kayak trip from california to hawaii

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Here’s What It Takes to Kayak 2,400 Miles from California to Hawaii, Alone and Unsupported

By Laura Lancaster

Posted on Sep 30, 2022 10:48 AM EDT

5 minute read

Cyril lost 20 pounds during his journey. Tom Gomes

On September 20, Cyril Derreumaux, 46, completed the first-ever solo, unsupported, and 100% human-powered crossing from California to Hawaii by kayak. He had enough supplies to last the entire journey from the start and didn’t use anything but his own body to motor the vessel. Ed Gillet was the first person to make this trek solo and unsupported in 1987, but he used a kite to harness wind at times. I chatted with Cyril recently to learn more about what it took to prepare for a trip like this and what happened once it was underway.

Outdoor Life: What inspired you to make this journey?

Cyril Derreumaux: I only started paddling and kayaking twelve years ago, starting with small races—12 miles and then 40 miles and then longer to 200 and then 450 miles. I just kept pushing my limits more and more. This crossing was a way to discover life and live life to the fullest. I think it’s also a personality thing—you either want to push your limits and do these kinds of adventures or you don’t. 

OL: Tell me about what a typical day out on the water looked like.

Cyril: So I’d get up with the sun, usually at around 5:30 in the morning, and it would take me half an hour to get my food and gear, depending on the weather, ready for the day. Then I’d go to the cockpit and spend forty-five minutes desalinating water—at the halfway point of the crossing my electric watermaker broke so I had to use a manual one. After that, I would paddle from 7:30 until noon, take a break for an hour to have lunch and take a nap, then paddle from one in the afternoon until 5:30. After desalinating water for another hour and a half, I’d go back into the cabin and then go through a whole routine of hygiene, taking care to remove the salts from the ocean and taking care of little wounds. Then I’d write the blog for the day and get ready for bed as the sun started setting–-around 7:30 by the time I got closer to Hawaii. 

Once I was in bed, I still had to wake up every hour to make sure there weren’t any container ships coming too close to me. I always say the first two weeks are the hardest, because you have to adapt to sleeping twenty to thirty minutes at a time, but your body eventually adapts. You get used to waking up and checking the screen of the GPS really quickly and then going back to snooze. 

OL: How did you prepare for this trip, both physically and logistically? 

Cyril: Well, you know, there’s no bad weather, there’s only bad gear. So in 90 days, I can have any kind of weather, from really hot to really cold to really wet to really dry. So I had to have the right gear and the choice of gear was really important. Only experience can tell you what to take.

The 23-foot boat itself was created for ocean conditions. It can weather any kind of storm or really strong wind, as it’s a self-righting boat. There are solar panels that charge two lithium ion batteries, and that gives me electricity for all electronics in the boat, including the watermaker, my plotter, my communication satellite. I had to find a builder in England who could make the boat custom for me—it’s nothing like the sea kayaks that are made for going along the coast.

The boat itself isn’t very easy to maneuver—it’s made for going straight—but it can self-righten on its own if you do capsize. I did need to be attached at all times, because if I became separated from the boat it could be fatal. All in all it weighed about 800 pounds. 

Physically, it’s mostly the joints and tendons that are suffering when it’s a repetitive motion, but you also lose a lot of weight—fat as well as muscle mass. I had planned for 4,000 calories a day, but I had to ration at the halfway point because I was taking longer than my original estimate of 70 days—but even that was 220 pounds worth of weight, So I had to gain some weight in advance. At the end of the trip, I had lost 20 pounds, mostly in the muscles I didn’t use. I also took some Standard Process supplements, including Vitamin D—as I was covered up because the sun was so strong—and turmeric for inflammation.

In terms of mental preparation, I did a lot of different things. One is that I had a mental coach actually prepare me for what scenarios could happen and how I could cope. I also did yoga meditation and hypnosis with a guru in India to work on my unconscious levels. There’s so many factors that influence the way we behave in our unconscious, and hypnosis can help you create certainties in your mind that you don’t access at the conscious level. For instance, we did a hypnosis session for an hour where we put me under and then I repeated these 20 phrases that I wanted to be ingrained in my mind. You’re doing it…follow your guts … you’re arriving to Hawaii . And then I repeated them every day for four years, just before going to bed. Then, when something happened, those thoughts would come unconsciously. It just broke my fear of not being able to do it.

OL: Did anything unexpected happen on your journey? 

Cyril: I saw a lot of wildlife. Mahi-mahi, which are the predators of the sea, hunting flying fish. And the flying fish that were escaping would then be caught by birds as they were flying through the air. And then I saw frigatebirds and albatross as well as dolphins and marlins hunting them. Ninety days at sea, and at such a slow pace, I would see things that people do not normally see. Blue shrimp and squid jumping on the boat and things like that. It was just a beautiful connection with nature.

OL: What’s next? 

Cyril: Well, first is recovery, because I’ve lost a lot of muscle mass. I’m 46, so I need to rebuild that over the next six months and work on flexibility and mobility. I’ve lost a lot of that. So it’s going to be yoga and low-impact activities like swimming and biking. And after that, I’ve got a bucket list that is overflowing already. So I want to pick one thing in there and just do it, but I can’t say—otherwise my girlfriend’s gonna kill me.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to acknowledge Ed Gillet’s crossing in 1987 and distinguish Derreumaux’s feat from Gillet’s.

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Bay Area man becomes second ever to kayak from California to Hawaii

Cyril Derreumaux, 46, spent 91 days on a ‘magnificent adventure’, traveling 2,400 miles from Monterey to Hilo

After three months at sea, rationed meals and a brush with a tropical storm, a San Francisco Bay Area man became the second person to successfully kayak from California to Hawaii.

Cyril Derreumaux reached Hilo early Tuesday morning on his second attempt to complete the 2,400-mile journey, which he documented on social media.

“It was a magnificent adventure, clearly also a spiritual journey,” Derreumaux said in a statement. “Before leaving I couldn’t really explain why I wanted to take on this challenge, but I finally found all the answers to my questions on the water. I loved sharing my trip with all those who followed me on the map or the social networks.”

The 46-year-old has been working on the project for four years. He first intended to embark in 2020, but cancelled those plans due to Covid. Last year, rough seas and a damaged anchor derailed his first attempt after less than a week. A US Coast Guard helicopter rescued him outside Santa Cruz.

Derreumaux began this year’s trip in Monterey in June in a 23ft long kayak outfitted with a water desalination system and an interior cabin. The voyage, which required at least nine hours of rowing a day, brought no shortage of challenges.

His kayak developed a leak that flooded a compartment, and he was forced to shelter inside the vessel for two days as he crossed paths with tropical storm Estelle. Derreumaux, who is originally from France, had to manually pump water for nearly two hours a day after a machine broke down.

He was at sea three weeks longer than initial estimates indicated and had to ration food for the last leg of the 91-day-and-nine-hour trip, and disembark in Hilo rather than Honolulu as planned.

“I encountered all possible weather conditions during these three months. Very rough seas in which I had to stay locked inside my cabin, without even being able to sleep, it was so moving, but also an ocean that can be so calm that it transforms you deeply so much it fills you with tranquility,” Derreumaux said. “I experienced moments of pure magic when all the elements came together: calm of the sea, calm of the currents, calm of the winds, and the visit in the middle of nowhere of a bird.”

Ed Gillet was the first person to successfully complete the journey from California to Hawaii using a kayak in 1987, aided by a kite. In 2020, Lia Ditton journeyed from San Francisco to Honolulu in 86 days, in a rowboat rather than a kayak.

