Hawaii
Oceanic Pacific: the 50th US state, six volcanic islands of surf and lava
Overview
The Hawaiian Islands have long been America's playground, and they understand tourism and hospitality well. Constant trade winds make for great sailing, and ocean swells pile up on the shores to provide some of the best surfing in the world.
The chain of six principal islands is entirely volcanic, making for spectacular geological scenery fringed with tropical sands and deep oceanic blue. Visiting Hawaii is as much about volcanoes pouring molten lava into the sea as it is about beaches and palm trees.
This is the 50th state of the USA, so standard US port clearance and formalities apply. The climate is subtropical: summers (May to October) are moderate and winters very mild.
Islands & Map
Map Key - Ports & Marinas
- Honolulu, Oahu (Waikiki YC & Ko Olina)
- Hilo (Big Island)
- Kailua-Kona (Big Island)
- Kahului (Maui)
- Lihue (Kauai)
✈ Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu)
Anchoring is prohibited in some bays (Marine Conservation Areas).
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
As the 50th US state, Hawaii uses standard US procedures. Clearance is handled by US Customs and Border Protection (Honolulu), with vessel registration through the DLNR Boating Division. Ports of entry are Hilo, Honolulu, Kahului, Kona and Lihue.
Government Contacts
Customs: cbp.gov
Boating: DLNR Boating Division, +1 808 587 1970
International Airports
Daniel K. Inouye (Honolulu) · Kona · Hilo · Lihue · Kahului.
Key Anchorages
Waikiki & Keehi Lagoon (Oahu) · Ko Olina (Kapolei) · Honokohau (Kona) · Reeds Bay (Hilo).
Local Services
Agents
Hawaii Yacht Agent
Brokerage
Hawaii Yachts
Marinas
Ko Olina Marina · Waikiki Yacht Club
Repair & Refit
Keehi Marine Centre · Pacific Shipyards International
Diving
Hawaii Scuba Diving
Cruising
Oahu, Maui, Kauai & the Big Island
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts clear in to Hawaii?
As the 50th US state, Hawaii uses standard US procedures via US Customs and Border Protection. The ports of entry are Hilo, Honolulu, Kahului, Kona and Lihue, with vessel registration through the DLNR Boating Division.
When is the best time to cruise Hawaii?
Hawaii is subtropical and can be cruised much of the year. Summers from May to October are moderate and winters are very mild, with constant trade winds for sailing.
Where can superyachts berth in Hawaii?
The main marinas are Ko Olina Marina at Kapolei and the Waikiki Yacht Club on Oahu, with harbours at Honokohau (Kona) and Hilo. Note that anchoring is prohibited in some bays that are Marine Conservation Areas.
What can superyachts see in Hawaii?
The six principal islands are all volcanic, offering spectacular scenery from active volcanoes and lava flows to tropical beaches, world-class surf and rich waters across Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.