Setting sail from Molokai’s Hale on Lono Harbor, our voyage to Honolulu unfolded as a leisurely 6.5-hour sail across the scenic Kaiwi Channel. Upon our arrival in Honolulu, we delved into the vibrant community gardens, basked on the sun-drenched beaches, and explored the bustling streets of the city. This week-long escapade was brimming with cherished family moments and unforgettable adventures.

Honolulu, the vibrant capital of Hawaii, is not only a bustling city but also a gateway to the stunning beauty of Oahu, the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Rich in culture and history, Honolulu offers a unique blend of modern urban life and traditional Hawaiian charm. Oahu, known as “The Gathering Place,” boasts breathtaking landscapes, from the iconic Diamond Head crater to the pristine beaches of Waikiki.

We hadn’t intended to anchor off the rolley shores of Waikiki, but upon our arrival in Honolulu, we discovered there was no space available for us at the Ala Wai Harbor transient dock or at the two yacht clubs. That’s the reality of Hawaii—it’s all first come, first served at the marinas across the islands, with no reservations allowed. Fortunately, the weather was conducive for anchoring; otherwise, we would have needed to continue on, just as we did when we reached Maui.

We were grateful to the Hawaii yacht club for allowing us to keep our dinghy on their dock during the days, providing us with a secure place. However, being anchored in the bay meant we had to brave lengthy trips to shore through choppy waters. These dinghy rides were often quite wet, and one particularly unforgettable journey back to the boat had waves battering us relentlessly for a solid fifteen minutes, leaving us thoroughly soaked.

By our second week in Honolulu, we were thrilled to snag an outside slip at the Waikiki Yacht Club, which felt like a true indulgence, especially since we hadn’t experienced the pleasures of a marina since October 2024 in Ensenada.

Ala Wai Harbor is the largest small boat and yacht harbor in Hawaii, located in Honolulu at the mouth of the Ala Wai Canal, nestled between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. To the east, you will find the iconic Waikiki and Diamond Head, while to the west lies Magic Island and the beautiful Honolulu waterfront.

The TransPac sailing race, which begins in Los Angeles and concludes at the harbor, is a celebrated event held every two years, marking it as one of the longest-running ocean races in the world.

This vibrant harbor is home to both the Waikiki Yacht Club and the Hawaii Yacht Club, which offer junior sailing clubs, waterman programs including surf ski and Hawaiian outrigger canoeing, as well as weekly sailing races and fishing tournaments.

We enjoyed some amazing sun-soaked days at Waikiki beach, where the vibe is super lively and the views are just stunning in this famous paradise. With the iconic Diamond Head framing the beach and the lush mountains surrounding it, the soft golden sands and clear turquoise waters made it a perfect spot for everyone to chill. Logan and Cash had a blast riding the waves and totally diving into the fun of boogie boarding.

Waikiki beach is almost entirely man-made and has had repeated problems with erosion, which is claiming about one foot (0.3 m) of beach per year. Imported sand comes from California, local beaches such as Pāpōhaku Beach on Moloka‘i, and a sandbar from Oʻahu’s Northern side near Kahuku.  

During our stay in Honolulu, we explored two local community garden sites where we took the time to stroll through the beautifully diverse plots, each offering its own charm. With some gardens boasting a history of 50 years, it is wonderful that the city provides residents with these serene spaces to cultivate their own plants and find tranquility amidst the bustling urban environment.

We had a wonderful time catching up with friends that Alex had made years ago while sailing in El Salvador. We relished a delightful happy hour with Thea and her husband Steve, and spent a couple of days exploring the renowned North Shore, enjoying a delicious Mexican lunch and drinks on Lost Elvis with Rooster and his lovely wife, Andriana. It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with friends.

Logan and Cash shared an incredible month with us as we explored the breathtaking Hawaiian Islands, making our farewells a truly emotional experience. We eagerly anticipate our reunion with the boys after our journey through Alaska, when we will welcome them in Prince Rupert for the concluding segment of our year-long expedition, sailing along the stunning shores of British Columbia on our return home.