Dozens more have attempted the trip. Last summer, 19 people tried to cross the Pacific in small boats, according to the San Francisco Chronicle . At least two people have died in the effort since 2019, the newspaper reported .

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I commend the flight attendants on our SFO-SIN flight who went above and beyond to provide us with extra snacks and food. This type of service makes the flight experience personal and awesome.

When boarding, after business class should be premium economy, but economy class already lined-up at the gate blocking premium economy to board. Singapore airline crew should done a better job to organize this chaos :( Thank you.

It seems paying premium economy does not make difference with economy. No priority boarding, not worthy paying extra$$$ for premium economy.

People were so nice! Economy seats were small and cramped feeling for me. I’m slender and 6 feet tall

The singapore airline now compared before covid, I like the service before covid. SQ was the best of all airlines but now I am going to look for different airline if I am travelling in asia.

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They are great with every aspect of customer service. Helped my elderly father and aided him with using the restroom.

Due to the delay of my first flight, my connecting flight with JetBlue was canceled by Singapore Airlines, but the JetBlue crew was very accommodating and rebooked a seat for me. The crew was very nice and had good attitude.

The overall operation needs to be improved. The in-flight services took forever and sometimes ran out of options.

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Very comfortable Prem economy seats for a long haul flight. Had a problem with the tv that the crew fixed so was great!

Cathay Pacific seems to be an airline in trouble and on its way out. Lots of broken or poorly functioning things like entertainment screens, seats, and enough well trained staff to handle a full flight. Sad...

The flight crew was exceptionally good. Personal needs were well met. The food choices were very nice.

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While I was in great pain, the seat was sufficiently comfortable to allow me to rest and not be in so much pain.

we were upgraded which was a blessing and tender mercy for us. I fell the day before and was in extreme pain from knee to shoulder. Sitting in a more comfortable seat during the flight was an unexpected blessing and experience.

Seats were very comfortable. Crew were excellent. Food very good.

Flight crew was especially thoughtful and attentive, made sure our seats were comfortable so we could rest on the long flight

I felt thirsty and asked the flight attendent for water, but no one came for more than half an hour.

Everything went smooth. All flights were on time No changing gates, . No changing flights . It was like a completely different airlines tha n the last time I used Cathay Pacific . The last flight, 2 months ago, I had before this one was from Philippines also . I got changed in Manila and was told it only added 2 hours onto my flight . My 20 hour return trip ended up being 30 hours return with a 10.0 hour layover in New York with no seats anywhere . Everyone was sleeping or sitting on the floor . Unlike the hotel I was given in Manila to wait for this flight home . I never thought I would use Cathay Pacific again . But I did and this time you were great! I should have complained about the flight and layover from Hell a couple months ago. Consider that I am complaining about that august/23 flight now . Thank you got the great flying experience on my way home from philippines .

6hrs fly they dont give you a glass of water from seoul to singapore need to buy drink and food plus they charge for bag on international fly is always Free 1 bag from seoul to singapore is Not a local fly you are traveling true asia same story from singapore to Bali no water drink after payment for bag drink cost more the regular airline Well never use this company again we use regular company like Delta korea japan China and even scoot parent company Singapore Air

We had 2 attempts to land at Singapore Changing during a thunderstorm. Everything was delayed by 1 hour plus.

Boarding was not accordingly after front seat, bmf then back seat. This delayed for at least 40mins or more. The staff at Jakarta can do better. Is chaos at the entry to board the plane. This tarnished Scoot reputation when everyone was talking about it.

The crew was not customer oriented at all, even confrontational . The aircraft needs more attention to detail as far as comfort, and the 1 hour sitting at the gate with no air is inexcusable

We flew on the 787 Dreamliner direct to main gate at KLIA2, quick entry via eGate and on the train 41mins after touchdown. Go well SCOOT

Was on scoot plus. The only good thing about the flight was the spacious seats. Tables and armrests were extremely dirty Food: bad Entertainment: non existent Wifi: unable to connect, then was painfully slow that we couldn’t even send messages Good thing we had a night flight, so we just slept throughout.

Not clear why boarding passes could only be issued at the counter and not through the kiosk. I had already check-in on the web, so waiting to obtain a boarding pass 1.5 hours before the actual flight defeats the purpose of early web check-in.

no charging point. food offering is limited and very much on the budget line. Overall is not satisfying for such a price and duration of flight.

We were delayed, but there was never any update given. Everyone was standing at the gate as boarding was supposed to commence at 13:10 for a 13:55 flight. We didn't actually start getting on the shuttles to the plane, until after 14:00. No updates, no information given at all.

Scoot refused to change my flight even though I had booked a flexible ticket. MyTrip wanted to charge me an extra $271 for a ticket that was only listed as $217. I complained about this to scoot and they didn't give a shite. So never again will you be getting money from me Scoot. You can Scoot off.

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Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Good to know

Faqs for booking flights from hawaii to california, how does kayak find such low prices on flights from hawaii to california.

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Hawaii to California.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Hawaii to California?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to California from Hawaii is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Hawaii to California?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to California with an airline and back to Hawaii with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Hawaii to California?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to California from Hawaii up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top 4 airlines serving from Hawaii to California

I commend the flight attendants on our SFO-SIN flight who went above and beyond to provide us with extra snacks and food. This type of service makes the flight experience personal and awesome.

It was a great flight Food was great Crew was spectacular

In general good, but the machine seems to be long in operation and some functions were restricted as e. g. Adjusting of seats.

When boarding, after business class should be premium economy, but economy class already lined-up at the gate blocking premium economy to board. Singapore airline crew should done a better job to organize this chaos :( Thank you.

It seems paying premium economy does not make difference with economy. No priority boarding, not worthy paying extra$$$ for premium economy.

People were so nice! Economy seats were small and cramped feeling for me. I’m slender and 6 feet tall

The singapore airline now compared before covid, I like the service before covid. SQ was the best of all airlines but now I am going to look for different airline if I am travelling in asia.

They were able to assist my elderly father and myself after not being able to check in to scoot. The counter service was phenomenal. They did what they could to get us on the next plane so we could catch our Connecting flight. Scoot closed early on us so we ended up missing our flight.

They are great with every aspect of customer service. Helped my elderly father and aided him with using the restroom.

Due to the delay of my first flight, my connecting flight with JetBlue was canceled by Singapore Airlines, but the JetBlue crew was very accommodating and rebooked a seat for me. The crew was very nice and had good attitude.

Very comfortable Prem economy seats for a long haul flight. Had a problem with the tv that the crew fixed so was great!

Cathay Pacific seems to be an airline in trouble and on its way out. Lots of broken or poorly functioning things like entertainment screens, seats, and enough well trained staff to handle a full flight. Sad...

The flight crew was exceptionally good. Personal needs were well met. The food choices were very nice.

Excellent. Planes are a little older and could get some refurbishment, but besides that everything was excellent.

While I was in great pain, the seat was sufficiently comfortable to allow me to rest and not be in so much pain.

we were upgraded which was a blessing and tender mercy for us. I fell the day before and was in extreme pain from knee to shoulder. Sitting in a more comfortable seat during the flight was an unexpected blessing and experience.

Seats were very comfortable. Crew were excellent. Food very good.

Flight crew was especially thoughtful and attentive, made sure our seats were comfortable so we could rest on the long flight

I felt thirsty and asked the flight attendent for water, but no one came for more than half an hour.

