⛵ Hawaii — Sailing Resources
Hawaii offers world-class Pacific sailing with steady trade winds, warm water, and dramatic island scenery. Protected areas like Kaneohe Bay (Oahu) are favorites for day sailing and small-boat cruising, while island-hopping requires careful planning around weather windows and limited harbors. Liveaboard options are restricted in many state facilities.
Boater Education
- Hawaii DLNR / DOBOR Boating Safety Education — Required for all operators of motorized vessels over 10 hp (including sailboats with auxiliary engines) and PWCs. Must complete a NASBLA-approved course with Hawaii component and carry proof (hard copy or via Hawaii Certified Boater Registry).
No minimum age to take the course. USCG-licensed masters and some other categories are exempt. Proof must be carried while operating.
Marinas & Harbors
Hawaii has limited protected harbors compared to the mainland. Kaneohe Bay on Oahu is one of the best areas for recreational sailing. State small boat harbors often have waiting lists for slips; transient space can be tight, especially on the outer islands.
Oahu
- Kaneohe Bay area — Kaneohe Yacht Club and Makani Kai Marina offer good access to the protected bay and sandbar. Excellent for small to medium sailboats.
- Keehi Lagoon / Keʻehi Small Boat Harbor (near Honolulu Airport) — State harbor with slips and moorings. Convenient to Honolulu but can be crowded; some liveaboard options.
- Ala Wai Harbor (Honolulu/Waikiki) — Large state harbor right in the city. Popular with cruisers and racers; transient slips sometimes available.
- Ko Olina Marina (West Oahu) — More upscale, protected marina with transient options.
Maui
- Maalaea Harbor — Busy small boat harbor on the south shore. Good base for day sails and whale watching season. Limited transient space.
Big Island (Hawaiʻi)
- Honokohau Harbor (Kona) — Main small boat harbor on the Kona coast. Fuel, slips, and good access for coastal sailing.
- Kawaihae Harbor — North Kohala area, more commercial but some recreational use.
Strong trade winds (15–25+ knots) are normal. Many sailors prefer the more protected waters of Kaneohe Bay or lee sides of islands. Liveaboard slips are strictly limited in state harbors. Use Dockwa or call harbors directly for transients.
Marine Surveyors
- All Island Marine Survey (Oahu) — Accredited marine surveying for power and sail throughout the islands.
- Maui Marine Surveying (Anthony DelleFave) — Serves Maui and neighboring islands; pre-purchase, insurance, and safety inspections.
- Additional surveyors based on Oahu frequently travel to the outer islands. Many owners also use surveyors who fly in from the mainland for major purchases.
Use the official SAMS and NAMS directories and filter for Hawaii. Because the market is small, availability can be limited — plan ahead.
Brokerages
Hawaii has a small but active sailboat market, mostly centered on Oahu. Many boats are sold privately or through a handful of local brokers.
- Search current listings on YachtWorld and BoatTrader.
- Local brokers in Honolulu and Kona handle most transactions. Many sailboats are imported from the mainland or purchased by cruisers passing through.
The Hawaii market is heavily influenced by cruisers heading to or from the South Pacific. Inspect carefully for tropical conditions (UV, corrosion, osmosis).
Sailing Clubs & Resources
- Kaneohe Yacht Club (Kaneohe, Oahu) — One of Hawaii’s premier clubs, founded 1924. Excellent facilities on Kaneohe Bay with strong racing and cruising programs.
- Hawaii Yacht Club (Honolulu) — Historic club (1901) at Ala Wai Harbor. Active racing and social scene.
- Waikiki Yacht Club — Located at Ala Moana Beach Park / Ala Wai. Popular for racing and cruising.
- Sail Kokokahi (Kaneohe) — Small-boat / beach catamaran focused club on Kaneohe Bay.
- Hawaii Sailing Clubs — US Sailing
Kaneohe Bay is the sailing heart of Hawaii. Many clubs welcome visitors and have reciprocal privileges. Strong emphasis on ocean safety and environmental stewardship.