hawaiian sailboat names

71 Hawaiian Boat Names (For Sailing In Paradise!)

The beauty and spirit of Hawaii can be captured in the unique boat names found throughout the islands. From traditional Hawaiian words to modern takes on classic Hawaiian phrases, there’s no shortage of exceptional boat-naming ideas.  

To help you discover the perfect name, we’ve compiled this list of Hawaiian boat names. Take a look and make one of these your own! 

71 Perfect Hawaiian Boat Names To Capture the Spirit of the Hawaiian Islands 

Here’s our list of 71 ideal Hawaiian-themed boat names: 

• Hao’ola (Joyful) 
• Lele Kawa (Waters of Joy) 
• Kaiona (Victorious Sea)  
• Manu Ihu (Bird of the Waves) 
• Nalani Kuʻuipo (My Heart’s Sweetness)  
• Kīholo (The Spirited Sea) 
• Waiola (Refreshing Waters) 
• Honokowai (Very Blue Water) 
• ʻĀina Koa (Brave Land)  
• Laiki O Kuulani (Brightness of Heavens) 
• Kālepa (The Swift One) 
• ʻEa Ka Lae (Land of the Rising Sun) 
• Nā Pali (The Cliffs) 
• Kamahaʻo (Wondrous)  
• Makaʻala (Be Alert)  
• Mānoa (Deep Valley) 
• Nalu o ka Maka (The Wave of the Eye) 
• Puaʻala (Heavenly Flower)  
• ʻĀina Moana (Sea Land)  
• Uluwehi (Beautiful Garden)  
• Kuʻuipo (My Sweetheart) 
• Lehua I Ka Moana (Coral Flower of the Sea) 
• Kaimana Hila (Divine Glitter)  
• Pōmaikaʻi (Blessing) 
• Kilohana (Gifted)  
• Mōlī (Gentle Breeze) 
• Nā Kiʻi (The Images)  
• Ka Moa ʻĀina (Caring Land) 
• Ahuwale Ka Manu O Ua (The Bird Departs of the Rain)  
• Wahine Ka ʻOno (The Beautiful Woman) 
• Kaimakea (Glorious One) 
• Wai Nani (Beautiful Waters) 
• Na Mamo O Ke Kai (The Treasures of the Sea)  
• Ke Aliʻi Kalanikauleleiaiwi (The Chief of the Heavenly Stars) 
• Holo Kaʻa (Voyaging Canoe) 
• Lehua Pōnohu (Mysterious Flower)  
• ʻAlea Kamaile (Far Away Joyful Place) 
• Keiki Hina (Child of Hina) 
• Pua Hālau Koa (Flower of the Koa Woods)  
• Makaʻōnānā (Glimmering Eyes)  
• Hoʻomanaʻo (Remembrance)  
• Nā Hōkū (The Stars) 
• Ka ʻAuiki (My Journey) 
• Maka Wai Ola (Source of Life)  
• Kikoa (Brave One)  
• Koa Pauko (Strong Waves Breaking Apart)  
• Ke Kumulipo (The Creation Chant) 
• ʻIke Kūkākūkā (Explore Deeply) 
• Ua Nui Ka Mamala (The Great Wave) 
• Hoʻolehua Kuhihewa (Fragrant Blossom of Excellence) 
• Moku O Laka (Island of Laka) 
• Hōkū Nui (Great Star)  
• Aʻohe Kupu Manaʻo (No Words to Express)  
• Pilialoha (Loving Affection) 
• Hele Kāua (Let’s Go Together)  
• Mana Ka Honua (Power of the Earth)  
• Nā Moku Lei O Hawaiʻi (The Necklaces of Hawaii)  
• Kalaeloa (Joyful Heavens)  
• Onipaʻa Kaulana (Famous and Steadfast)  
• Hōkū Lei (Crown of Flowers)  
• Lele Aʻo Mālie (Soaring on Tranquil Winds)  
• Lani Wai (Heavenly Waters)  
• Kukeona Ka Nalu (Ride the Wave) 
• Niuhi Kana (Shark of the Sea)  
• Mano Ka Moana (Shark of the Ocean) 
• Maka Ulaʻula (Red-Eyed Gazer)  
• Waiheʻe Mauka (Mountain Waters)  
• Hele Nā Pua (Go Forth, Little Flowers) 
• Kupaʻāina (The Homeland)  
• Aloha Kuʻu Akua (My Loving God)  
• Hooilo Hōkū (Glorious Starlight)  

So there you have it. With these 71 amazing Hawaiian boat names, that you can consider for your new vessel. Remember to have fun and share the aloha spirit.  

Mahalo nui loa! (Thank you very much!) 

Happy Boat Naming! 

& Happy Sailing! 

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69 Best Hawaiian Boat Names (Curated & Ranked) + Generator

There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing a Hawaii-inspired name for your boat!

You can choose a relaxing name that brings to mind a peaceful island sailing trip, something humorous, or even a name that is an “inside joke” between you and your family or friends.

If you don’t find a name on our list that suits your boat, check out our suggestions after the list to help you create your own.

Hawaiian Boat Names

meaning “happy hour”

meaning “happiness”

meaning “divine star”

meaning “sea woman”

Only a Dream

Moana Ali'i

meaning “ocean royalty”

meaning “beautiful”

The Green Sea Turtle

meaning “one more time”

Euphoria Sunrise

Kapena Aukai

meaning “captain of the seas”

Akela Sails

meaning “graceful”

meaning “quiet skies”

meaning “serene”

Moment of Bliss

Island Bliss

meaning “toward the sea”

Hibiscus Happiness

meaning “steady as you go”

meaning “star gazer”

Aloha Innovation

Island Fever

meaning “of the heavens”

Paradise Bound

Nau Wale No

meaning “just for you”

Mau Loa Paradise

meaning “forever paradise”

A Hui Huo Kakou

meaning “until we meet again”

Contentment Found

E Komo Mai!

meaning “Welcome!”

Palena 'Ole

meaning “limitless”

meaning “sacred”

Mermaid's Lair

Kaikamahine O Ke Kai

meaning “daughter of the sea”

meaning “island flower”

Over the Hawaiian Moon

Makaha Mermaid

meaning “ferocious”

Plumeria Paradise

The Aloha Life

Idyllic Sails

Maka Koa Mermaid

meaning “strong”

sailing to foreign lands

Kauai Splash

Hula on the Waves

The Big Aloha

Enchanted in Paradise

Blissful Days

meaning “from the sea”

Sunset Sails

Ho'omakaukau

meaning “get ready”

meaning “well done” or “excellent”

Island Breakthrough

meaning “looking at heaven”

Maui Moonbow

The Aloha Attitude

meaning “moon”

Hawaiian slang for “how are you?”

meaning “heavenly”

Honu Hau'Oli

meaning “happy turtle”

meaning “happy”

meaning “fierce mermaid”

meaning “soaring bird”

Kahula Sunset

meaning “dancing sunset”

meaning “victory”

Kealamauloa

meaning “eternal path”

meaning “my precious”

meaning “divine inspiration”

meaning “pearl from heaven”

Hawaiian Boat Name Generator

Tips for creating a hawaiian boat name.

Boating in Hawaii evokes mental images of peace and paradise. Total relaxation awaits boaters off the shores of Hawaii.

If you are lucky enough to have a boat in Hawaii, or just want your boat name to reflect the Hawaiian spirit, keep the following tips in mind:

• Image the feelings that boating in Hawaii creates. Think of the perfect word or group of words to describe your mood as you traverse the seas in Hawaii. Just thinking of the word may put you in a great mood, and it might just be the perfect boat name!
• Translate words and phrases into Hawaiian. Meaningful words and/or phrases make great boat names in general. You may want to use the Hawaiian translation of a favorite word or phrase to name your Hawaiian boat. Get a Hawaiian language dictionary or use an online translation tool to find the perfect option.
• Check out the other boats. You may find just the inspiration you were looking for by reading other boat names. You can choose a similar name to those you find or pick a name that is completely the opposite and unique.