Everything went smooth. All flights were on time No changing gates, . No changing flights . It was like a completely different airlines tha n the last time I used Cathay Pacific . The last flight, 2 months ago, I had before this one was from Philippines also . I got changed in Manila and was told it only added 2 hours onto my flight . My 20 hour return trip ended up being 30 hours return with a 10.0 hour layover in New York with no seats anywhere . Everyone was sleeping or sitting on the floor . Unlike the hotel I was given in Manila to wait for this flight home . I never thought I would use Cathay Pacific again . But I did and this time you were great! I should have complained about the flight and layover from Hell a couple months ago. Consider that I am complaining about that august/23 flight now . Thank you got the great flying experience on my way home from philippines .

6hrs fly they dont give you a glass of water from seoul to singapore need to buy drink and food plus they charge for bag on international fly is always Free 1 bag from seoul to singapore is Not a local fly you are traveling true asia same story from singapore to Bali no water drink after payment for bag drink cost more the regular airline Well never use this company again we use regular company like Delta korea japan China and even scoot parent company Singapore Air

We had 2 attempts to land at Singapore Changing during a thunderstorm. Everything was delayed by 1 hour plus.

Boarding was not accordingly after front seat, bmf then back seat. This delayed for at least 40mins or more. The staff at Jakarta can do better. Is chaos at the entry to board the plane. This tarnished Scoot reputation when everyone was talking about it.

The crew was not customer oriented at all, even confrontational . The aircraft needs more attention to detail as far as comfort, and the 1 hour sitting at the gate with no air is inexcusable

We flew on the 787 Dreamliner direct to main gate at KLIA2, quick entry via eGate and on the train 41mins after touchdown. Go well SCOOT

Was on scoot plus. The only good thing about the flight was the spacious seats. Tables and armrests were extremely dirty Food: bad Entertainment: non existent Wifi: unable to connect, then was painfully slow that we couldn’t even send messages Good thing we had a night flight, so we just slept throughout.

Not clear why boarding passes could only be issued at the counter and not through the kiosk. I had already check-in on the web, so waiting to obtain a boarding pass 1.5 hours before the actual flight defeats the purpose of early web check-in.

no charging point. food offering is limited and very much on the budget line. Overall is not satisfying for such a price and duration of flight.

We were delayed, but there was never any update given. Everyone was standing at the gate as boarding was supposed to commence at 13:10 for a 13:55 flight. We didn't actually start getting on the shuttles to the plane, until after 14:00. No updates, no information given at all.

Scoot refused to change my flight even though I had booked a flexible ticket. MyTrip wanted to charge me an extra $271 for a ticket that was only listed as $217. I complained about this to scoot and they didn't give a shite. So never again will you be getting money from me Scoot. You can Scoot off.

Delay flight more than 8hours waiting and poor customer service!

Plane was extremely small so mind the size of your carry on

Other than lack of snacks, everything else went very well.

They don’t keep you updated on the flight status very well. It was late but nothing said

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Second-Ever CA-to-HI Solo Kayak Trip Demands Persistence, Patience

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Cyril Derreumaux has completed his solo kayak trip from California to Hawaii. He arrived at Hilo on Sept. 20 after 92 days at sea. He’s only the second person to make the arduous journey by kayak.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on Explorersweb .

Cyril Derreumaux pushed off from Monterey, Calif., on June 21 in the company of well-wishers paddling a few strokes beside him. Then came 3 months of lonely effort. He had initially hoped to complete the 2,761-mile trip to Waikiki, Hawaii, in 70 days, but difficult conditions slowed his progress.

However, the seasoned paddler eventually prevailed. Success must taste even sweeter in the memory of his previous attempt, which ended after just 6 days and 70 miles .

A Rough Start

For the first few weeks, contrary winds pushed Derreumaux in the wrong direction. Rather than making progress, the daily goal became not losing distance. Constant swells made him seasick, and he felt very weak. On week two, the tubing that held his steering line disconnected and let water into the cabin.

Then after 46 days, his watermaker broke. From that point on, as well as rowing for 10 to 12 hours a day, he also spent 1-1.5 hours manually generating fresh water. And he spent several bad-weather days in his little cabin, on sea anchor.

It quickly became clear that the journey would take more than 70 days. By the halfway point, he started rationing food. Though he had calculated 6,000 calories a day to fuel all that rowing, he lost weight rapidly, even before rationing. With it, he began to doubt whether he would make it in time.

At the end of August, he decided to change his Hawaiian endpoint. Rather than land in Waikiki, he redirected to Hilo. This cut 6 days of paddling from the journey. It also meant that he had enough food to make the distance without resorting to eating toothpaste, like the first California-to-Hawaii kayaker, Ed Gillet , had done.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Cyril Derreumaux (@cyrildx)

Staying Entertained: Music, Seinfeld, and Dolphins

Derreumaux entertained himself by listening to music almost constantly. Before leaving, he had even downloaded Seinfeld to watch at night when he wasn’t rowing.

Along the way, he enjoyed watching dolphins swim and jump around the boat. By the end, hundreds of them had come to visit. Over the last few days of the voyage, he even had schools of mahi-mahi following him .

“A mahi-mahi pet fish followed me all day, I loved it!” he wrote on social media. “[It] left me yesterday morning. I guess he did not like when I played Celine Dion.”

As the journey progressed, Derreumaux became more relaxed and attuned to his surroundings. He found not seeing himself in a mirror to be a very “freeing experience.” He also established a kind of symbiosis with his custom-made boat, “Valentine.”

“I know her so well now,” he said. “I know how she behaves in what kind of waters, I know all the noises she makes and what they mean, I could find anything in the dark … it’s very special.”

Ed Gillet’s Example; Overcoming Failure

Ed Gillet’s original 1987 journey first inspired Derreumaux. Gillet was far less high-tech. He used an off-the-shelf kayak — no sleeping cabin, no extended storage — and had no means of communication for most of the journey. After 3 weeks at sea, Derreumaux said, “I am more in awe of Ed Gillet and what he accomplished [than ever].”

He first attempted the journey in 2021 but needed rescue after 6 days. Storms and swells damaged his boat and caused water to leak into the cabin. With conditions set to worsen, he abandoned the crossing.

But despite that embarrassing end, Derreumaux channeled the failure into improving his technique and boat.

He modified the sea anchor system, installed a satellite communication system, and added both a manual bilge pump and side panels to keep water out of the cockpit. He also trained to be more familiar with how his kayak behaved in high winds, he told Honolulu’s KHON 2 .

This was not Derreumaux’s first time crossing the ocean from California to Hawaii. In 2016, he and his teammates broke the speed record for rowing in the Great Pacific Race. Paddlers have since broken the mark , but the four-man team covered the roughly 2,800 miles from Monterey, Calif., to Oahu, Hawaii, in 39 days, 9 hours, and 56 minutes.

In the end, adjustment, experience, and persistence all added up to success for the paddler. He signed off on his 92-day voyage with messages of gratitude to his supporters and team.

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‘I can do it’: Kayaker reattempts solo voyage from California to Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - With a new and improved kayak, ocean adventurer Cyril Derreumaux is gearing up for a solo kayak trip across the Pacific.

The Northern California resident is going to reattempt to sail from California to Hawaii.

Last year, he attempted to make the trek but after six days of paddling in high winds and rough seas, he was forced to call the U.S. coast guard and abort the mission.

“I want to try again because I think I can do it,” he said. “I think the weather was completely unusual last time and had technical issues.”

Derreumaux took the setback as a learning experience and made modifications to his kayak.

“It’s really about inventing new things on the boat,” he said.

The 45-year-old will embark alone on the 70-day trip, however he will have on-land support.

“On land I’ve got a crew of a weather router, who’s going to give me the indication on the weather every day,” said Derreumaux. “I’ve got a medical team that is with me and who’s going to be talking to me every day to see how I’m doing physically, mentally.”

