ny skipper cole brauer overcame broken ribs, deteriorating boat to become first us woman to sail solo around the world.

• View Author Archive
• Email the Author
• Follow on Twitter
• Get author RSS feed

Contact The Author

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

She sailed her way into the history books. 

A 29-year-old skipper from New York has become the first US woman to sail solo around the world.

Cole Brauer, from Long Island, tearfully reunited with her family in A Coruña, Spain, on Thursday after a gruelling 30,000-mile journey that took 130 days.

The 5-foot-2 trailblazer placed second out of 16 in the daring Global Solo Challenge, which kicked off in October off the coast of the port city, located in northwestern Spain.

“I can’t believe it guys. I sailed around the world,” Brauer said as she approached the finish line in an Instagram live video. “That’s crazy. That’s absolutely crazy. This is awesome. Let’s just do it again. Let’s keep going!”

She was the only woman in the event and also the youngest competitor. She sailed into A Coruña to a cheering crowd just a day before International Women’s Day on March 8.

“It would be amazing if there was just one girl that saw me and said, ‘Oh, I can do that too,’” Brauer  told NBC  of her history-making effort. More than half of the other competitors has dropped out as of Thursday.

Brauer’s  sailing profile on Global Solo Challenge’s website  said her goal has always been to be “the First American Woman to Race Around the World.”

“With this goal, I hope to show that this very male-dominated sport and community can become more open and less ‘traditional,'” it reads.

The East Hampton native didn’t even take up sailing until she decamped to the University of Hawai’i for college in 2014, her profile explained.

“I grew up on a nature preserve, wandering through the tall grass of the creek and playing in the mud watching the tide come in,” she said of her childhood in Suffolk County.

“When I moved to Hawaii for university, all I wanted was to get out on the water. Feel at home. Accessing the sailing community in Hawaii was the logical step,” she added.

Brauer turned pro after college, and started seriously chasing the idea of a round-the-world race after her mentor, Tim Fetsch, sent her a book by record-setting female skipper Dame Ellen MacArthur.

By the time she set sail on her global adventure on Oct. 29, Brauer was already a record-setter: Last summer, she became the first woman to win the Bermuda One-Two race, the Providence Journal reported at the time.

Brauer documented the treacherous Global Solo Challenge for her 459,000 Instagram followers from aboard her beloved 40-foot monohull racing boat, First Light.

Like her pint-sized, 100-pound owner, First Light has a quicksilver edge – and is only large enough to typically hold a one- or two-person crew.

The race path took Brauer down the western coast of Africa before she sailed into the Southern Ocean in early December, where she’d cement second place in the challenge.

She often showed fans her peaceful mornings and on-board workout sessions in the Atlantic Ocean.

“Cole wants to prove you can go around the world and watch Netflix every once in a while, and wear your pajamas,” her media manager, Lydia Mullan,  told the New York Times  of the realistic look at boat life.

“As for her mental health, she’s really creating a space in her routine for herself, to create that joy she hasn’t seen in other sailors,” Mullan added.

But even Brauer’s tenacious outlook at times gave way for the hardships of living at sea.

In December, she suffered a rib injury when she was violently thrown across her boat because of broaching — when a boat unintentionally changes direction toward the wind — in the rough waters near Africa. 

Despite the injury, Brauer said she had no other choice but to power through the pain and keep sailing.

“There’s no option at that point. You’re so far away from land that there’s no one who can rescue you or come and grab you,” she told the “Today” show Thursday. “You kind of just need to keep moving along and keep doing everything.”

Brauer’s grit during the journey recalled her time in Hawaii, when she borrowed from her background as a varsity soccer player, track and field runner, and cheerleader to thrive on the UH team — all while juggling her studies in nutrition science and a full-time job. 

“It’s more strategy than anything,” she told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in May 2016, when she captained the four-time national championship-qualifying team.

Brauer told NBC on Sunday that solo sailors “have to be able to do everything.”

“You have to be able to get up even when you’re so exhausted and you have to be able to fix everything on the boat.”

She reached the Pacific Ocean on December 29 and traveled past the southernmost point of South America and back into the Atlantic on January 27.

As she missed the holidays back home, Brauer decorated First Light with decorations fit for the occasion — pumpkins and ghosts for Halloween, a small felt Christmas tree, and broke out a dress and champagne for New Year’s Day. 

Brauer also told the outlet that she started to feel the boat “deteriorating” and “starting to break down” as she made her final push through the Atlantic. 

She then deliberately slowed her arrival time near the finish line to coordinate with the “first light” — when light is first seen in the morning — in honor of her boat’s namesake.