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220+ Best Hawaiian Boat Names: Naming Your Boat in Style

Are you searching for an out-of-the-box, imaginative Hawaiian boat name ? If yes, your journey has ended right here! Hawaii is known to have a vibrant culture and stunning scenery, which makes it no wonder why so many of the best-loved boat names are inspired by this paradise. Whether your vessel serves as a leisure or fishing sailboat – these Hawaiian ideas will leave you spoilt with choices when finding the most suitable title for your watercraft.

Your boat deserves to have its unique identity. After all, it’s one of a kind! Boat names often reflect the owner’s values and Hawaiian culture. Why not choose an eye-catching custom name to make your vessel stand out? Not only will you get noticed on the water, but you’ll also be able to honor aspects of Hawaii that are important to you and your passengers.

Here are some Hawaiian boat name ideas to get you started:

Hawaiian Boat Names

• Nā Pali Coast – in honor of the beautiful coastline on Kauai’s Na Pali State Park.
• Hōkūleʻa – a traditional double-hulled Polynesian sailing canoe
• Aloha Nui – translated to “big love” in Hawaiian.
• Hano Hano – which means “graceful and beautiful” in Hawaiian.
• Kāʻanapali – a coastal region on the island of Maui known for its beautiful beaches.
• Keiki o ka ʻĀina – translated to “Child of the Land” in Hawaiian.
• Nohea – a word meaning “handsome” or “attractive” in Hawaiian.
• Kumu Kahili – a navigator and guide symbolized by an upright feather standard carried on board during voyages.
• Kealoha – which translates to “beloved one” in Hawaiian.
• Pua Lokelani – a beautiful white flower native to Hawaii and popularly used for lei making.
• Ka Makana Kai – translated to “The Gift of the Sea” in Hawaiian- is an excellent name for any maritime vessel.
• “Kai Moana” (Ocean Sea)
• “Manu Kiki” (Little Bird)
• “Kaulua” (Double Hulled)
• “Hoe Wa’a” (Paddle Canoe)
• “Kaihe” (Sea Breeze)
• “Kaulua Moana” (Ocean Double Hull)
• “Lele Kawa” (Jumping Waters)
• “Manu Ika” (Sea Bird)
• “Moana Nui” (Great Ocean)
• “Kai Palaoa” (Whale Sea)
• “Makani Kaulua” (Double Hulled Wind)
• “Kaulua Waa” (Double Hulled Canoe)
• “Nalu Kiki” (Little Wave)
• “Kai Opua” (Cloudy Sea)
• “Kaulua Mo’o” (Double Hulled Lizard)
• “Manu Moana” (Ocean Bird)
• “Hoe Moana” (Ocean Paddle)
• “Kai Makani” (Windy Sea)

Best Hawaiian Boat Name Ideas

Are you hunting for an exotic and meaningful name to adorn your ship? Look no further than Hawaiian culture, where you’ll discover a wealth of poetic language and symbolism. So get ready to be inspired – check out these remarkable, one-of-a-kind boat name ideas with a distinctively Hawaiian twist!

• Kuwili – This bold and powerful name means “to cling” in Hawaiian, symbolizing connection.
• Kaiola – The perfect name for a fast vessel, meaning “the pathway between the waves” in Hawaiian.
• Mano Koa – Meaning “strong shark” in Hawaiian. This fearless name will give any ship an air of strength and power.
• Ua Mau – This name translates from Hawaiian to “forever lasting,” making it a timeless and classic choice.
• Aloha Aina – This beautiful phrase means “love of the land” in Hawaiian, perfectly expressing your connection to nature and the ocean.
• Laumalie – A poetic name that means “the joy of the sea” in Hawaiian.
• Kai ohooho – This whimsical term means “sea laughter” in Hawaiian, perfect for a fun vessel or yacht!
• No Ka Oi – An apt description of an impressive ship, this phrase means “the best” in Hawaiian.
• Ke Akua – Meaning “God” in Hawaiian, this powerful and spiritual name is perfect for a vessel used for ocean exploration.
• Wela Ka Maka – This symbolic phrase means “fiery eyes” in Hawaiian, a perfect option for an impressive boat or yacht!
• “Hoe Wa’a” (paddle canoe)
• “Kaulua” (double-hulled canoe)
• “Manu kai” (sea bird)
• “Moana wa’a” (ocean canoe)
• “Nalu” (wave)
• “Manu kiki” (little bird)
• “Makani” (wind)
• “Kai Elua” (two seas)
• “Kaulua Moana” (ocean double-hulled canoe)
• “Makani Olu” (gentle wind)
• “Moana Nui” (big ocean)
• “Pua Wa’a” (canoe flower)
• “Hoe Moemoe” (dream paddle)
• “Kai Kealoha” (beloved sea)
• “Kaulua Kiki” (little double-hulled canoe)
• “Makani Pahili” (strong wind)
• “Moana Lehua” (ocean lehua flower)
• “Pua Kiki” (little flower)
• “Hoe Kaulua” (double-hulled paddle)
• “Kai Liko” (young sea)

Also, Check Out: White Boat Names

Cool Hawaiian Boat Names

If you’re looking for the perfect name for your boat, look no further than these creative Hawaiian boat names. They are unique and fun, sure to make a statement on the open sea.

• Kahiki : This name strongly means “distant voyage,” which is excellent for sailing away from it all.
• Nalu : The word means “wave” in Hawaiian and is an excellent choice for those taking to the ocean waves.
• Ho’okipa : Pronounced “ho-oh-key-pah,” this word signifies hospitality—the perfect sentiment when welcoming guests aboard your boat.
• Hoku : Translated to “star,” this name is perfect for a sparkling boat in the night sky.
• Makani : This word means “wind” and would be ideal for those who enjoy sailing in brisk breezes.
• Keola : The literal translation of this word is “life,” and it’s an excellent option for those who want to live on the open sea!
• Aloha : You can never go wrong with this classic Hawaiian greeting meaning both hello and goodbye! It will warmly welcome or farewell to anyone who boards your boat.
• Ku’uipo : Translating to “sweetheart,” this is a romantic name for any couple that loves sailing together.
• Wai’ale’ale : Meaning “rains of abundance,” is excellent for those who like spending time in the rain!
• Kona : This word means “warm leeward side,” and it’s perfect for boats with an open top looking to enjoy the sunshine.
• “Hoe Wa’a” (paddle boat)
• “Manu Kiki” (little bird)
• “Lehua Nalu” (wave of lehua flowers)
• “Kai ‘Opua” (cloudy sea)
• “Lanikai” (heavenly sea)
• “Nalu Kiki” (little wave)
• “Kai ‘Ele’ele” (black sea)
• “Lehua Moana” (ocean of lehua flowers)
• “Manu Kiki Moana” (little bird of the ocean)
• “Hoe Wa’a Nui” (big paddle boat)
• “Makani Pe’a” (strong wind)
• “Kai ‘Iwa” (sea bird)
• “Moana Wao” (deep ocean)
• “Lanikai Moana” (heavenly ocean)
• “Kaulua Kalepa” (double-hulled canoe of Kalepa)
• “Manu Moana” (ocean bird)

Also, Check Out:

• Blue Boat Names
• Red Boat Names

How To Choose a Name For Your Hawaiian Boat

Picking a suitable, memorable name for your Hawaiian boat is essential to the naming process. To guarantee you end up with a title that suits your vessel to perfection, consider these steps carefully:

• Think About Your Goals For The Boat : Before you set sail on naming your vessel, take a moment to ask yourself what this boat will be utilized for. Mainly recreational purposes? Fishing trips? Cruising around the islands? Understanding how you’ll use it can assist in finding an appropriate name that fits its purpose.
• Consider The Feel You Want To Represent : Delve beyond the typical associations of Hawaiian names – surf, sand, volcanoes, or mountains. When finding the perfect name for your vessel, zero in on its essence and consider what emotions you want it to evoke — power? Strength? Calmness? Peacefulness? A suitable moniker accentuates this sentiment and reveals your boat’s unique character.
• Research Hawaiian Language For Ideas : Unearth the beauty and meaning of the Hawaiian language to find inspiration for your boat’s name. Research this fascinating culture, a field full of history and discovery! If you come upon a particular phrase or saying that resonates with you during your exploration, consider making it a custom moniker for your vessel!
• Choose A Name That Is Meaningful To You : When selecting the perfect name for your Hawaiian boat, choosing something that holds deep meaning and significance is essential. For example, consider a phrase from an old family custom or even something special given to you by someone close; whatever resonates with you and your vessel will be ideal.

