An Unusual Hawaii Sunset Cruise

An unusual Hawaii sunset cruise turns into an evening at sea under windy LUMPY ocean conditions.

29 July 2025

From an unusual (solitary) sunset cruise to an unplanned evening at sea. I haven’t seen so many boats out EVER! An 8.8 earthquake off Russia’s SE peninsula caused tsunami warnings all around the Pacific Rim and the Hawaiian islands.

Let me say, there is nothing more chilling than hearing wailing WW11-type sirens ringing out. The first of those sirens happened as my afternoon charter and I were motoring down the channel on our way back to the slip. I could tell it un-nerved my charterers too.

So, I dropped them off at the dock, called my sunset cruisers to cancel their charter, took my car to higher ground (a multi-level parking structure close to the harbour) and left again; this time alone…hence “a very unusual sunset cruise”

At 3 miles out, ocean conditions were cold, windy, LUMPY, BUMPY, GRUMPY. I popped a little headsail and sailed slowly back and forth, eagle-eyed to keep an eye on others doing the same, with one ear on my handheld VHF radio monitoring updates, the other on my cell phone for incoming useful texts. Officially, we were under a tsunami warning, waiting to hear it be dropped to an advisory so we could all safely head back in to the harbour. It took what seemed like forever, but it could have been so much worse. Hawaii had very little damage and I was safely tied back up at the dock by 12:45 am. I thought I’d be sleeping on Kaikiwi for the night but, believe it or not, despite being bone-tired, I was kinda wired… not to mention there is no coffee on board! That I could not tolerate. I must take care of that immediately.

I drove home with the top down, the crescent moon setting behind me, more but a pleasant wind keeping me awake. There was hardly a car on the road. Such a contrast from the stuck traffic, moving an inch a minute, when I moved my car to higher ground.

Mahalo to all who reached out to me last night to let me know the news and details that were so sorely missed on channel 16, monitored by the US Coast Guard. At midnight USCG were still saying ” a tsunami warning has been issued for the Hawaiian Islands. The first wave is expected at 7:17pm….” thats enough to drive a girl crazy. I learnt more from the guys who were using channel 16 (illegally) to chat with each other, despite the reprimands from the coasties. LOL.

All is well in paradise. We dodged a bullet this time but it reminds us how vulnerable we are. We may not be so lucky next time. Oahu needs to have a better plan to get people to higher ground faster and with less chaos. They must handle this. And I must handle all I am capable of at my end. AND that includes getting some fresh ground coffee on board.!

I don’t need another unusual sunset sail any time soon. The next sunset cruise, or any of the wide range of private sailing charters offered, I hope to do with you! Call Sail BLUE Hawaii to book yours today. (808) 347-0235 capt.gaelyn@sailbluehawaii.com

May 30, 2025

Hawaii Ash Scattering turns to Whale Watching

May 21, 2025 was a beautiful day on the water to celebrate a life and scatter the ashes. It’s never easy, but when ocean conditions lie down flat or the wind ramps up , it is often a reflection of the character of the soul we are scattering. No kidding, this happens often.

May 21, 2025. I mention the date again because Hawaii whale season ends late March /early April. Sailing slowly back to the harbour in a reflective mood we were suddenly stirred by the sight of a mum and calf surfacing as they swam west. WOW!

You never know what your Private Sailing Charter will capture

Every day is different. In my many, many sea hours I am still captured and delighted by the many unusual happenings as I sail each Hawaii private charter. I had someone ask me the other day, “don’t you get bored doing the same thing every day”? I was speechless. Never, ever, NO. Every day is different and you really can’t beat sailing out to scatter ashes and meeting a mum and calf on the way home, in MAY. That is a first for me. Just exactly who was this person we had just said “aloha” to anyway ?

For Sail Blue Hawaii, the horizon is no limit. Choose your own particular type of Hawaii private sailing charter. The choices are endless. (Use the link below to peruse). Your custom adventure on our beautiful Pacific may well be the highlight of your Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii vacation.

Let’s Go Sailing

May 15, 2025May 30, 2025

Sail Hawaii’s Best

https://i0.wp.com/www.sailbluehawaii.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_2500-scaled.jpeg?ssl=1 — having doused the sails at the finish of another fabulous sailing adventure… nobody wants it to end

Sail Hawaii’s Best…….. with Sail Blue Hawaii’s private sailing charters in Honolulu aboard the 42-foot Beneteau yacht named Kaikiwi. These custom tours and adventures are tailored to your preferences, allowing you to choose the time of day and duration that suits you best. Whether you’re interested in a sunrise sail, a romantic sunset cruise, or a leisurely day sail, the consistent trade winds in Hawaii ensure a pleasant sailing experience at any time.

