Sailing to Hawaii from California is a popular choice for those who want to explore the islands without paying for a plane ticket. But how long does it take? The average sailboat can travel at a rate of about 5 knots per hour, which is equivalent to 1.15 miles per hour. This means that the average sailboat can cover an approximate distance of 120 miles per day. This means that it would take around 18 days to reach Hawaii from California, which is a distance of approximately 2,300 miles.
The fastest sailboats can make this journey in less than three days, but most pleasure boats take between six and twenty-one days. The duration of the trip depends on the type of boat and the weather conditions. For instance, during the last Transpac race, the fastest monohull made the journey in 5 days and 2 hours, while the slowest boat took nearly 16 days. For the average recreational boater, sailing at an average speed will most likely take 14 days.
The entire boat trip can last anywhere from one week to three weeks, depending on the experience of the captain and crew, as well as the size of the sailboat (at least 30 feet tall). Cargo ships bound for Honolulu on Oahu, Hawaii can take as little as five days to transit from ports in Los Angeles or Long Beach. Cargo ships bound for other islands such as Kauai, Maui and the Big Island take approximately two to four additional days. In total, it takes 7 to 9 days for cargo ships to reach Hawaii from California.
Cruises from California to Hawaii by boat usually take two to three weeks. However, this estimate can vary considerably depending on various factors such as weather conditions and the experience of the captain and crew. Some experienced sailors have completed the journey in just ten days, while others have taken more than a month to reach their destination. When sailing from California to Hawaii, ships usually stay south of 25° north latitude until they exceed 150° west longitude.
When sending cargo to Hawaii from California, it is important to factor in additional time on both ends of the transit time in order to get an accurate idea of when your cargo will arrive. Eastbound cargo from Maui, Kauai or the Big Island can take 9 to 14 days to arrive from Hawaii to a California port. Sailing from California to Hawaii is a great way for those who want to explore Hawaii's many islands without having to pay for a plane ticket. Ships traveling from Hawaii to California travel a longer distance but have the advantage of wind and current.