Choosing the perfect name for your Hawaiian boat can be a manageable task. Using these steps as guidelines, you can devise the perfect moniker quickly! Happy naming!

• Black Boat Names
• Yellow Boat Names

Greetings, I’m Alex – an expert in the art of naming teams, groups or brands, and businesses. With years of experience as a consultant for some of the most recognized companies out there, I want to pass on my knowledge and share tips that will help you craft an unforgettable name for your project through TeamGroupNames.Com!

Hawaiian Boat Names: Discover Traditional Names For Your Watercraft

When it comes to choosing a name for your boat, why not take inspiration from the beautiful Hawaiian language and culture? Hawaii is known for its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich history. By giving your watercraft a traditional Hawaiian name, you can pay homage to the island’s heritage and add a touch of uniqueness to your vessel.

Hawaiian boat names often reflect the natural beauty and spirit of the ocean. They can evoke a sense of adventure, tranquility, or even the power of the sea. Whether your watercraft is a sailboat, yacht, or fishing boat, there is a perfect Hawaiian name waiting to be discovered.

One traditional Hawaiian boat name is “Makani,” which means “wind” in English. This name is fitting for a sailboat, as it symbolizes the power of the wind that propels the boat forward. Another popular choice is “Kai,” which means “ocean” or “sea.” This name is versatile and can suit any type of watercraft, reminding you of the endless possibilities the ocean holds.

If you are looking for a name with a deeper meaning, consider “Leilani,” which translates to “heavenly flower” in Hawaiian. This name captures the beauty and serenity of the ocean, as well as the vibrant floral landscape of the islands. Another meaningful option is “Mana,” which represents spiritual power and energy. Naming your boat “Mana” can be a reminder of the connection between nature and the human spirit.

Explore Traditional Hawaiian Boat Names

Hawaii is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but also for its deep connection to the ocean. Traditional Hawaiian boat names reflect this connection and have a unique meaning behind them. If you are looking for a name that embodies the spirit of the islands for your watercraft, consider exploring these traditional Hawaiian boat names:

• Moana – Meaning “ocean” or “sea,” this name captures the essence of Hawaiian maritime culture.
• Aloha Kai – Combining the Hawaiian word for “love” with “ocean,” this name represents a deep affection for the sea.
• Makani – Translating to “wind,” this name pays homage to the powerful forces that guide and propel boats on the water.
• Leilani – Meaning “heavenly flower,” this name signifies the beauty and grace that can be found both on land and at sea.
• Kapua – Representing “flower” or “blossom,” this name symbolizes the vibrant and colorful life that thrives in Hawaiian waters.
• Kaiāulu – Combining “ocean” and “community,” this name reflects the interconnectedness of all those who depend on the sea for their livelihood.
• Mālama Kai – Translating to “care for the ocean,” this name emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship and preserving the natural beauty of Hawaii’s waters.
• Manu Kai – Meaning “sea bird,” this name represents the freedom and agility that can be found on the water.

These traditional Hawaiian boat names are just a sampling of the many meaningful options available. When choosing a name for your watercraft, consider the significance of the ocean to Hawaiian history and culture, as well as the unique qualities of your own vessel. With a little research and reflection, you can find the perfect name that resonates with the spirit of the islands and your own personal connection to the sea.

Meaning and Significance of Hawaiian Boat Names

Hawaiian boat names hold deep meaning and significance in the rich culture and history of Hawaii. These names are not just random titles assigned to watercraft; they often have stories, legends, or connections to nature associated with them. Understanding the meanings behind these names can help add a sense of identity and pride to your own boat.

Hawaiian boat names are often inspired by the elements of nature, such as the ocean, wind, or natural formations. For example, names like “Kai” (which means “ocean”) or “Makani” (which means “wind”) connect the vessel to the natural environment it traverses.

Other Hawaiian boat names may be influenced by powerful deities or legendary figures from Hawaiian mythology. These names can imbue a sense of strength and protection to the watercraft. Examples include “Lono” (the god of peace and fertility) or “Maui” (the demigod known for his incredible feats).

Boat names can also be derived from significant events or experiences in Hawaiian history. Names like “Kamehameha” (in honor of the renowned Hawaiian king) or “Hōkūle’a” (the name of a traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe) symbolize the historical and cultural importance of navigation and seafaring in Hawaii.

When choosing a Hawaiian boat name, it is important to recognize and respect the cultural significance of these names. It is recommended to research and consult with experts or native Hawaiians to ensure the name is appropriate and appropriate for the watercraft and its purpose.

• Respecting Hawaiian culture and language: Use authentic Hawaiian words and phrases for boat names.
• Maintaining cultural sensitivity: Avoid appropriating or misinterpreting Hawaiian cultural symbols or names.
• Seeking guidance from experts: Consult with native Hawaiians or cultural advisors to ensure the chosen name is culturally appropriate.
• Embracing the significance: By choosing a Hawaiian boat name and understanding its meaning, you can connect with the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii and proudly display that connection on your watercraft.

In conclusion, Hawaiian boat names have a deep significance and can add a layer of cultural appreciation to your watercraft. Understanding the meanings behind these names and respecting the Hawaiian culture will help you choose a name that reflects the spirit and history of Hawaii.

Historical Background of Hawaiian Boat Naming

The tradition of boat naming in Hawaii dates back thousands of years and is deeply rooted in the culture and history of the islands. Hawaiian boats, or waʻa, played a crucial role in the daily lives of the indigenous people and were essential for transportation, fishing, and exploration.

Historically, Hawaiian boats were crafted with great care and attention to detail, using materials such as koa wood, which was prized for its strength and durability. Each boat was a unique piece of craftsmanship and was often passed down through generations, becoming a cherished family heirloom.

In Hawaiian culture, naming a boat was considered a sacred ritual, as it was believed that the boat’s name carried spiritual significance and could influence its performance and safety at sea. The naming process was typically led by a kahuna, or a spiritual leader, who would consult with the gods and ancestors to find a name that would bring good fortune and protect the crew from danger.

The names given to Hawaiian boats often reflected the natural world and its elements, such as animals, plants, and geographical features. These names were chosen to honor the relationship between the boat and its environment, as well as to invoke the protection and guidance of the gods associated with these elements.

Today, the tradition of Hawaiian boat naming continues to thrive, with many boat owners seeking to honor the rich cultural heritage of the islands. Whether choosing a traditional Hawaiian name or a name that reflects their personal connection to the ocean, boat owners in Hawaii understand the importance of a well-chosen name in ensuring the vessel’s success and safety on the water.

Types of Hawaiian Boat Names

When it comes to choosing a Hawaiian boat name, there are various categories to consider. Here are some types of Hawaiian boat names that you might find fitting for your watercraft:

1. Names Inspired by Nature: Hawaii is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, so it’s no surprise that many boat names are inspired by the islands’ flora, fauna, and landscape. Consider names like “Hono” (turtle), “Nalu” (wave), or “Pua” (flower) for a connection to the Hawaiian environment.

2. Names with Cultural Significance: Hawaiian culture is rich in traditions and legends. Boat names that have cultural significance can pay homage to the island’s history and heritage. Examples include “Kahiko” (ancient), “Makua” (ancestor), or “Uluwehi” (abundance).

