Boating

[Vic]

I am wondering if any of you have any experience with boating out of the big island?

Like how big of a boat would be needed for ocean access? I assume it would vary on weather of course, but still wondered.

Ports on the eastside? Kona Side?

Any experience with boating to other islands from the big island How long to a suitable port on Maui for small(16-22ft) motor boat?

Cant wait to live in Puna!

[Carey]

Hubbie has fished a bit with a co-worker that has a commercial license... although size matters, it is also the construction... the eastside has very deep water that can turn from fairly calm to very rough deep ocean conditions in a very short timeframe. Here is a fairly recent thread on fishing boats, the recommendations are good for other boats on the eastside:
http://www.punaweb.org/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=22624

There are 3 boat ramps (Laupahoehoe, Hilo & Pohoiki & one harbor (Port of Hilo) on the eastside, more on the Kona Side. Here is the State info:
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/big-island-facilities/

As far as boating the Alenuihaha channel between Hawaii Island & Maui? As it is one of the most challenging channel crossings on earth, I would not consider it in a small boat, but if you really are trying to plan this type of trip, make very sure you have complete redundancy. Here is a fairly informative sailing tale:
http://www.explorebiodiversity.com/main/...ihaha.html

[Vic]

Oh very cool, its a few years off and I am very admittedly ignorant of the topic. I have taken a small boat off the Oregon coast a number of times without issue. thanks much for the info!!

quote:

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Originally posted by Carey

Hubbie has fished a bit with a co-worker that has a commercial license... although size matters, it is also the construction... the eastside has very deep water that can turn from fairly calm to very rough deep ocean conditions in a very short timeframe. Here is a fairly recent thread on fishing boats, the recommendations are good for other boats on the eastside:
http://www.punaweb.org/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=22624

There are 3 boat ramps (Laupahoehoe, Hilo & Pohoiki & one harbor (Port of Hilo) on the eastside, more on the Kona Side. Here is the State info:
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/big-island-facilities/

As far as boating the Alenuihaha channel between Hawaii Island & Maui? As it is one of the most challenging channel crossings on earth, I would not consider it in a small boat, but if you really are trying to plan this type of trip, make very sure you have complete redundancy. Here is a fairly informative sailing tale:
http://www.explorebiodiversity.com/main/...ihaha.html

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Cant wait to live in Puna!

[Kelena]

I think your question is "What is the reasonably necessary minimum size of a boat for safe navigation of the oceans around Hawaií?" I defer to others more in the know on that question. As to the minimum possible size, people arrived here on outriggers, as I am sure you know. When I took a paddling class though, we definitely noticed the ocean once we left Hilo Bay. The difference was night and day once we left the breakwater. Even on a calm day, you could feel the undulating power.

I often see really teeny tiny fishing boats from my lanai, bobbing on and disappearing between the waves. So small craft are possible. I don't know what is advisable. The channel between Hawai'i Island and Maui is known for its treachery. I'd take an ocean liner between here and Maui or update my estate planning documents before I left. But that's just me.

Hilo is a major seaport and has a wonderful little boat harbor. I only know of the one but there might be others.

Hope your island dreams come true sooner rather than later. This is a great place to live.

[The_Saints]

Something to keep in mind is that a license is required for boating in Hawaii. Perhaps you could take the online class in advance of your move, so as to bolster your knowledge.
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/mandatory-b...cation-qa/

[pahoated]

Take one of the shorter boat cruises in Kona in smaller boats. They don't go miles off shore but they go out far enough to get an idea of the water and wind conditions. They also don't cost as much as a full day deep sea fishing although that would be another way to gauge how much boat you need.

http://dolphindiscoveries.com/

*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*

[Vic]

Great replies, thanks much, I got a lot of good info from the other thread mentioned by Carey, should have searched first, but thought i was pretty up to date on recent posts.

Cant wait to live in Puna!

[Guest]

Hi Vic,

Power, Sail, or Paddle ?

Good you asking. That thread Carey referenced has some good info in it. Suggest contact the boat builders here and ask some questions as well.

A third option is to contact https://hsca.info/ If you are interest in a more traditional way of getting out.

4th of course is the many paddling clubs on the island. http://www.hcrapaddler.com/index.php?action=home

[Royall]

[quote]Originally posted by Vic

I have taken a small boat off the Oregon coast a number of times without issue. thanks much for the info!![quote]

What port did you go out of? Just curious!!