Back in 2016, Derreumaux was on a four-person crew that set a Guinness World Record by rowing from Monterey to Honolulu in 39 days.

He says this upcoming voyage could take 70 days.

When asked about this journey ahead, Derreumaux says he hopes it will inspire others.

“This is what I want to do to with my life,” he said. “I’m trying to live the best life that I can and I invite people to do the same with their own lives.”

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California-to-Hawaii kayaking journey completed only once before

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A kayaker has completed a solo journey from California to Hawaii once before, in 1987.

It has been attempted a couple times since, most recently last week, in an effort that ended Tuesday with the U.S. Coast Guard rescuing a 57-year-old man 11 days after he set out.

On the other hand, the route has been done several times in a rowboat and is coincidentally currently being attempted by dozens of rowers participating in the first-ever Great Pacific Race.

Four of these entrants will attempt to row solo, and three started the voyage Monday from Monterey. The fourth was held back by equipment issues and will start when weather conditions allow.

The Coast Guard called race organizers to see whether the rescued kayaker was affiliated, although he was not. This is the first year of the race, and participants are expected to take anywhere from one to three months to finish, said race director Chris Martin.

Ed Gillet, the only kayaker to complete the route, completed the 2,200-mile trip in 63 days. A San Diego native and 36 at the time, he expected the trip to last only 40 days. He arrived in Maui on a Thursday with an empty stomach, bloody hands from paddling and relatives who feared he was lost, according to an L.A. Times story.

His relatives had contacted the Coast Guard, the commandant of the Navy and even then-President Ronald Reagan in attempts to find him.

Gillet began his journey from Monterey Bay, seemingly inspiring last week’s would-be copycat to follow in his footsteps by doing the same.

The technology available to him, however, was not the same. He worked out trig solutions to sun sights to determine his location, according to an interview with Canoe & Kayak Magazine.

“I knew exactly where I was every minute. My fear was that I was going so slowly I wouldn’t make it to the islands before I starved,” Gillet said in the interview.

The kayaker rescued Tuesday used GPS, which became a non-option once the solar panel he used to recharge his electronics malfunctioned.

Although Gillet completed the trip, it was difficult. Starvation was a real danger and he had a psychological reaction to a sleeping tablet, among other difficulties.

“The exposure level was relentless on my paddling trip. I never felt comfortable or stretched out or made a really good meal for the two months I spent on the Hawaii trip. It was like spending two months on a Porta-ledge-hanging-bivouac in the rain,” Gillet said.

It was not the first long kayaking trip Gillet completed. in 1984, he took a year to paddle 4,500 miles up the west coast of South America.

“Crossing oceans and paddling coastlines is what I’m really good at. I kind of flounder on land,” he said in the interview when asked why he did the California-to-Hawaii trip.

In an essay posted online, he revealed even more of his thought process behind the trip.

“The trip seemed to me to be the kayaking equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest,” Gillet wrote. “It was the most difficult trip I could conceive of surviving.”

For breaking news in Los Angeles and the Southland, follow @Caitlin__Owens

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Marin Kayaker Successfully Rows Himself From California to Hawaii

The second time was the charm for French-born, Marin-based kayaker Cyril Derreumaux, who set off for Hawaii on a solo kayak journey earlier this summer and made it there earlier this week.

"I was so glad I could share the whole journey on social media," Derreumaux tells KTVU, sporting a very full and robust beard after his 92-day (!) kayaking trip. "Having people that connect with not just the kayaking side, or even the adventure side, it's more the human spiritual journey that I was on."

Derreumaux, 45, only made it six days into his first attempt at this insane feat last year, getting stuck in impossible currents about 50 miles off the coast of Santa Cruz and having to call in a Coast Guard rescue .

But now, the stubborn and stalwart adventurer can claim to be the first person ever to complete a solo kayaking trip across the Pacific to Hawaii. He made the trip — which he'd estimated would take 60 to 70 days — in a custom-built 23-foot craft equipped with a sleeping cabin, navigational equipment, a mini-desalinization machine for water, and a sea anchor. He left from Monterey in late June .

"Before leaving I couldn't really explain why I wanted to take on this challenge, but I finally found all the answers to my questions on the water," Derreumaux said in a statement after he landed in Hilo Bay on Tuesday. "I encountered all possible weather conditions during these 3 months. Very rough seas in which I had to stay locked inside my cabin, without even being able to sleep, it was so moving, but also an ocean that can be so calm that it transforms you deeply so much it fills you with tranquility. I experienced moments of pure magic when all the elements came together: calm of the sea, calm of the currents, calm of the winds, and the visit in the middle of nowhere of a bird. It was so simple and so beautiful."

Other adventurers have completed the California-to-Hawaii trip in other types of crafts — including El Gillet in 1987, who completed the trip in in 63 days in a store-bought kayak with a propulsion kite. And in 2020, British rower Lia Dutton completed the Bay Area-to-Hawaii journey in a rowboat in 86 days.

Photo by Tom Gomes

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Man kayaks from California to Hawaii in 91 days

J.J. Bullock

( NewsNation ) — It took him 91 days to complete a 2,400-mile trek from California to Hawaii in a kayak, but adventurer Cyril Derreaumaux can now say he is one of two people ever to complete the feat.

Derreaumaux trained for four years for his journey. Storms set him back, as did the COVID-19 pandemic, but perseverance won, and after all the hard work and training, Derreaumaux’s kayak made it to Hawaii.

“The hardest part … it’s not just one, it’s a long journey, 91 days of journey, but I feel it’s more like 90 times one day, and you have to have the flexibility to readapt your vision of each different day so that you’re going through it,” Derreaumaux said. “Halfway point, I reached it after 49 days and I thought, ‘This is going to be a relief because now it’s only downhill from here, but actually it was hard. It’s like I ate half an elephant and I still have another half to eat.”

Derreaumaux’s full interview can be viewed in the video above.

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How a Bay Area man became 2nd ever to solo kayak from CA to Hawaii, after 91-day journey

HILO, HI (KGO) -- After 91 days, 2,400 miles, and one tropical storm, a Marin man is now the second person ever to kayak successfully from California to Hawaii.

ABC7 News caught up with Cyril Derreumaux after his historic solo journey concluded in Hilo last week. He set off from Monterey in June in a modified kayak that had pedals as well as a small sleeping cabin, but no engine or sail to help.

Derreumaux first attempted the mission last summer in 2021, with a goal to reach Hawaii in 64 days to break the Guinness World Record, but had to stop because of weather and equipment issues.

"I wanted to do this to enjoy life, so safety was always the most important, and if I have to call for the US Coast Guard because, at that time it was 35 knots of wind, and I stayed stuck in the cabin for three days," Derreumaux said.

RELATED: Bay Area man on mission to kayak from Sausalito to Honolulu rescued off Santa Cruz coast

He then set off again this past summer. He says that he learned from his last attempt and modified his boat, improved his training, and created more mental tricks to help him along the way.

Derreumaux says he would paddle 10 hours a day, and that training the right tendons in his body was important. He would paddle four hours in the morning, two in the afternoon, and four in the late afternoon.

"I went easy, and you need to have the right calories," he said. "I was eating 4,000 calories a day, I was making sure that I would rest sufficiently at night."

It wasn't just his longer beard that changed over the last three months.

"I went very personal in my spiritual journey," Derreumaux said, noting that he would post to his website and social media along the way and was touched by how people connected with him.

RELATED: All-female team breaks world record by rowing 2,400 nautical miles from San Francisco to Hawaii

"People outside of the kayaking world, outside of the ultra-endurance adventure, connected with the message of living life to the fullest and make following your passion, and that was beautiful to see the feedback of my crossing," he said.