3. Names Related to Water: Since boats are meant for water adventures, selecting a name related to water can be a great option. Consider names like “Kai” (ocean), “Wai” (freshwater), or “Moana” (sea) to evoke the essence of the sea.

4. Names Reflecting Strength and Power: Boats represent strength and power as they navigate through the ocean. Choosing a name that reflects those qualities can be inspiring and empowering. Think of names like “Mana” (spiritual power), “Koa” (warrior), or “Ikaika” (strong) for a name that conveys strength.

5. Names Associated with Sailing and Navigation: Sailing and navigation have a long history in Hawaii. Consider boat names that pay tribute to this heritage. Names like “Hōkūleʻa” (star of gladness), “Mālama” (to care for), or “Hauʻoli” (happiness) can be perfect choices for a boat that will embark on adventurous journeys.

These are just a few examples of the types of Hawaiian boat names available. When choosing a name for your watercraft, it’s essential to find one that resonates with you and your connection to Hawaii’s culture and natural wonders.

Popular Hawaiian Boat Names

When choosing a name for your boat, you may want to consider using a Hawaiian name to reflect the unique culture and history of the islands. Here are some popular Hawaiian boat names that you may find inspiring:

• Kai Malino – Meaning “calm sea” or “smooth ocean”, this name is perfect for a boat that brings peace and tranquility.
• Moana – This name means “ocean” and is often associated with adventure and voyages.
• Makani – Meaning “wind”, this name is fitting for a boat that harnesses the power of the elements.
• Kai Nalu – This name translates to “sea wave” and represents the thrill and energy of riding the waves.
• Kaiakea – This name means “vast sea” and is a great choice for a boat that ventures into open waters.
• Pelekane – Meaning “Englishman”, this name is a nod to the historic connections between Hawaii and England.
• Hōkūleʻa – Named after the famous traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe, this name signifies exploration and following the stars.
• Nāia – This name translates to “dolphin” and symbolizes intelligence and playfulness.
• Kapena – Meaning “captain”, this name is perfect for a boat that embodies leadership and command.

These are just a few examples of popular Hawaiian boat names. Remember, when choosing a name, consider the significance and meaning behind it and find one that resonates with you and your watercraft.

Choosing a Hawaiian Boat Name for Your Watercraft

When it comes to choosing a name for your watercraft, why not consider a Hawaiian boat name? Hawaiian names have deep cultural and historical significance, and can add a unique touch to your boat.

One option is to choose a name that represents a Hawaiian deity or a natural element. For example, you could name your boat “Kāne” after the Hawaiian god of the sky and procreation. Alternatively, you could choose a name like “Kai” which means “sea” in Hawaiian.

Another option is to look to Hawaiian legends and mythology for inspiration. Names like “Māui” or “Pele” can make for powerful and meaningful boat names, as they are associated with legendary figures in Hawaiian culture.

If you’re looking for a name that reflects the beauty of Hawaii, you could choose a name like “Leilani” which means “heavenly flower” or “Nalu” which means “wave”. These names can capture the essence of Hawaii’s natural surroundings and make your boat stand out.

It’s important to choose a boat name that resonates with you and your love for the ocean. Take some time to research and explore the rich heritage of Hawaiian culture to find the perfect name for your watercraft.

Remember, when you choose a Hawaiian boat name, you are not only giving your watercraft a unique identity but also honoring the traditions and history of the Hawaiian people. So, embrace the spirit of aloha and find a name that truly reflects the beauty and power of the ocean.

Preserving the Hawaiian Culture through Boat Naming

Choosing a Hawaiian boat name is a way to pay respect to the ancestors and the natural beauty of the islands. These names can reflect the connection between the people, the ocean, and the land. They embody the values and traditions that have been passed down through generations and allow owners to carry a piece of the vibrant Hawaiian culture with them on the water.

Preserving the Hawaiian culture through boat naming also means creating awareness and appreciation for the language and customs of the islands. By using traditional Hawaiian names for their boats, owners contribute to the revitalization of the Hawaiian language and encourage others to learn about the unique cultural heritage of Hawaii.

Furthermore, using traditional Hawaiian boat names can be a way to educate and share the Hawaiian culture with others. When people see a boat with a name like “Makani,” meaning “wind,” or “Honu,” meaning “turtle,” they may be inspired to ask about the significance of the name and learn more about the Hawaiian traditions associated with it. This creates an opportunity for cultural exchange and fosters a deeper appreciation for the richness of the Hawaiian culture.

In conclusion, preserving the Hawaiian culture through boat naming is a meaningful way to honor the history, language, and traditions of the islands. By embracing traditional names, boat owners not only show their respect for the Hawaiian culture but also contribute to its preservation and transmission to future generations.

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Best Boat Names: Over 200 Alternative Name Suggestions

When selecting a boat name, the process can be a source of enjoyment and amusement for those embracing their new vessel. Discovering that ideal name that harmonizes with the boat's essence and the owner's identity may be a delightful challenge . While some individuals may have a cherished name preconceived for years before their boat acquisition, others may need several weeks of contemplation and investigation to make the apt choice.

The boat landscape encompasses various boat types , each possessing its distinct persona akin to its proprietors. So, what qualifies as the supreme boat name ? In the past, boat names predominantly centered on invoking good fortune for the vessel, often by borrowing from the pantheon of gods. However, contemporary boat naming has evolved into a realm of infinite possibilities, an exercise in unfettered creativity. One might opt for an exquisite, timeless appellation, a tongue-in-cheek, stylish, and audacious moniker, or even draw inspiration from a beloved individual's name .

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Over 200 Best Boat Names in Different Categories

In this compilation, a selection of favored names has been curated across assorted categories, endeavoring to inspire prospective boat names :

Elegant Boat Names

The resplendence of boats resonates with those who admire their aesthetic allure. Bestowing them with a name of elegance adds a touch of romance to sailing. Whether choosing a delicate feminine name, a whimsical expression, or one harking back to ancient deities, it is a tribute to the boat's beauty and beckons explorations of the seas .

Noteworthy Selections :

• Graceful Dancer
• Endless Summer

Innovative Boat Names

A realm of remarkably inventive boat names exists for those who relish the unconventional and avant-garde . Embracing wordplay and evocative appellations can lend a dash of whimsy or invoke adventurous and daring escapades.

Distinguished Choices :

• The Black Pearl
• Vitamin Sea
• Frayed Knot

Funny Boat Names

For those seeking to align their boat's identity with their sense of humor, entertaining names that elicit a chuckle from passersby are an enticing option. Striking the right balance between comedy and propriety is essential, considering the boat's locale and audience .

Enjoyable Options :

• Goin’ Broke
• Ship Happens
• Passing Wind
• Chicken Ship
• That Sinking Feeling
• I Ship You Knot
• Miss Behavior
• Fishful Thinkin’

Cool Boat Names

The ownership of a boat inherently exudes an aura of coolness, thus meriting a name that befits its suave persona . Drawing inspiration from music lyrics or beloved movies, one can uncover phrases from popular culture that exude a chic oceanic or beach ambiance.

Chic Recommendations :

• Time of My Life
• Wave Runner
• The Sloop Doggy Dog

Classy Boat Names

Similar to the elegant boat names mentioned earlier, certain boat names possess a timeless and classic quality. They encompass beautiful words, emotional expressions, and even Latin phrases. Such designations stand the test of time and radiate an air of sophistication .

Classic Choices :

• Serendipity

Female Boat Names

In days of yore, boats were often referred to in the feminine, invoking the use of 'she' in their vocabulary . While this practice has waned, it endures among those who appreciate the classic charm of female boat names. Prefixes like 'Lady' are commonly employed alongside characters that exude elegance and refinement.

