The Hawaiian Islands lie well north of the equator, at about the same latitude as Cuba. However, everything about them makes them true South Pacific Islands, especially from a historical and cultural perspective. The 50th state consists of over 130 islands, but most of the land mass is on the eight main islands. We will be visiting four of them on this trip. Our sailing area will also include the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. We have reserved two forty-foot, three cabin boats, and a thirty-six foot catamaran, from Honolulu Sailing Company, based near Waikiki Beach.

In addition to lots of sailing, we should have several opportunities for snorkeling, as well as some time on land, and to learn more about the islands and their culture.

The following itinerary is what we hope to do. Wind and waves may necessitate changes.

January 27 (Saturday)
Late afternoon, pre-board the boats at Kewalo Basin Harbor, about a mile west of Waikiki Beach. You must arrive no later than this, as we start out early the next morning.

January 28 (Sunday) - Sail to Molokai
Depart from Honolulu for the west end of Molokai. Sail past Waikiki, Diamond Head and Oahu’s “Gold Coast” to Koko Head. Between Koko Head and Molokai is the famous Kaiwi channel, the stuff of legend, and the final run in the Transpac yacht race. After a spirited sail to Molokai, we duck behind the lee of the island and sail to our first anchorage, Hale O’Lono harbor. Lono is far removed from civilization. This is the dry side of Molokai and we are a long way from the lights of civilization. The stargazing is literally “out of this world”.

January 29 (Monday) - Sail to Lanai
This morning’s sail takes us to Lanai, where we pass along sea cliffs and the site of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. Our destination for the night is Manele Bay. From the bay, there is a short hike to an overlook, where you can see ruins and get a great view.

January 30 (Tuesday) - Sail to Molokini
Today’s sail promises to be a real treat, as we’ll head east towards Molokini (a tiny atoll off Maui) and into prime whale watching waters. At this time of year, the humpback whales have migrated down from the cold Alaska waters to mate and give birth to last year’s breeding activities. We will anchor here for the night.

January 31 (Wednesday) - Sail to Lahaina
After breakfast, and maybe a swim, it’s a northerly sail to Lahaina, while keeping an eye out for whales, of course. Along the way, we'll stop for lunch and some superb snorkeling at Coral Gardens, on the west side of Maui. Here you will see an abundance of natural reef formations where specimen coral abound.. A group dinner at the Lahaina Fish Company is booked for 6:00 pm.

February 1 (Thursday) - Layover day in Lahaina
A full day on your own to explore parts of Maui beyond the harbor. Perhaps take an island tour, or rent a car and drive to the top of Haleakala (bring your fleece, it's over 10,000 feet, and windy!). For those interested in tank diving, this would be the day to schedule it. More details about possible shore activities will be provided at a later date.

February 2 (Friday) - Sail to Kaunakakai, Molokai
Molokai is probably best known for the Leper Colony that Belgian priest Father Damien made famous. Molokai has also been called the Friendly Isle, though it sees very little tourism. The plan is to overnight in Kaunakakai, the main city on Molokai. As it’s a short sail, we should arrive in time for a few afternoon shore activities.

February 3 (Saturday) - Sail to Honoloa, Maui
We set sail east, back to the north coast of Maui, and anchor in Honoloa Bay, which has a rocky shoreline with a small beach, coral reefs in a marine preserve, and world-renown surf break.

February 4 (Sunday) - Sail to Papohaku Beach, Molokai
We set sail for Molokai's west end in preparation for the next day's crossing back to Oahu. If conditions are favorable, we will sail across teh primeval northern coast of the island, past the Halawa valley with its magnificent waterfall, and past the remains of Father Damien's camp. Once around the point, we tuck in close to shore and enjoy sailing in the lee of the island to our next anchorage, just off a sandy beach. From here you can see Oahu silhouetted in the setting sun.

February 5 (Monday) - Return to Oahu
This is a great day's run that is on a fast tack across Hawaii's best fishing grounds. You will see the island of Oahu appear from the sea mist, and try to guess which geographical feature becomes Diamond Head. We'll sail past Koko head, past Hawaii's Gold Coast and right under Diamond Head to Waikiki. Stop for a quick swim, a chance to collect your thoughts and things, then pull into Kewalo Basin Harbor. For those who desire, it will be possible to stay on the boats and disembark on Tuesday morning.

February 6 (Tuesday)
This is the first day you should plan to travel home. While there are a few flights that leave Honolulu in the late evening, there is no way to predict when we will return to the charter base on Monday, because that day's sail is a long one.

The cost of the trip is $1725.00 per person (Skippers - no discount). Trip price includes charter fees, slip fees for two nights (Wednesday and Thursday nights), and a group dinner in Lahaina. Fuel, provisioning, other mooring fees, and other incidentals will be covered by each boat's crew. A $200.00 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your position. Please make your check payable to The Sailing Club, Inc. and mail it, along with your completed reservation and release forms, to Joel Mack at the address below. Reservations will be processed beginning April 8, 2017 with a random draw of those received by that date. All reservations received after that date are on a first-come, first-served basis. Three additional payments will be due as follows:

Travel insurance is not included in the trip price. Confirmed participants should make their own decisions regarding insurance that would provide coverage appropriate to their needs and that they feel best protects them in their individual situations. One useful resource for comparing plans is www.insuremytrip.com. As always, read all policy terms and conditions carefully.

Please note that sailing conditions are dynamic, that your safety, and that of your crewmates, depends on your good physical health and agility.