Friends and family met Derreumaux in Hawaii as he finally achieved his goal.

"My 22-foot-boat world came to an end when I arrived in Hilo," Derreumaux said. "With all those hugs, it was fantastic."

He said that he's looking forward to more hugs from people when he gets back to the Bay Area, and then he'll be out kayaking again.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

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Man Kayaks 2,400 Miles From California to Hawaii in 91 Days

Recently, a San Francisco-area man completed a three-month kayak trip at sea, traveling the 2,400-mile journey from California to Hawaii. He was only the second person to complete the amazing trek.

Cyril Derreumaux left Monterey in June and aimed his kayak towards Hawaii. This was not his first attempt at the journey; he was going to try in 2020, but COVID-19 interrupted his plans. In 2021, Derreumaux launched into the water again, but just a week into the paddle, he damaged his anchor and hit rough seas. He and his team on land decided to call it, and the U.S. Coast Guard rescued him in a helicopter just outside Santa Cruz.

On the most recent attempt, Derreumaux finally succeeded. His trip was in a 23-foot custom kayak with a water desalination system and a sleeping cabin, and the 46-year-old shared every paddle stroke with his social media followers along the way.

"It was a magnificent adventure, clearly also a spiritual journey," Derreumaux said in a statement . "Before leaving, I couldn't really explain why I wanted to take on this challenge, but I finally found all the answers to my questions on the water. I loved sharing my trip with all those who followed me on the map or the social networks."

Derreumaux, who was born in France, considers himself a world citizen. He devoted himself to this goal and worked through rough patches to succeed. The first few days of the successful trip brought sea sickness, diet adjustments, reduced sleep, and increased physical issues. The most difficult of all was the strong currents and winds trying to send him back to the U.S. and Mexican coasts. The trip took three weeks longer than he had planned, but Derreumaux rationed his food for the trip's final leg and spent nine hours a day rowing. The trip was supposed to end in Honolulu, but he chose to disembark in Hilo instead.

"I encountered all possible weather conditions during these three months. Very rough seas in which I had to stay locked inside my cabin, without even being able to sleep, it was so moving, but also an ocean that can be so calm that it transforms you deeply so much it fills you with tranquility," Derreumaux said in a press release. "I experienced moments of pure magic when all the elements came together: calm of the sea, calm of the currents, calm of the winds, and the visit in the middle of nowhere of a bird."

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Second attempt: Kayaker prepares for solo journey from California to Hawaii

by: Chelsee Yee

Posted: May 23, 2022 / 12:32 PM HST

Updated: May 23, 2022 / 01:06 PM HST

In June, he's giving it his best shot to journey across 2,400 nautical miles of the Pacific Ocean

HONOLULU (KHON2) — In 2021, a kayaker trying to paddle solo from California to Hawaii was rescued six days after he set off to embark on a 70-day journey. Cyril Derreumaux had spent the last three years preparing for his biggest adventure, but it was cut short after he endured several issues.

This summer, Derreumaux is trying again. He knows what to do differently now.

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“When it comes to learning about crossing an ocean as a solo person, you can read all the books you want, you can talk to all the people that have done it before, you can listen to all the podcast you want, you can even have done it before as a team, there is nothing that will prepare you for what’s actually coming other than living through it,” Derreumaux said. “That’s called experience, and it’s as raw as it gets, believe me.”

The 45-year-old father of two shared that there’s nothing that can prepare you to handle 14-foot waves in 35-knots of winds on a 23-foot kayak, other than going through it.

“ On my first attempt, I had technical issues and limits that I have reached. Over the past year, I have trained a lot to improve on them, to give it my best shot today,” said Derreumaux.

Starting in June, Derreumaux will be using the same ocean kayak — named “Valentine” after his sister — to journey across 2,400 nautical miles of the Pacific Ocean.

“This amazing kayak is very seaworthy, built very strong and perfect for this kind of trans-oceanic expedition,” he said.

Following his first attempt and training runs, Derreumaux has made constant improvements all along the year. Those modifications include:

• Modification of the sea anchor system and its lines, to the rudder, to the daggerboard well
• Specific training in high wind situations off the coast of Santa Cruz, California
• Installation of a satellite communication system with an external antenna, enabling him to make phone calls and emails from inside the cabin
• Custom side panels were added to prevent side entry of water into the cockpit
• Addition of a manual bilge pump inside the cockpit, to second the electric one

“I have been preparing for this solo kayak adventure for four years now,” Derreumaux said. “Designing the boat, having it custom built, improving it for months and months, doing sea trials after sea trials, I now am approaching the starting line again. I am happy with my equipment and gear, I know how to use them and repair them, now I just have to put it all together and make it happen.”

“It’s going to be terribly hard, but I will do my absolute best to make it a success.” Cyril Derreumaux

As an ultra-endurance athlete, Derreumaux has a long list of expeditions under his belt.

In 2016, he successfully rowed across the Pacific Ocean from Monterey, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii, as part of a 4-man crew, in an expedition of just under 40 days. The journey earned them a Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing on that distance.

And Derreumaux is no stranger to crossing distances. After a quiet childhood in the north of France, he started to travel and live abroad. He’s lived in Spain, England, Italy, Argentina, Brazil and can speak five languages fluently.

At the age of 25, Derreumaux backpacked around the world for a full year. When he turned 32, Derreumaux started canoeing and kayaking when he moved to California, a place he’s called home for 14 years now. He said playing in the Bay Area led him to follow his heart over and over again.

“I like to push my own boundaries and live all the experiences that I dare to dream for myself,” Derreumaux said. “Each year, I took on a higher challenge, pushing my own limits and enjoying the process and the results along the way.”

To live a life of adventure, Derreumaux was inspired very early by South Afrikaner Mike Horn, and lately by Spaniard Antonio De La Rosa. For this adventure in a solo kayak, he was inspired by American Ed Gillet’s crossing of the mid-pacific in 1987, by British Peter Bray’s crossing of the North Atlantic in 2001, and Kiwi Scott Donaldson’s crossing of the Tasman Sea in 2018.

“My dream is to be able to keep having incredible adventures and share them through speaking engagements and group/personal coaching. Wouldn’t that be amazing to do that full time?! I think I have a natural talent for communicating my love for life to other, and inspire them to love it to, so I want to go after that,” Derreumaux said.

His goal after he reaches Hawaii? To spend some peaceful days on the island and then spend quality time with the people he loves.

“I will also make sure to rest mentally, and fully recover physically,” he said. “These adventures are hard, and you pay a toll physically. You lose weight, your muscles shrink, your tendons suffer, your body pushes itself to survival mode. It is very tough. Recovery is key if one wants to go for another go at it later in the future.”

Derreumaux adds that he will also go back to enjoying the simple things in life that we take for granted but are missing in a boat: a hot shower, dry sheets and pillow, cold ice cream, singing birds and lovely flowers.

“These expeditions have the great benefits of reminding you on how good life is, at every level!” he said.

Derreumaux is also no stranger to Hawaii — every time he goes, he loves it even more. He finished four times in the Molokai Hoe Canoe Race at Waikiki Beach, where he also finished his rowing adventure in 2016. It’s a place that now means a lot to Derreumaux, and he can’t wait to arrive there in a kayak.

“Life is an adventure, live it! Get inspired by my adventure, that’s great, but find and chase your own. I personally want to live life to the fullest. In other words, I want to live the best life that I can imagine,” he said. “For me, life is an adventure, so I imagine, plan, and go after what makes me vibrate. Wouldn’t want it any other way, and I hope to remind people that they should put a bit of that mindset in their own lives too.”