“I’m glad that out of all times, I’m coming in at first light,” Brauer said. “It’s only necessary.”

As she crossed the finish line, Brauer held two flares above her head to signal an end to her over four-month-long campaign.

“Amazing finish!!!! So stoked! Thank you to everyone that came together and made this process possible,” she wrote on Instagram.

Following her second-place finish, Brauer received a fresh cappuccino and croissant, the breakfast she had been craving for months while at sea, she said.

French skipper Philippe Delamare, who started the race a month before Brauer, won the Global Solo Challenge on Feb. 24. Start dates were staggered based on performance characteristics.

A highlight of Brauer’s return to dry land will be reuniting with her mom, dad, and younger sister.

“They think I’m nuts,” Brauer told the Providence Journal of her parents’ response to her big sailing dream.

“I think that they’re much more proud of me now, especially because they’re starting to realize that this 10-year adventure I’ve been on isn’t just me gallivanting around the world…not really fulfilling what my mind and body was made to do, which is what my parents always wanted me to do,” she added.

Now, Brauer is joining a storied lineage of esteemed female skippers who came before her.

Polish skipper Krystyna Chojnowska-Liskiewicz was the first woman to sail solo around the world, traveling almost 36,000 miles from 1976 to 1978. 

British sailor Ellen MacArthur became the fastest solo sailor to sail around the world in 2005 when she traveled over 31,000 miles in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes 33 seconds.

Brauer hopes to serve as the same inspiration as the sailing pioneers. 

“I push so much harder when someone is like, ‘you can’t do that.’ And I’m like, ‘OK, watch me,’” she told NBC. “It would be amazing if there was one other girl who saw me and said, “Oh, I can do that too.”

Share this article:

Advertisement

Dredging of boat harbor on track, but work not expected to start before July

Share this story

Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald A man plays with his dogs on the sand near Suisan as a boater brings his vessel into the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor Wednesday in Hilo.

Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald A boater brings his vessel into the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor Wednesday in Hilo.

Lawmakers and boaters hope for smooth sailing at the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor in Hilo as a long-awaited dredging project inches closer toward beginning.

The harbor, one of East Hawaii’s last functioning boat launches after the closure of the Pohoiki Boat Ramp during the 2018 eruption, has gone undredged for more than seven years, leading to a dangerous buildup of sediment in the harbor mouth that has substantially reduced the facility’s usability.

ADVERTISING

Boater Leilehua Yuen said that her late father’s boat has been stuck in the harbor for more than five years, and went aground at least three times attempting to pass the mouth of the Wailoa River — multiple times at high tide, no less.

“Once was midway through ebb-tide,” Yuen said via email “For several years, he could only go in and out at highest tide, which meant that if we took the boat out, we could not come back for either 12 or 24 hours. Since then, he went aground twice at high tide.

“For the past five years, we have been trapped in the basin, and could not take the boat out at all,” Yuen continued. “This winter’s storms have now made the harbor impassable for many other vessels, as well. This also means that boats needing to seek refuge in the basin from storms cannot come in to safe harbor.”

Thanks to $3.2 million in capital improvement funds allocated for the dredging during last year’s state budget cycle, some of the harbor’s woes are on track to be fixed later this year, although Hilo Sen. Lorraine Inouye said she is disappointed at the pace of the work.

“It shouldn’t have gotten this far,” Inouye said. “The burden is now on the public, on the boaters who have to deal with this problem.”

Inouye said she has been in constant contact with the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in attempts to expedite the dredging. However, she said the project is not anticipated to begin before July, which she said is too long for users to wait.

DOBOR Administrator Ed Underwood said the Army Corps of Engineers has appointed consultants who are currently conducting surveys to determine the scope of the dredging necessary. Once those surveys are completed, he said, and permit applications are finalized and submitted, contractors will be hired to carry out the actual dredging.

How long the dredging project will take will depend upon the results of the survey, Underwood said.

Although Underwood noted that DOBOR has “been asking for funding for this for years,” Inouye said that Hilo boaters can ill afford such essential work to be put off for years at a time, particularly when Big Island fishermen are more limited than ever in where they can launch from.

To that end, Inouye touted Senate Bill 2156, a measure she introduced this legislative session that would allocate funds to the DLNR for a scheduled program of maintenance dredges and other necessary work at all of the state’s small boat harbors and launches.

“It seems we only get these dredges to happen every few years, but it needs a consistent process,” Inouye said.

The Senate Committee on Water and Land — which Inouye chairs — voted Thursday to pass SB 2156 with little discussion, although she told the Tribune-Herald funding could still be hard to come by this year thanks to ongoing budget pressures from the Lahaina wildfires. Consequently, the bill does not include a specific dollar amount in its current form.