Feminine Inspirations :

• Lady Godiva
• Sea Goddess
• Gypsy (or Gypsea)

Clever and Playful Boat Names

Boating enthusiasts often exhibit a penchant for witty and ingenious boat names. Leveraging nautical terminology and wordplay can yield an array of amusing and creative designations. Consider crafting your own from a list of maritime terms, or explore the following witty boat names :

Whimsical Selections :

• She Got the House
• Breakin Wind
• Pier Pressure
• Docks Orders
• Bankrupt Sea
• A Loan at Sea
• Seas the Day

Family-Friendly Boat Names

For a family-oriented boat, a moniker that resonates with all members, from the youngest to the adults, is paramount . Family boat names often encapsulate positivity, happiness, and inspiration while steering clear of trends that might swiftly become outdated.

Family-Centric Options :

• The Good Life
• Dream Catcher
• Positive Vibes
• Family Affair
• Anchored in Love
• Seabound Memories
• Family Tides
• Free Spirit

Nature-Inspired Boat Names

The bounties of nature have historically inspired boat names, offering a plethora of strong, graceful, and captivating appellations. Nature-based boat names can be delicate and robust, whether drawn from the ocean, the skies, wildlife, birds, or the elements .

Natural Choices :

• Wave Dancer

Fishing Boat Names

Fishing boats afford a canvas for imaginative and playful names . These names can add character to your fishing vessel, whether witty, humorous, or audaciously spirited. Wordplay and puns are often well-received for fishing boat designations.

Notable Fishing Boat Names :

• Fish and Chicks
• Fishful Thinking
• Reel Naughty
• The Codfather
• Off the Hook
• Get Your Fish On

Italian Boat Names

The Italian language, renowned for its romantic and musical sound, has long been favored for boat names. Selecting an Italian name or any foreign term requires verifying its precise meaning to avoid misinterpretations . Here, we present enchanting Italian boat names:

Italian Elegance :

• Vita Bella (Beautiful Life)
• Pura Vida (Pure Life)
• Bella Luna (Beautiful Moon)
• Azzuro (Blue/Azure)
• Fortuna (Fortune)
• Silencio (Silence)
• Allegria (Happiness)
• Amore Mio (My Love)
• Mare Nostrum (Our Sea)
• La Perla (The Pearl)

Sailing Boat Names

Sailboats, relying on wind and sea power, often incorporate the elements into their names. Referencing wind or waves in the boat's vocabulary is a common practice. Here are some cherished sailboat names :

Sailboat Inspirations :

• Sloop the Loop
• Come Sail Away
• Second Wind
• Wind Breaker
• Summer Wind
• Gone with the Wind
• Wind Dancer

📚 Further reading:   The 12 Most Expensive Yachts in the World

River and Lake Boat Names

If your boat primarily navigates lakes or rivers, naming it in homage to its aquatic domain can be fitting. Incorporating ' river ' or ' lake ' into the name opens the door to myriad options, reflecting the boat's style and family preferences.

Inland Waterway Options :

• River Gypsy
• Pearl River
• Better Lake Than Never
• Lake A Wish
• Lake Runner
• Lake Escape
• Lake Dancer

Hawaiian Boat Names

Hawaiian words and phrases, resonating with the sea's beauty and the island's culture, are captivating choices for boat names . Hawaii's rich maritime history and the language's inherent beauty blend seamlessly to create memorable boat appellations.

Tropical Inspirations :

• Manu Ihu (Bird of the Waves)
• Lele Kawa (Waters of Joy)
• Kaiona (Victorious Sea)
• Nā Pali (The Cliffs)
• Wai Nani (Beautiful Waters)
• Nā Hōkū (The Stars)
• Holo Nalu (Wave Rider)
• Kai Lani (Heavenly Sea)
• Kikoa (Brave One)
• Hōkū Nui (Great Star)

Banned Boat Names

The U.S. Coast Guard maintains strict guidelines concerning boat names to ensure safety and etiquette . Boat names must not be identical or phonetically similar to words used for soliciting assistance at sea, obscene or indecent language, or racial or ethnic epithets.

These restricted terms should be avoided :

• Coast Guard
• Man Overboard

🆕 Fresh content:   What Should You Do to Avoid Colliding with Another Boat?

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• Articles and Guides

What Is a Good Boat Name? Over 200 of the Best Boat Names

12th mar 2024 by samantha wilson.

Naming your boat is one the most fun and enjoyable parts of new boat ownership. Finding that perfect name that suits your boat and you as well, isn’t always easy, and while some people have a beloved name in mind for years before they buy, for others it takes a few weeks of thought and research to pick the right one. 

There are so many different types of boat out there, and each one has its own unique personality. Just like its owner. So what makes the best boat name? Traditionally, boat names revolved around ways to bring luck to a vessel and these were often the names of gods. Today boat naming is more of an “anything goes” exercise, and you could choose an elegant, classic name, one that’s tongue-in-cheek, cool and edgy name, or even use the name of a loved one.

Here we have chosen some of our favorite names in different categories to provide you with some inspiration for boat name ideas.

Elegant Boat Names

Boats are beautiful creations, so using an equally beautiful or elegant name can bring a sense of romanticism to sailing. Whether it’s a delicate girls’ name, a whimsical phrase, or one of the traditional deities of yesteryear, you’ll honor the beauty of your boat and inspire yourself and others to explore the oceans. 

• Amazing Grace
• Graceful Dancer
• Endless Summer

Creative Boat Names

There are some seriously creative boat names out there, and if you prefer something a bit more funky and edgy then you could consider some of the names below. Playing on words works well, but so does choosing dramatic names, such as those that inspire adventure or swashbuckling escapades. 

• The Black Pearl
• Vitamin Sea
• Frayed Knot
• KaleidoCraft
• Mindful Mariner
• Mosaic Maritime

Funny Boat Names

Want your boat to match your sense of humor? Consider a boat name that will raise a smile from everyone you cruise past. As you’ll see below, there is a fine line between funny and crude, so consider where you’re going to store it (a swanky marina might not appreciate anything too risqué), or the friends you’ll be entertaining. But there are many truly funny names that will make you chuckle every time you go aboard and bring you even more enjoyment from your boat. Some of our favorites include:

• Goin’ Broke
• Ship Happens
• Passing Wind
• Chicken Ship
• That Sinking Feeling
• I Ship You Knot
• Miss Behavior
• Fishful Thinkin’
• Knot So Fast
• Sea-duction
• Sea Ya Later
• Knot on Call

Cool Boat Names

Let’s be honest, owning a boat is downright cool, so why not name your boat something equally hip? Or look to music lyrics or the name of your favorite movie. There are hip phrases in popular culture that would stand out, as well as cool phrases that bring a sense of cool ocean or a beach vibe. We like these ultra-cool names:

• Time of My Life
• Wave Runner
• The Sloop Doggy Dog
• Arctic Breeze
• Shadow Surfer
• Thunder Tide
• Solar Sailer

Classy Boat Names

Like the elegant boat names above, there are some classically classy boat names that will never go out of style. They can be anything from beautiful words, to words describing an emotion, or even Latin boat names. Here are some truly classy boat names:

• Serendipity
• Rhapsody in Blue
• Southern Cross

Female Boat Names

In the past, boats were referred to as female, and referencing them as ‘she’ was the norm. While these days it isn’t as common, there are still those who prefer a classic female name for their boat. Using ‘Lady’ in front of a name has always been a popular choice, and elegant-sounding names are also commonly used. Here are some to get you inspired:

• Lady Godiva
• Sea Goddess
• Gypsy (or Gypsea)
• Little Mermaid / Ariel
• Island Girl
• Siren of the Sea

Witty Boat Names

Boaters are a fun bunch, and nowhere is this more evident in some of the extremely witty names they come up with for their boats. Being clever with nautical words opens a whole world of fun names. Write a list of boating words and see what you can make out of them. Alternatively, choose one from this list of witty boat names that got us laughing: 

• She Got the House
• Breakin Wind
• Pier Pressure
• Docks Orders
• Bankrupt Sea
• A Loan at Sea
• Seas the Day
• Fishful Thinking
• Knot Normal
• Seas the Moment
• Reel-axation
• Fishin’ Impossible

Family Boat Names

If your boat is a true family boat, then you’ll want a name that everyone likes, from the youngest members of the family up to the adults. Family boat names are usually wholesome, and they can be fun or funny, inspiring, happy, and positive. Try to avoid names from current TV series or things that will date quickly. As the kids grow up you might regret naming your boat Olaf!