Check out what’s going on around the nation on our National News page

A live map is planned to be updated every hour when Derreumaux leaves California in early June. Click here to follow his journey.

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Solo kayaker completes journey from California to Hawaii

by: Alex Baker

Posted: Sep 22, 2022 / 12:03 PM PDT

Updated: Sep 22, 2022 / 12:03 PM PDT

( KRON ) — A French-born kayaker has successfully completed the over 2,400-mile journey from Monterey to Hawaii in a solo expedition. Cyril Derreumaux , who describes himself as a “world traveler, serial entrepreneur and avid adventurer” on his website, set out in June and completed the 91 day, nine hour journey on Tuesday.

He completed the journey on his own, paddling his ocean kayak “Valentine,” through fog, rough seas, wind and swells. Along the way, he encountered whales, sunfish, albatross and even flying fish that were so big and flew so high, he mistook them for birds. According to a liveblog tracker of the journey, he faced obstacles that included headwinds, “gnarly seas” and having to fix his boat “McGyver style.”

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While on his journey, he slept in an onboard “cocoon,” found motivation in music, poured water over his head to stay cool and even celebrated his 46th birthday. While a previous attempt to make the journey solo from San Francisco was unsuccessful , he made the trip with teammates in 2016, taking first place in the Great Pacific Rage, an ocean rowing race from Monterey to Oahu.

Along with updates on his progress, he posted messages along the way, the final post of the trip coming earlier this week as he paddled into Hilo.

“Last post of the trip,” he posted. “Hard to find what to say. Keep it simple, that’s always best. The one thought that comes to mind is THANK YOU.”

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Journey from California to Hawaii Becomes a Nightmare for Kayaker

Back in 1987, an ocean kayaker by the name of Ed Gillett completed a solo paddling expedition from California to Hawaii. At the time, such a journey was seen as foolhardy and dangerous and yet Gillett managed to survive the ocean adventure, which began in Monterey Bay and ended in Maui 64 days later.

The 2500-mile (4023km) voyage was so difficult that no one has successfully completed it since. But that didn’t prevent a French-born, American adventurer by the name of Cyril Derreumaux from giving it a go recently. A few weeks back, he embarked on his own attempt to follow in Gillett’s wake and write his name in the record books in the process. Unfortunately, things didn’t go quite as expected and the intrepid paddler had to be rescued before he even truly got the chance to get started.

Solo and Unsupported Across the Pacific

On May 31, Derreumaux launched his custom-made kayak—dubbed Valentine in honor of his sister—from San Francisco Bay. Turning west towards the Pacific Ocean and the Hawaiian Islands, he expected the journey to take about 70 days to complete, requiring him to cover approximately 2100 nautical miles (2416 miles/3889 km) along the way.

To make things even more challenging, the paddler was making the journey completely solo and unsupported as well. In adventure jargon that means he would be alone the entire way and wouldn’t receive outside assistance from another boat. In fact, he wouldn’t even have a support vessel following along, meaning he had no safety net should anything go wrong.

This was exactly how Gillette had done it more than three decades earlier and Derreumaux felt that it was the only possible way to try to recreate that feat. Besides, ocean rowers have been going it alone for decades and this would be just another attempt at an open-ocean crossing, albeit in a kayak rather than a rowboat.

According to his social media outlets ( Twitter and Facebook ), Cyril has run into some difficult conditions and has even spent several days on his sea anchor waiting for things to improve. The anchor can hold the Valentine in place without giving up too much ground while he waits for calmer winds that will allow him to resume the journey.

Off to a Promising Start

Heading out of the San Francisco harbor, the weather was nearly perfect, allowing Derreumaux to cover 35 miles (57 km) on just the first day. Not long after that however, things started to deteriorate with rough seas and high winds starting to close in. By day 2, he saw his distance drop to 29 miles (48 km), which while still respectable, would be a sign of things to come.

In the days that followed, conditions only continued to get worse. By day three, progress had slowed to a crawl as big waves and high winds conspired to keep Cyril from making any progress. He managed just a few more miles after his promising start and now he found himself paddling hard just to avoid losing ground.

By June 4, things had gotten so bad that Derreumaux decided to deploy his sea anchor. Resembling a parachute, this device is tossed into the water and is meant to hold a rowboat or ocean kayak in place. With the anchor out, all he could do was sit and wait for things to improve, climbing inside the tiny cabin at the back of his custom-built boat to escape the elements. He would end up waiting a very long time.

Ocean Rescue

Two days after deploying the sea anchor, Derreumeux was still locked in place with the weather continuing to get worse. Windspeeds reached 35-40 mph (55-65 km/h), with gusts up to 50 mph (80 km/h) at times. In those conditions, Cyril wasn’t thinking about paddling to Hawaii, he was just thinking about survival.

To make matters worse, the forecast indicated that the weather was likely to remain poor or even deteriorate further. After more than four days of holding in place and waiting for things to get better, Derreumeux made the difficult decision to call the U.S. Coast Guard for a rescue.

A helicopter was dispatched in the night to retrieve the ocean kayaker, who was airlifted off the water and flown back to shore. Once on land however, it didn’t take him long to start thinking about resuming the journey.

Not Giving Up

Now that things have calmed down some and he is safely back on land, Derreumeux has vowed to keep trying to complete his journey. The first step in that process will be recovering his kayak, which is still adrift at sea. The custom-made boat was designed specifically for this voyage and is equipped with radios, GPS tracking devices, navigation systems, and solar panels to keep everything functioning.

It is unclear whether or not the experienced paddler will be able to get back underway yet this year or if he’ll have to wait for 2022 instead. Originally he had planned to paddle from California to Hawaii last year, but the COVID pandemic had shut those plans down. Crossing the Pacific in such a small vessel requires proper timing in order to avoid the storm season and it seems likely that by the time his kayak is recovered, brought back to shore, and prepped for relaunch, the window for this year will likely have closed.

To get further updates on his plans and progress, check out Cyril’s website here .

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How to spend the ultimate weekend on Oʻahu, Hawaii

Apr 25, 2024 • 7 min read

Make the most of a short visit to O'ahu, Hawaii, with this itinerary © Pgiam / Getty Images

There’s a reason why Oʻahu is nicknamed the Gathering Place – it’s the Hawaiian island that has everything.

Here you'll enjoy buzzy restaurants, golden beaches , luxe resorts, historic sites, walkable neighborhoods, trendy boutiques and hiking trails with breathtaking panoramic views.

Born and raised on the island, Oʻahu is more than just my home. It’s where I surfed my first wave, where I fell in love with hiking, where I always want to come back to after traveling elsewhere. It combines the excitement of city life with the laid-back island vibe of sunny beaches, verdant mountains and mai tais by the pool.

A long weekend may not be enough – but it’s a start. First, here are some quick tips to help you plan:

• When to arrive: Arriving on a Thursday morning is perfect. That way you’ll have a full day to rest and unwind before an extended 3-day weekend.
• How to get from the airport: It's best to rent a car at the airport. You’ll need one to explore the entire island (the  public bus system is great, with stops all over Oʻahu, but it’s faster to get around in a rental car). Rideshare is available, too; the average cost from the airport to Waikiki (about 9 miles) is $30.
• Getting around: The city bus has routes all over the island, with stops at the most popular visitor attractions on Oʻahu. The Waikiki Trolley offers limited routes, the farthest to Sea Life Park, about 15 miles from Waikiki. The  city’s only bikeshare program is available in urban Honolulu . To see all of Oʻahu, though, you’ll need a rental car.
• Where to stay: Of all the islands, Oʻahu has the most diverse range of accommodations, from budget-friendly  Hotel Renew in Waikiki to the luxe  Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu in Ko ʻOlina on the island’s west side. It’s the only island with a  Disney-themed hotel , complete with water slides and character-filled breakfast experiences.
• What to pack: Bring casual beachwear, something warm just in case, shoes you can walk and hike in, something dressy for dinner, swimwear, flip flops (we call them slippers) and reef-safe sunscreen.