Highlights of Sail Blue Hawaii’s Private Tours:

Customizable Itineraries: You can select from sunrise, morning, afternoon, or sunset sails, depending on your schedule and preferences.
Comfortable Yacht: The Kaikiwi features both covered and open-air seating, along with an onboard restroom, ensuring a comfortable journey .
Variety of Experiences: Popular options include coastline sightseeing, Friday night fireworks viewing, and special events like proposals, weddings, birthdays and life memorials.
Experienced Captain: Captain Gaelyn brings extensive knowledge and a passion for sailing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Read about her: https://www.sailbluehawaii.com/about-us/
Affordable Pricing: Private charters are competitively priced, often comparable to shared tours. But a choice of PRIVATE offers a more personalized and quality experience that could well be the highlight of your HI vacation.!!

Booking Information:

Weekends and holidays fill quickly so plan ahead and book today.

Contact: Email: capt.gaelyn@sailbluehawaii.com
Phone: (808) 347-0235
Location: Kewalo Basin Harbor, Slip C30, 1025 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814

For more details and to view available tours and sailing adventures, visit our ocean activities page: https://www.sailbluehawaii.com/hawaii-ocean-activities/

If you need assistance with booking or have specific questions, do ask!

https://i0.wp.com/www.sailbluehawaii.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image3.jpeg?ssl=1 — easy sunset cruising

April 20, 2025April 21, 2025

Honolulu Private Boat Tour, Hawaii

Private boat tours in Hawaii are available with Sail Blue Hawaii. Weekends and holidays fill quickly so plan ahead and book today. A private boat tour in Waikiki is affordable and highly desired. Our private yacht is spacious featuring covered and open air seating as well as an onboard restroom. Your experienced captain will ensure your safety and enjoyment.

Chose a Waikiki Private Sailing Charter

Because this is custom sailing, we can sail any time of day you want and whatever length of time you wish. Our islands are most consistently graced with trade winds so any time is a good time to go sailing…✨SUNRISE, morning, afternoon, SUNSET✨. It is all good. A client this week was concerned if we left at 0800 for a 3-hour sail we wouldn’t have enough wind. So much sailing, anywhere in the world, relies on the afternoon seabreeze. The fact is, we rely on tradewinds and not sea/land breezes. This makes Hawaii sailing unique and desirable, ANY TIME OF DAY. His concern was also the mid-day heat. “Kaikiwi” has lots of shade, so, time of day does not affect heat/ sun exposure.

Private Waikiki Boat Tours

Sail Blue Hawaii’s tours are for both tourists and locals. Sunset cruises, sunrise cruising, tradewind day-sailing, coastline sightseeing and Friday night fireworks are among the most popular tours in Waikiki. Birthday celebrations and life memorials are also very popular. We accommodate a wide range of special events aboard.

So, give Sail Blue Hawaii a call for your own private boat tour in Hawaii.

**Full sail or boat tour; the choice is yours**

November 17, 2024November 17, 2024

Sail Hawaii’s Best Charter Boat, “Kaikiwi”.

Private Sailing Charters

Oh !! the luxury and awe of sailing your own private yacht in Hawaii. Sail Hawaii’s best charter boat,”Kaikiwi”, the best-kept charter boat in the islands. She is a US Coast Guard approved vessel, perfect for any kind of Hawaii sailing. Whether it’s an intimate sunset sail for two, an adventurous day-sail with family and friends, whale watching, entertaining business colleagues, watching sunrise over Diamond Head, saying “I do” under a full moon…the reasons to go sailing on “Kaikiwi” are endless and the experience will most probably be the highlight of your Hawaii vacation.

When is the best time to go sailing in Hawaii?

Because this is custom sailing, we can sail any time of day you want and whatever length of time you wish. Our islands are most consistently graced with trade winds so any time of day is a good time to go sailing…✨SUNRISE, morning, afternoon, SUNSET.✨ It is all good.

“Kaikiwi” sails from Oahu’s south (protected) shore, not far from Waikiki, past beautiful coastline in the cobalt blue blue waters of our Pacific. Wildlife such as green sea turtles, “honu”, dolphins, “nai’a”, humpback whales, “kohola” (in winter season only), and flying fish, “malolo” are some of the critters we may see as we sail. Beautiful views of Oahu, Diamond Head and, on clear days, far in the distance, Molokai and Lanai can sometimes be seen. Please understand this is not “destination” sailing. “Destination” is sailing.

What does “Kaikiwi” mean?

“Kai” in Hawaiian means “salt water”; “kiwi”… enough said (unless you are unfamiliar with the global nickname for a New Zealander). “Salt water kiwi” perfectly sums up the captain and her beloved 42-ft Beneteau :-).

Don’t Dream your Life, Live your Dream

Sail Blue Hawaii on Oahu provides an unparalleled sailing experience, offering guests the chance to explore the island’s breathtaking coastlines and clear blue waters. Captain Gaelyn, their knowledgeable captain, ensures a personalized and memorable sail across Oahu’s stunning seascape. Email Sail Blue Hawaii to sail on Hawaii’s best charter boat, “Kaikiwi”.