• The Good Life
• Dream Catcher
• Family Affair
• Island Time
• Seabound Memories
• Family Tides
• Free Spirit
• Looney Tunes
• Oar Inspiring
• College Fund

Nature-Inspired Boat Names

Nature has long inspired boat names and the list of strong, elegant, or beautiful nature-based boat names is endless. The ocean provides a huge amount of inspiration, but so does the sky and space, wildlife and birds, and even the weather. While nature-inspired names are often pretty and delicate, you could also opt for stronger names if they suit your style of boat. Here are some to consider;

• Blue Moon 
• Wave Dancer

Fishing Boat Names

Now when it comes to fishing boats, the world is your oyster for boat names. You can go with witty and clever, laugh-out-loud funny, naughty, optimistic, or cool. Plays on words work well for fishing boat names and particularly bass boat names, and there is a wealth of material to use. We found it hard to choose 10 of the best, but these are the ones our team liked the best;

• Fish and Chicks
• Reel Naughty
• The Codfather
• Off the Hook
• Get Your Fish On
• Captain Hook
• Happy Hooker

Italian Boat Names

Italian is the language of love, and every word sounds romantic and beautiful. So it’s no surprise that people have used Italian names for their boats for centuries. When choosing an Italian (or any foreign word) for your boat name, be sure to check with several sources the exact meaning so you don’t end up with a name that doesn’t mean quite what you thought it did. Here are some truly beautiful Italian boat names;

• Vita Bella (Beautiful Life)
• Pura Vita (Pure Life)
• Bella Luna (Beautiful Moon)
• Azzuro (Blue/Azure)
• Fortuna (Fortune)
• Silenzio (Silence)
• Allegria (Happiness)
• Amore Mio (My Love)
• Mare Nostrum (Our Sea)
• La Perla (The Pearl)
• Lido Azzurro (Blue Beach)
• Isolabella (Beautiful Island)
• Amore Afloat (Love Afloat)
• Infinito (Infinite)
• Dolcezza (Sweetness)

Sailing Boat Names

Sailboats harness the true power of the ocean and the wind, and therefore popular boat names often include the word ‘wind’ or a reference to the waves. There are so many beautiful names you can choose for your sailboat ; these are a few of the ones we love:

• Sloop John B.
• Second Wind
• Wind Breaker
• Summer Wind
• Gone with the Wind
• Wind Dancer
• Wind Whisperer
• Sail Me to the Moon
• Sail Serenade
• Nomad Sailing
• Sailor's Star

River or Lake Boat Names

If your boat is going to spend most or all of its life on a lake or river, then you might want to honor that in its name. By adding the word ‘river’ or ‘lake’ there is an infinite amount of pretty, fun, or clever names you can come up with that will suit the style of boat and your family. Try something along these lines:

• River Gypsy
• Pearl River
• Better Lake Than Never
• Lake A Wish
• Lake Runner
• Lake Escape
• Lake Dancer
• Lagoon Lyric
• Loch Lullaby
• Lakeside Lull
• River Whisper

Hawaiian Boat Names

In the same way that Italian names make for beautiful boat names, so too do Hawaiian words or phrases. Everything about Hawaii is linked to the sea, and its people have always been mariners and seafarers. In addition, the islands themselves offer an abundance of natural beauty, and the language is simply beautiful. Combine all that and you have the recipe for some memorable boat names:

• Manu Ihu (Bird of the Waves) 
• Lele Kawa (Waters of Joy)
• Kaiona (Victorious Sea)
• Nā Pali (The Cliffs) 
• Wai Nani (Beautiful Waters)
• Nā Hōkū (The Stars) 
• Holo Nalu (Wave Rider)
• Kai Lani (Heavenly Sea)
• Kikoa (Brave One)
• Hōkū Nui (Great Star)  
• Waikiki Waltz
• Kona Cruise
• Molokai Vibes

Banned Boat Names

According to the US Coast Guard the name of your boat “may not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea; may not contain or be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets.”   While the rule is strict when it comes to emergency words such as those in the list below, it is easier to get around some of the more profane names by using clever play-on words – if that’s your thing!

• Coast Guard
• Man Overboard

This article was originally published in July 2023 and updated in March 2024.

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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The Cleverest Names for Your Boat from A to Z

My, she sure is yar.

Whether it's for rest and relaxation or fishing and water sports, there are few things better than taking to the high seas. If you're like many others, buying a boat is a long-dreamt-of goal. The decision to purchase a boat is a big one, but picking the name? Now that's a huge decision. Should it be playful or meaningful? Clever or cryptic? The choice is all yours, and it's a choice you probably want to take some time making. From the iconic names of super-yachts to sea-worthy puns, we’ve rounded up the most chic, popular, and all around classic handles. You've got options.

If you want to keep your boat's name short and sweet, a strong name like Abyss or Andiamo ("Let's go") will surely do the trick. Or might we suggest something sillier, like Aquaholic ?

A cleverly crafted phrase like Black Pearl or Bankers Hours makes a statement without having to say too much. If it's more of a booze cruise you seek, Bottoms Up or Bacchus , for the Roman god of wine, are solid choices.

Something to keep in mind when naming your boat– no matter how big or small the name is you choose– is what it will look like on a hat or jacket for you and your crew. Classic names like Calypso or Carpe Diem sound as good as they look.

From Destiny to Dream Weaver there are tons of ways to demonstrate how much your boat means to you through its name.

Figures in Greek mythology is a perfect place to turn to when deciding a boat name. Just ask Diane Von Furstenberg , who named her boat after the Greek goddess, Eos, who symbolizes the dawn . Follow her lead, or opt for a masculine version instead like Eros, the god of love.

A funny pun like Fish Tales or Fantasea as a name is sure to make you friends around the marina.

Boats are commonly referred to as 'she' and given feminine names, which many historians originated from the role of goddesses and mothers who were though to protect a ship’s voyage. Y ou can go with a common one, like Gemma, or choose a name with personal significance to safeguard your travels just as well, according to the superstition.

You are sure to have many memories of relaxation and good times on your boat and its name should reflect that. Onboard Happy Hours or Hakuna Matata , spirits are bound to be high.

With a name like Island Time you'll automatically switch to vacation mode when you board your vessel.

Want to feel like royalty? Take a cue from Queen Elizabeth and her yacht Jubilee . The regal name will have you ruling the high seas in no time.

A witty phrase that interchanges "knot" and "not" is great for a light-hearted and jovial boat name–and there's no better time for a nautical pun. Our favorites include Knot Working and Knot on Call, but feel free to let your creative juices flow!

Show off your sense of humor with something like Liquid Asset , or your sunny attitude with License to Chill or Life is Good .

A popular trend for boat names is translating a phrase into another language. Brazilian businessman, Alexandre Grendene Bartelle, used the French pronoun for 'miss' when naming his super-yacht, Madame Kate, while others have used the word Mahalo, which translates to thank you in Hawaiian.

Reference the past with names like North Star (which sailors historically used as guidance on long voyages) or Neptune’s Glory , alluding to the Roman god of the sea. Maybe you'd prefer to opt for something a little more zen, like Nirvana , Namaste , No Worries , or No Regrets .

When in doubt, a short and strong word goes very far– Ohana , Oasis , Orion , Obsession , Osprey , and Odyssey are all powerful options for your boat’s name.

You know what they say: money talks. People love to use financial terms for their yacht names. Principal Interest is just one of many different monetary puns that you could use.

