Sailboat charter Honolulu

Our Best Advice for Sailboat Chartering at Honolulu

Sailing in Hawaii isn't an easy thing to do. Charter a sailboat at Honolulu is just the beginning of this challenging and adventurous trip. To ensure you have a pleasant journey, we present you these tips on sailing in the severe waters in Hawaii. Enjoy!

Plan Ahead Is the Key

The notorious waters surrounding Hawaii could be every sailors' nightmare, it could also be a great accomplishment if you could beat it. The channels among the Hawaiian Islands are the worst in the world, so planning ahead and do your research is crucial.

First of all, you need to plan on when to go sailing around Honolulu. Even though they say sailing is a year-round activity in Hawaii, but you better to remember that usually in September is the cut-off season for sailing on the north shore of Honolulu and Kauai because some 30-foot waves are on their way and it's not ideal for sailors. In the summer, sailors can expect trade winds from the northeast, and peaceful, calm waters. But that's the thing about sailing in Hawaii, situations can change rapidly. So, it's suggested that to keep an eye on the water and weather when you are sailing, even when the seas seem in the perfect condition.

When sailboat chartering at Honolulu, sailors need to remember to avoid Alenuihaha channel between Maui and Hawaii no matter when. Because the trade Wind flow and the winds were compressed through the Alenuihaha Channel and the wind speed is much higher than out in the ocean.

If your boat draws deeper than 7 feet, be sure to avoid sailing into Kaneohe Bay at night. The coral in the area can grow beyond the channel markers.

Where to Anchor

Hawaii might not be an excellent cruising destination, because of the lack of marina and the condition of the facilities. On the other hand, there are many yacht clubs to moor your sailboat. We recommend you visit the Kaneohe Yacht Club. It has one of the best views on Honolulu in Hawaii. There are many mooring balls near the yacht club but limited dock space. The Kaneohe Yacht Club offers a swimming pool with a fantastic view of the Pali Highway and the bay. You can also find excellent facilities like clean showers, outdoor BBQ, and tasty Mai Tai's in the club.
Or there is another alternative option, is to get all the supplies you need at the Nawiliwili Harbor, get yourself a mooring ball and anchor at of one of Kauai's unspoiled beaches which is one of the best and most beautiful spots to anchor in Hawaii. But this method is only feasible in the spring and summer when the winds and tide from Honolulu to Kauai are relatively pleasant.

The Haleiwa Boat Harbor, settled on the North Shore of Oahu in Waialua Bay, is also a fabulous place to moor on a Hawaiian cruise.

If you have a stop-over at Maui, moor at the sandy Big Beach off Makenna State Park, it's a perfect location for anchoring your sailboat, and you can even snorkel nearby.

Recommended Routes to Take

The most romantic island-hopping route in Hawaii is to visit Maui, Kauai, and if you have enough time, sail to Lanai as well. This sailing route could take you 7-12 days to tackle, but it will surely be a fantastic journey. Charter a sailboat at Honolulu and begin this route by sailing to Kaumalapau Harbor on Lanai, from here you can sail around Lanai and to Lahaina. After here, sail up to Molokai and Maui and get into a longer sea. Finally, arrive at the north-eastern tip of Maui. These 3 islands are the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. If you book this romantic sailing trip between December and April, there is a high chance that you can see the majestic whales on the Hawaiian waters.