In the event that no additional funding is available, Inouye said she hopes the bill can still pass and establish a framework for a future schedule of maintenance work.

She added the DLNR could potentially establish a pilot program for a single island, and posited that between Wailoa, Pohoiki, Kawaihae and other Big Island facilities, Hawaii Island should be the prime candidate for such an enterprise.

“I just feel sorry for the people whose careers depend on being able to use these harbors,” Inouye said.

Email Michael Brestovansky at [email protected].

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• 1 Obituaries for March 20
• 2 Haili juniors finals begin today
• 3 Two men charged in ‘murder for hire’ acid attack plead not guilty
• 4 Waimea mini-horse named nonprofit’s Pet of the Year
• 5 Gov. Green in Japan to help boost tourism

Featured Jobs

A record on the high seas: Cole Brauer becomes first US woman to sail solo around the world

On Thursday, Cole Brauer made history, becoming the first American woman to sail solo nonstop around the world. The 29-year-old from Long Island, New York, celebrated at the finish line in Spain by drinking champagne from her trophy.

Friends, peers and sailing enthusiasts had been cheering Brauer on since last October, when she embarked on her more than four-month journey.

Race organizer Marco Nannini told USA TODAY he started the Global Solo Challenge to "create a platform for sailors like Cole to showcase her skills and move on to a pro sailor career."

While at sea Brauer kept her more than 400,000 Instagram followers updated − and entertained − with videos from onboard First Light. The trip was extremely challenging and physically exhausting, Brauer said in one video from December.

In the post, she describes how frustrated she felt when she had to fix and replace different parts of the boat.

"I don't want you guys to think I'm like Superwoman or something," Brauer said. "Right now I've been feeling just broken," she added, describing how she had to fix the boat's autopilot system after injuring her torso against the side of the boat's hull amid intense waves.

Who is Cole Brauer?

Brauer is from Long Island and competed for the University of Hawaii sailing team. She went to high school in East Hampton, New York, her university team website says. She was the youngest of more than a dozen sailors, or skippers, in the Global Solo Challenge.

The professional sailor lives in Boothbay, Maine, and during the spring and summer, she can be also found in Newport, Rhode Island, gearing up for races, the Newport Daily News reported last year .

Brauer has sailed on First Light, a 40-foot yacht, for over five years, the outlet reported.

"I always said I wanted to race around the world in this boat," she told the newspaper.

From above and below First Light's deck, Brauer shared aspects of her journey with followers and die-hard sailing fans.

On New Year's Eve, she donned a dress and danced at midnight , and in another post, she showed off how many pull-ups she can do.

As the only woman racing solo, nonstop around the world in the first Global Solo Challenge, Brauer said she was determined to prove there's nothing women and girls cannot accomplish.

"I push so much harder when someone's like, 'No, you can't do that,'" Brauer told NBC Nightly News . "And I'm like, 'OK, watch me.'"

Brauer is the first American woman to sail solo around the world. But Kay Cottee of Australia was the first woman in the world to accomplish the milestone, sailing off from Sydney Harbor in Australia in November 1987 and returning 189 days later.

On her profile page on the Global Solo Challenge website, Brauer said she wanted to send a message to the sailing community that it's time to leave its male-dominated culture in the past. In the profile, Brauer took aim at a lack of equal pay and what she describes as harassment in the sailing industry.

"Just as well as this community has built me up it has broken me and my fellow female teammates down. I am doing this race for them," Brauer said.

Brauer and her spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

How long was Cole Brauer at sea?

Brauer was sailing for over four months after departing on Oct. 29.

She finished second in the race, behind a sailor who departed about a month before she did.

The start times differed because that first place boat, Phillipe Delamare's Mowgli, is much slower, Nannini said, explaining the race's staggered start times.

"The format means that if you enter on a slow, small boat you can still win, which makes it much more inclusive than an event where a bigger budget is a definite advantage," he said.

France's Delamare will win first-place prize money of 7,500 euros (about $8,140), Brauer will win 5,000 euros (about $5,430) and the third place finisher will win 2,500 euros (about $2,710), Nannini said.

How dangerous was Cole Brauer's sailing race?

A medical team including a nurse and a physician trained Brauer and sent her on her journey with medicines and medical supplies, in case of any health issues, according to her Instagram account.

Early in the race, Brauer administered her own IV with a saline solution after she became dehydrated, according to one video posted to her social media.

Brauer's most serious health scare happened in early December when she said gnarly ocean conditions caused the boat to jolt, throwing her across the inside of the boat and slamming her hard against a wall.