Want to spend time on the beach? Here's our guide to the best in Hawaii

Morning: Assuming you’re staying in Waikiki, wake up and head out early. Grab a bullet coffee or acai bowl at Sunrise Shack , a cute North Shore-based cafe started by surfers with a location in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort . If you’re looking for a casual breakfast, head to Heavenly Island Lifestyle Waikiki ; this laid-back spot has a variety of brunch dishes, from sweet bread French toast with local honey and fruits to a spicy tomato shakshuka. Morning is the best time to walk along Waikiki Beach and watch surfers nab early waves.

How to spend the day: Waikiki is the birthplace of surfing – and it also happens to be the best place on the island to learn the sport. Book with locally owned Waikīkī Beach Services for a 75-minute lesson in the friendly waves where Native Hawaiian Olympians Duke Kahanamoku and Carissa Moore both grew up surfing. Or jump in an outrigger canoe – an important part of Hawaiʻi’s rich culture – to catch waves. This is the only place on the island where you can experience outrigger canoe surfing.

My go-to, post-surf lunch spot is Rainbow Drive-In on Kapahulu Ave. This local favorite, around for more than 60 years, serves hearty plate lunches and slush floats, which I highly recommend. For something lighter, get an ahi poke (cubed raw fish) bowl from nearby  ʻOno Seafood . Try the boiled peanuts – it’s a local specialty.

Dinner: Sip on handcrafted cocktails at sunset at Hau Tree , the oceanfront restaurant at the revamped Kaimana Beach Hotel. Share a bunch of small plates or splurge on the housemade pasta or fresh fish entrées. If you want to get out of Waikiki, Chinatown – about 4 miles west – boasts some of the island’s best restaurants, including Fête Hawaiʻi , a hip bistro with great cocktails and dishes inspired by French, Italian, Korean and Hawaiʻi flavors. In 2022, chef-owner Robynne Maii was the first female chef from Hawaii to win the prestigious James Beard Award, the state’s first in nearly 20 years. I’m obsessed with the Chaz burger, local-style carbonara and the Rocky Road to Hana ice cream. Reservations are required.

After dark: Oʻahu is the only Hawaiian island with a robust nightlife, and Waikiki is a great spot to find live music. Located in the Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort, Blue Note Hawaii is an intimate venue – just 326 seats with a full-service restaurant and bar – that hosts a range of musical and comedy talents, from LeeAnn Rimes to Rob Schneider. Halekūlani’s House Without a Key offers traditional hula and live Hawaiian music until 10pm.

Morning: Get an early start with a 30-mile drive to the North Shore along the Kamehameha Highway (that means heading east toward Kahuku.) The drive is part of the experience. This two-lane highway hugs the coastline, passing through rural towns, past roadside farm stands and stretches of empty beaches. Stop for a Spam musubi (block of rice with a slice of fried Spam on top, wrapped with a strip of nori) and butter mochi at the family-run Kaya’s Store in Hauʻula or a slice of chocolate- haupia (coconut) pie at Ted’s Bakery near Sunset Beach.

How to spend the day: If you’re on Oʻahu during the winter months, you’ll likely witness the spectacle surrounding the seasonal big waves. Beaches are packed with surfers and spectators, eager to catch the winter’s monster surf. During other times of the year, though, this stretch of coastline is quieter, the beaches less crowded. Laniakea Beach is a popular stop to see honu , or Hawaiian green sea turtles, basking on the beach (you have to stay at least 10ft away from them on land and in water). Or grab a snorkel – you can rent one from a surf shop – and hit Shark’s Cove, with natural rocky outcroppings that protect tide pools home to more than 70 fish species (this is a summer activity, as ocean conditions are calm). Feast on garlicky shrimp scampi from Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck or head to the roadside cafe at the family-run Kahuku Farms for a smoothie, slice of farm pizza or acai bowl, the ingredients of which are grown on-site.

Dinner: There’s nothing better than eating outdoors — except eating farm-to-table dishes crafted by James Beard Award-winning local chef Roy Yamaguchi. His restaurant, Roy’s Beach House at the recently updated Turtle Bay Resort , offers stunning ocean views and a menu that includes inventive sushi rolls, seafood and his signature molten chocolate cake. If you’re here on a Wednesday, the hotel’s Paniolo Lūʻau is worth checking out.

Like to walk? Here's our guide to the top hiking routes in Hawaii  

Morning: Catch the sunrise at the top of the Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail, better known as the Lanikai Pillbox Trail. It’s a 1-mile, mostly uphill trek to two concrete pillboxes built in early 1943. I park at Kailua Beach and walk to the trailhead, which is tucked away in a residential neighborhood. There’s no better view of the famous Nā Mokulua (“twin islands”) off Lanikai Beach. Then head to Over Easy , a casual family-run eatery that serves crispy-edged pancakes, Cinnamon Toast Crunch-crusted French Toast and (my favorite) potato ‘n‘ eggs.

How to spend the day: I regularly walk Kailua Beach , which stretches for 2.5 miles with views of Popoiʻa Island (aka Flat Island) and the Mokulua Islands. Enjoy a nice stroll or just sit and watch the action: kiteboarders, canoe paddlers, swimmers, folks walking their dogs. Stop at Kalapawai Market for a quick snack, sandwich or fish taco. This coastal town is very walkable, with cute boutiques, hip coffee shops and trendy restaurants all nearby. Treat yourself to shave ice at Island Snow Hawaiʻi ; the shop (which Hawaiʻi-born President Barack Obama frequents) boasts all-natural syrups in island flavors like lilikoʻi (passion fruit), guava, Kona coffee and dragon fruit. Then wander through the aisles of Bookends , a beloved new and used bookshop, where you can find beach (or airplane) reads for under $5. 

If you must now end your Oʻahu vacation, make the 30-minute drive from Kailua to the airport. If not, explore the rest of this beach town, to see what else Oʻahu has to offer. And trust me, there’s a lot more.

Keep planning your trip to Hawaii:

Figure out the best island for your trip Learn the best times to avoid the crowds Check out our first-timer's guide to  Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

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16 Romantic Getaways in the U.S. For Couples

Posted: April 27, 2024 | Last updated: April 27, 2024

Taking time away from your busy life to spend quality time with your partner should always be a priority. If you and your special someone need an escape, we have a few recommendations.

We chose places with a prominent romantic aura, like a small town or mountain city. Whether you’re an outdoorsy couple, enjoy a more luxurious trip, or want something quiet and calm, one of these spots will be perfect.

From Hawaii to Alaska to Massachusetts, these getaway spots have something distinct to offer, setting them apart from any other location. Choose from beach trips, vineyard adventures, Southern spots, and more for your next romantic vacation.

1. Napa Valley, California

Couples who love wine and sunshine will be in heaven in Napa Valley. This area is everything people say it is, with wineries, local stores, and an overall cheerful, appealing vibe.

The scenery in wine country is breathtaking, but there’s more to it than vineyards. Couples can go on romantic hot-air balloon rides or stay at boutique inns or a resort. There’s a hot nightlife scene, so it’s ideal for couples who want an elevated, energetic vacation that also allows for relaxation.