Attaching a special meaning to your boat is one of the best things about being able to name it. A name like Querencia, which refers to a place where a person feels authentically like themselves, is a great way to ensure your boat's name is sentimental.

No one would be able to turn down an afternoon aboard the Rum Runner, as it sounds like a guaranteed good time.

For a classic and timeless name, there are a great deal of sea phrases to choose such as Sea Spirit or Second Wind . Names that play on words, such as Sea Senora or Seas the Day are quality names, too. T he options are as wide as the horizon.

Another route is to give your boat a name with a double entendre. Playful picks like The Good Life, Therapy, or Time Out are fun and don't take themselves too seriously. If you're Margaritaville-bound, we particularly like The Salt Shaker .

Meg (she/her) is the associate fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com , where she specializes in shopping stories spanning the fashion, home, and lifestyle categories. Over the past three years, she has devoted countless hours to researching brands, testing hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of products, and deep-diving into market and consumer trends. Her favorite job responsibilities consist of co-writing the monthly series Same Same But Different and curating the fashion market for ELLE Escapes . Meg graduated magna cum laude from the Missouri School of Journalism with an emphasis on magazine editing. In 2020, one of her feature stories in the service article category was recognized by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. The year prior, the Society of Professional Journalists named voxmagazine.com “Best Affiliated Magazine” in its Mark of Excellence Awards, when she was on staff. Meg’s stories have appeared on Cosmopolitan, Town & Country, Harper’s Bazaar , and Good Housekeeping , among many other outlets. Her personal passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and gardening. You can find her in New York, where she lives, or on Instagram , where she also lives. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour. 

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102 Best Boat Names That Are Unique, Classic, Clever, and Funny

The perfect maritime moniker awaits.

For those in the market to buy a boat or a yacht, you’ll quickly learn that many considerations go into finding the just-right vessel—is the boat for cruising, sailing, exploring? Or perhaps the idea of a speed boat sounds particularly invigorating. Whatever type of boat you purchase, there's one purely fun, non-serious order of boat business that allows captains and cruisers to get creative without spending a dime. And some might argue this is the single most important decision of all: naming your boat.

If you've dreamed of owning a boat or a larger yacht , you've likely already considered a name. Pun boat names inspired by summer, sand, and sea are popular picks, as well as inside jokes like a play on your name or a poke at a defining life event ("She Got the House" or "401K"). Song titles and lyrics, movies, and cultural catchphrases and moments make for clever boat name inspiration, too.

Don't already have the perfect boat name set in stone? We've rounded up these unique boat names to inspire your search for the perfect maritime moniker. Here you'll find classic and classy boat names of the more serious sort (like the "Honey Fitz" yacht that once belonged to JFK and Jackie O. ), as well as funny boat names that your fellow captains will wish they had thought of first. Scroll through for 102 of our best boat names.

Funny Boat Names

• Are We There Yet?
• Fin & Tonic
• Fishy Business
• Flying Dutchman
• Feeling Yachty
• Gone Fishin'
• In a Meeting
• Jolly Roger
• Kids' Inheritance
• Knot Working
• Liquid Asset
• Out of Office
• Pier Pressure
• Reel Therapy
• Rest a Shore
• She Got the House
• Shell of a View
• Skipper’s Girl
• Weekend Edition
• What’s Up Dock?
• Yachty or Nice?
• Yachty, Yachty, Yadda
• 5 O’Clock Somewhere

Classic Boat Names

• Always Saturday
• Amazing Grace
• Anchors Away
• Captain's Quarters
• Coast Is Clear
• Endless Summer
• Golden Hour
• Island Girl
• Lady in Red
• Lady of the Lake
• Livin' the Dream
• Midas Touch
• Nothin' But Blue Skies
• One Moor Time
• One More Day
• Sea-Batical
• Seas the Day
• Seas the Moments
• Soul Searching
• Southern Belle
• Vitamin Sea
• Wish You Were Here

Boat Names Inspired by Music, Movies, Shows, and More

• Catch Me If You Can
• Changes in Latitudes
• The Codfather
• Far & Away
• Good Vibrations
• Here Comes the Sun
• O Captain! My Captain!
• Rock the Boat
• Serendipity

Pretty and Classy Boat Names

• Bain de Soleil
• Beau Soleil
• Dolce Far Niente
• La Dolce Vita
• Ocean Breeze
• Still Waters
• Summer Breeze
• Winds of Change

Amy Mitchell is the managing editor at Country Living and VERANDA. She writes about a wide range of topics, including homes and lifestyle content.

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220 Banned and Inappropriate Boat Names

Coast Guard rules ban certain words in the naming of boats, even though it may not seem like it sometimes. These are the specific guidelines for boat naming, which are actually pretty lax.

“The name may not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea; may not contain or be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets.” 

The first part and the last parts make a lot of sense. However, the part about obscene, indecent or profane language leaves a lot open to interpretation, as we’ll see. Boaters are known for their senses of humor and that’s why funny boat names are so popular. But nowhere is that more clear than in the numbers of clever and, yes, inappropriate boat names you’ll run across in the harbor now and then.

Not everyone has the audacity to go ahead with a ballsy and even offensive name but when someone does, they really stand out. If you’re not the sort of person who wants classy Latin boat names , you need to think of something else. So, if you’re up for it, here’s our curated list of some of the best (or worst) inappropriate and banned boat names out there. Some are hilarious, some are cringeworthy, and some will maybe get you kicked out of the marina so tread carefully. Some names are definitely NSFW. Still, they may be great for your fishing boat or sailboat depending on your sense of humor and the sense of humor of the people around you. 

One additional rule that is less about content than form is that a boat name cannot be more than 33 characters in length. So you can potentially use short phrases but sentences and full quotes are almost always too long.

Inappropriate But Funny Boat Names Based on Ship Puns

Thanks to the fact that ship sounds very similar to one of the most common swear words in existence, ship puns are huge for boats. Technically this does seem to violate the Coast Guard rule on inappropriate terms being phonetically similar but there are so many boats that use these names it doesn’t seem to be enforced. 

• In Deep Ship
• Ship Happens
• Ships N’ Giggles
• Talkin’ Ship
• Ship Poster
• Ship the Bed
• Shippin’ Bricks
• Brick Ship House
• Ship House Rat
• Ship on a Shingle
• Ship Disturber
• Chicken Ship
• Sack of Ship
• Ship Kicker
• Ship-Eatin’ Grin
• I Ship You Not
• Are You Shipping Me?
• My Ship Don’t Stink
• Going Apeship
• Bullship Artist
• King Ship of Turd Island
• Pile of Ship
• No Ship, Sherlock
• Too Old For This Ship
• Ship Or Get Off the Pot
• Little Ship
• Bat Ship Crazy
• Cut the Ship
• Does a Bear Ship in the Woods?
• Like a Fly on Ship
• Don’t Give a Ship
• Some Good Ship
• A Pig in Ship
• I Feel Like Ship
• Looks Like Ship
• Ship for Brains
• What the Ship?
• Scared Shipless
• What a Shiphole
• Load of Ship
• Crock of Ship
• So Full of Ship
• Bad Case of the Ships
• Up Ship’s Creek
• Ship Outta Luck
• The Ship Hit the Fan
• Ship from Shinola
• Stir Ship Up
• Get Your Ship Together
• Losing My Ship
• Ship Sandwich
• On My Ship List
• Ship Tickets
• Having a Ship Fit
• Same Ship, Different Bay
• Don’t Ship Where You Eat
• Ship Through a Goose
• Shooting the Ship
• Ship My Pants
• Know Your Ship
• Ship End of the Stick

Dirty Boat Names Based on Body Part Puns

Making jokes that play off of body parts or functions is another popular trend for inappropriate boat names. Bass and Aft are two big ones here because of their closeness to the real word they’re parodying, but as you’ll see a few others sneak in as well. 