Her ribs were badly bruised as a result, and her medical team told her to alternate between taking Advil and Tylenol, Brauer said on Instagram.

"Rigging up a sleeping seat belt has been added to my priority list," she said in the post's caption. "I know I'm very lucky that this wasn't a lot worse."

What is the Global Solo Challenge?

The inaugural Global Solo Challenge is a nonstop sailing race in which competitors departed last year from A Coruña, Spain.

The race encompasses nearly 30,000 miles and takes place mostly in the southern hemisphere.

After leaving waters off the coast of Spain, sailors travel south and around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. The race then includes the two other capes that together make up the famous three great capes: Australia's Cape Leeuwin and South America's Cape Horn.

About half of the other competitors dropped out of the race, according to racing data posted online by the Global Solo Challenge.

Delamare finished the race late last month after embarking on his journey in late September 2023, according to race data.

Contributing: Associated Press

Dredging of Wailoa Small Boat Harbor on track, but work not expected to begin until July

Share this story

Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald A boater brings his vessel into the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor Wednesday in Hilo.

Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald A man plays with his dogs on the sand near Suisan as a boater brings his vessel into the the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor Wednesday in Hilo.

Lawmakers and boaters hope for smooth sailing at the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor in Hilo as a long-awaited dredging project inches closer toward beginning.

The harbor, one of East Hawaii’s last functioning boat launches after the closure of the Pohoiki Boat Ramp during the 2018 eruption, has gone undredged for more than seven years, leading to a dangerous buildup of sediment in the harbor mouth that has substantially reduced the facility’s usability.

Boater Leilehua Yuen said that her late father’s boat has been stuck in the harbor for more than five years, and went aground at least three times attempting to pass the mouth of the Wailoa River — multiple times at high tide, no less.

“Once was midway through ebb-tide,” Yuen said via email “For several years, he could only go in and out at highest tide, which meant that if we took the boat out, we could not come back for either 12 or 24 hours. Since then, he went aground twice at high tide.

“For the past five years, we have been trapped in the basin, and could not take the boat out at all,” Yuen continued. “This winter’s storms have now made the harbor impassable for many other vessels, as well. This also means that boats needing to seek refuge in the basin from storms cannot come in to safe harbor.”

Thanks to $3.2 million in capital improvement funds allocated for the dredging during last year’s state budget cycle, some of the harbor’s woes are on track to be fixed later this year, although Hilo Sen. Lorraine Inouye said she is disappointed at the pace of the work.

“It shouldn’t have gotten this far,” Inouye said. “The burden is now on the public, on the boaters who have to deal with this problem.”

Inouye said she has been in constant contact with the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in attempts to expedite the dredging. However, she said the project is not anticipated to begin before July, which she said is too long for users to wait.

DOBOR Administrator Ed Underwood said the Army Corps of Engineers has appointed consultants who are currently conducting surveys to determine the scope of the dredging necessary. Once those surveys are completed, he said, and permit applications are finalized and submitted, contractors will be hired to carry out the actual dredging.

How long the dredging project will take will depend upon the results of the survey, Underwood said.

Although Underwood noted that DOBOR has “been asking for funding for this for years,” Inouye said that Hilo boaters can ill afford such essential work to be put off for years at a time, particularly when Big Island fishermen are more limited than ever in where they can launch from.

To that end, Inouye touted Senate Bill 2156, a measure she introduced this legislative session that would allocate funds to the DLNR for a scheduled program of maintenance dredges and other necessary work at all of the state’s small boat harbors and launches.

“It seems we only get these dredges to happen every few years, but it needs a consistent process,” Inouye said.

The Senate Committee on Water and Land — which Inouye chairs — voted Thursday to pass SB 2156 with little discussion, although she told the Tribune-Herald funding could still be hard to come by this year thanks to ongoing budget pressures from the Lahaina wildfires. Consequently, the bill does not include a specific dollar amount in its current form.

In the event that no additional funding is available, Inouye said she hopes the bill can still pass and establish a framework for a future schedule of maintenance work. She added the DLNR could potentially establish a pilot program for a single island, and posited that between Wailoa, Pohoiki, Kawaihae and other Big Island facilities, Hawaii Island should be the prime candidate for such an enterprise.

“I just feel sorry for the people whose careers depend on being able to use these harbors,” Inouye said.

Email Michael Brestovansky at [email protected].

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• 1 Waimea mini-horse named nonprofit’s Pet of the Year
• 2 DEM director explains difficult path toward 2050 mandate
• 3 Obituaries for Wednesday, March 20, 2024
• 4 Anticipation and anger on Texas border after Supreme Court lets strict immigration law take effect
• 5 Island Life for Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Featured Jobs