2. Lanai, Hawaii

Lanai is a popular destination for honeymooners because it’s romantic and magical. Finding a spot in Hawaii that isn’t stunning is tough, but Lanai is special. We recommend this island for those who want a luxury getaway.

There are five-star hotels and dining options, exquisite sunsets, pristine beaches, and more. If you want a romantic escape where you can pamper one another and unwind, Lanai is ideal. Plus, you can always island hop to see the rest of the state.

3. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is easily one of the most beautiful places in the United States, but it’s not as popular as one would think. The aged trees that line the streets, the warm, sunny weather, the delicious Southern food, and the Georgian architecture are just a few elements that make this city stand out.

Savannah has a distinct charm, offering modern amenities but a vintage atmosphere. It’s ideal for couples who want to escape their busy city life and retreat somewhere with a slower pace and lots of character.

4. Honeymoon Island State Park, Florida

The name of this location says it all. It’s one of Florida’s most beloved state parks, with several miles of shoreline and dazzling ocean views. The area features small cafes, gift stores, and beach shops, adding to the quaint coastal vibe.

Unlike many other popular destinations in Florida, this place doesn’t have a wild nightlife or an intense tropical vibe. Instead, it offers a quiet atmosphere, perfect for a romantic, peaceful getaway by the beach.

5. Amelia Island, Florida

Another lesser-known spot in Florida is Amelia Island. The small island is something of a hidden gem and isn’t usually crowded. It has a luxury vibe, with high-end resorts and golf courses.

The clean beaches, Main Beach Park sand dunes, and boardwalk contribute to the dreamy coastal vibe. However, The island also has an exciting downtown scene. It’s historic but also features lovely sidewalk cafes and small eateries.

6. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket is definitely not a secret spot , but it’s undeniably one of the most romantic locations in the U.S. This island off the coast of Massachusetts has a reputation for being beautiful, cozy, and idyllic. It’s all that and more.

From the small stores to enticing eateries to picturesque harbor views, it’s hard to find something to dislike about the area. The island has a small-town vibe, which is wonderful for reconnecting with your partner and rejuvenating.

7. Adirondacks, New York

The Adirondacks are another famous location, but they’re not overhyped. It’s an excellent destination for couples who want a mountain getaway with hiking, skiing, and other outdoor adventures.

No matter what the season, the Adirondacks are beautiful, with flourishing greenery or snow-capped peaks. We recommend this destination for those who want a thrilling, romantic getaway where they can connect with each other and nature.

8. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole doesn’t sound like a nice place, but that’s not the case. This area in Wyoming has some of the most splendid mountain resorts in the country. It offers a luxury experience among some of the prettiest peaks in the world.

You can see mountain wildlife, visit the highly-rated spas, eat at fine dining locations, attend rodeos, and more. The town is filled with adventure but also has art galleries, stores, and other in-town amenities for couples who want a calmer vacation.

9. Vail, Colorado

Vail is a town surrounded by beautiful mountains and small businesses. We love Vail because, while it can be expensive, it also has some affordable options. You don’t have to be wealthy to enjoy a getaway here.

It’s ideal for snow bunnies, so it’s our top choice for ski couples. It’s also fun in the summer, with golfing, hiking, and fly fishing. You can plan your trip to coincide with one of the exciting cultural festivals or go during a quieter time of year.

10. Camden, North Carolina

Camden is an excellent place for couples who want a memorable, cozy escape. It has bed and breakfast inns, an inviting downtown area, taverns, funky art shops, and more.

You won’t run out of things to do here, even if you spend an entire week in town. The area offers horse racing, tennis courts, and wine bars. The only problem is that after a day or two, you’ll never want to leave.

11. Willamette Valley, Oregon

Most people associate California with fine vineyards and wine, but Oregon is an up-and-coming destination for wine lovers. Willamette Valley is the ultimate Oregon destination for vino enthusiasts. It features 10 wineries, lavish restaurants, and sophisticated hotels and inns.

The views throughout the valley are ravishing, with rolling hills, flourishing wetlands, lush forests, and vibrant green valleys. Enjoy a delectable meal with an exceptional glass of the local Pinot noir with your special someone as the sun sets over the valley.

12. Key West, Florida

Key West is a brilliant choice for a quintessential beach vacation. It’s one of the most popular Florida locations for those seeking a relaxing escape, and the island is a haven for couples.

You can spend the whole vacation in the soft sand and clear water or try more adventurous activities. You can swim with dolphins, kayak around the island, scuba dive among the colorful reefs, or take a helicopter ride together.

13. White Mountains, New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a small state with many outdoor adventures for couples looking for outdoor fun. The White Mountains are sensational for a romantic getaway, thanks to the alluring views, New England charm, and fun atmosphere.

The locals love adventure, and embracing this spirit while here is easy. You can go on scenic drives, shopping sprees, museum visits, or visit amusement parks. There’s also a unique art scene, with theater performances, galleries, and art shows.

14. Provincetown, Massachusetts

Not to be confused with Providence, Rhode Island , Provincetown in Massachusetts is at the very tip of Cape Cod. This historic spot beautifully captures the spirit of Cape Cod. There are endless shops and businesses to visit, from candy stores to lobster roll shacks and beachside bars.

Of course, beach days are a popular activity, but you can take ferry rides, sail around the Cape, see wildlife around the area, or climb to the tip-top of a lighthouse. The colorful houses and relaxed atmosphere make this a unique location, ideal for a romantic trip.

15. Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks isn’t the most popular romantic destination, but it should be. It offers flowing rivers, grand mountains, the Northern Lights, and wildlife. The area has an isolated, serene feel, so we recommend it for couples who need peace and quiet.

Depending on when you visit, you may be able to see the midnight sun or other fascinating natural elements that make Alaska unique. Fairbanks is one of the largest Alaskan cities, so there’s no shortage of places to dine, shop, and drink.

16. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque doesn’t get enough credit for being an adventurous and romantic destination. First, it hosts an annual hot-air balloon festival, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. We don’t know if it gets more romantic than that.

If a ride in a hot-air balloon isn’t for you, the city still has plenty to offer. There are cultural centers, museums, breweries, horseback riding, rock climbing, indoor golf, and many more activities. It has a robust list of fun couples activities.

16 Effective Techniques for Managing Work Stress

United States workers are experiencing record levels of workplace stress, and the American Institute of Stress (AIS) outlines the impact on workers’ wellness in a recent ComPsych survey. The outlook isn’t good — 62% of workers cited tensions due to a lack of autonomy or extreme tiredness. Moreover, work priorities are taking over citizens’ lives, with the sources of anxiety stemming from workload, coworkers, and performance improvements.

• Read More: 16 Effective Techniques for Managing Work Stress

16 Beach Towns That Are Affordable to Live In

Imagine the soft noise of the waves greeting you each morning, a dream that seems just beyond reach due to the steep costs usually associated with beachfront living. This article will reveal a secret: living by the beach doesn’t necessarily have to drain your finances. Therefore, we are diving into 16 beach towns where the ocean breeze comes without the hefty price tag.

• Read More: 16 Beach Towns That Are Affordable to Live In

16 Simple Ways to Recover From Burnout

There are occasions when we all need to take a time out. When the pressures of work or other areas of our daily lives become too much, it’s good to walk away and take time for ourselves. If those pressures aren’t addressed, they can lead to burnout. This unpleasant phenomenon involves many symptoms, including exhaustion and a lack of motivation. However, if you feel you’ve crossed the line from tiredness to burnout, there is good news: There are many ways to get on the road to recovery.

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