• Salty Test Tackles
• Huge Test Tackles
• Bass Kicker
• Kiss My Aft
• Kiss My Bass
• Bass Kisser
• Aft Backwards
• Bass Ackwards
• Hauling Aft
• Hauling Bass
• Bustin’ Aft
• Bustin’ Bass
• Pain in the Aft
• Pain in the Bass
• Aft Over Teakettle
• Bass Over Teakettle
• Bass, Gas and Grass
• Piece of Bass
• Kicking Bass and Taking Names
• Bass Lickin’
• Dixie Normous
• My Dixie Wrecked
• Pencil Deck
• Suck My Deck
• Whiskey Deck
• Spotted Deck
• Big Deck Energy
• Decked Down
• Deck Measuring Contest
• Chicks Before Decks
• Hot Ruddered Bums
• Tail Chaser

Inappropriate Boat Names Based on Dirty Puns

Sometimes just a general dirty joke gets the job done. Here’s where plays on the word naughty come out to shine.

• For Fox Sake
• Berth Control
• The Sea Word
• Nauti Nurse
• Nauti By Nature
• Cunning Stunts
• Tide in Knots
• The Dirty Dangler
• Worm Dangler
• Love Mussel
• Fueling Around
• Wake and Bake
• La Seavious Acts
• Motorboater
• Shellfish in Bed
• Pervy Scurvy
• Salty Swallow
• Between the Sheets
• Sin or Swim
• Twice a Knight
• Oily Beef Hooked
• Passing Wind
• Passing Bass
• Port-a-Party

Sex-Themed Inappropriate Boat Names

Sex-themed boat names are really popular. Some can be pretty cliche and maybe come across as a little juvenile, but people still use them. And remember, it’s your boat and you spent money on it so feel free to name it whatever makes you happy.

• Doggy Style
• Master Baiter
• Summer Hummer
• She’s Wet Again
• Constantly Wet
• Dripping Wet
• For Wetter or Worse
• In Her Course
• Jetting Wetter
• Full of Seamen
• Floating Seamen
• Wasted Seamen
• Panty Puller
• Oaring Around
• The Reach Around
• Morning Would
• Thong Chaser
• The Money Shot
• Booty Hunter
• American Booty
• Call of Booty
• Still Jerkin
• Casting Couch
• Shameless Hooker
• Dirty Hooker
• Cheap Hooker
• High Priced Hooker
• Happy Hooker
• Wrecks Appeal
• Wrecks Kitten
• Wrecks and the City
• Wrecks Life
• Wrecks Machine
• Wrecks Drive
• Wrecks Object
• Wrecks on the Beach
• Wrecks Symbol
• Wrecks Starved
• The Joy of Wrecks
• Wrecks Talk
• The Opposite Wrecks
• Boats n’ Hoes
• Moisture Missile

The Dirtiest Boat Names

We’re hiding this one at the bottom. If you made it this far then maybe you’re not easily offended so these over the top names could be right up your alley. Would I name my boat any of these things? No. But I would laugh if I saw your boat with one of these inscribed on it,

• Bass 2 Mouth
• Fillet Show
• Cummin Hard

Names to be Cautious Of

Like I said above, the Coast Guard will ban certain names and not allow you to use them. You can’t call your boat something like “Coast Guard One” or “Mayday.” Nothing that makes you sound like an official rescue or government/law enforcement vessel. Likewise you can’t use terms like Mayday that are related to rescue at sea. 

Here are a few words that will not get past registration:

• Coast Guard
• Man Overboard

While the inappropriate words you can and can’t use can be debated based on the Coast Guard’s vague rules, remember one other thing if you want to push the limits with your boat name – there’s more than the Coast Guard at sea. If you’re using a marina, or are interested in joining a boating club or yacht club, they are well within their rights to ban any boat they don’t want around for a reason simple as a name they deem offensive. 

The Bottom Line

The Coast Guard does have rules about what you can and can’t name a boat but they specifically ban anything that could be confusing in an emergency situation. Other names are supposed to not be offensive but there’s a lot of latitude in how that’s interpreted. That said, don’t forget that your local harbor or boating club could ban you for a name they find offensive. Likewise, if it’s a name you’d be embarrassed to show off to your mom or your coworkers, you might want to rethink it. But if you still feel like your inappropriate name is right for your boat, then best of luck!

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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The Hawaiian Peʻa is classified as a "Crab Claw" sail. A "crab claw" is defined as a triangular sail with spars along the upper(or leading) edge and a spar  along the  bottom (or rear) edge of the sail.  Crab Claw sails are further classified as a "Fore and Aft sail Rig.  Fore and Aft sails are much more efficient in sailing "to windward" than Square Rigger Sails.

Manner in which the ʻie of the sail were sewn together and loops used to secure the sail to the mast and spar. This photo of a Tahitian Sail obtained by Captain Cook during his first visit to Tahiti ( Click to see more of Tahitian Sail)

Click on photo for expanded view

The Hawaiian   Pe'a or La ,  was made out of lauhala , the leaves of the Hala Tree.  Strips of Lauhala were woven into a mat averaging 16 inches wide.  These mat panels, called 'ie,  were overlapped  horizontally then sewn together to create the sail.

. The Hawaiian sail is very effective in sailing across the wind or down wind.  It can sail windward at an angle of about 75 degrees off the wind.  The round hull of the Hawaiian canoe however  allows for significant lee drift. Early explores describe Hawaiians  frequently paddling their canoes while under sail, especially when trying to sail to windward. Paddling while under sail allowed the canoe to travel higher to windward and reduced the lee drift significantly.  Paddling while under sail makes the paddling much easier. It also can increase the canoe's windward ability making between 45 to 40 degrees off the wind.

Herb Kawainui Kane

  Within ten years of the arrival of Westerners in Hawaii, the traditional Hawaiian Sail was largly replaced with Western cloth sails and Western "booms" and "spars"...

Modern Canoe Under Sail

Prior to Western contact the Hawaiian Sail had a fixed mast that was set slightly forward of the forward 'iako.  The sail was attached directly to the mast. To drop the sail the entire sailing rig had to be lowered.  Today a Manahiki Island sail rig has been adopted where there is a stationary mast upon which a spar to which the sail is attached is raised and lowered.                  This allows the sail to be dropped quickly and without having to take down the entire sailing rig.

 Below are the traditional names of the parts of the Hawaiian Sail.

Tommy Holem's Detail Description of Hawaiian Sail

Science Behind How a Hawaiian Sail Works

Lashing used to attach the Sail to the Paepae and Kia  

The outrigger canoe – in Hawaiian it is called a waʻa ( vah-ah) – is a type of canoe featuring one or more lateral support floats known as outriggers which are fastened to one or both sides of the main hull.  Smaller canoes often employ a single outrigger on the port side, while larger canoes may employ a single-outrigger, double-outrigger, or double-hull configuration (see also catamaran). The sailing canoes are an important part of the Polynesian heritage and are raced and sailed in Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and by the Māori of New Zealand.

Using an outrigger or double-hull configuration greatly increases the stability of the canoe, but introduces hydrodynamic inefficiency relative to making a single-hull canoe wider. Compared to other types of canoes, outrigger canoes can be quite fast, yet are also capable of being paddled and sailed in rougher water. This paddling technique, however, differs greatly from kayaking or rowing.

The Names of Our Canoes

(name, brand of canoe, the racing number, and meaning of the name in English):

Laulima  (Mirage) 88A Literally means many hands. Means working together, cooperation.

No’io o ka ie’ie  (Bradley Striker) 88B To the best of our knowledge, No’io is a white bird formerly used for navigating to land, o ka ie’ie means  of the high …relating to being in the sky.

Oliliko o Makahuena  (Bradley Lightening) 88C Refers to the sparkling or shimmering we often see on the water as we return at sunset from Makahuena

Nai’a Uli Uli  (Mirage) 88D Blue Dolphin

Keoneloa  (Bradley Lightening) 88E Long sand–refers to the bay on which the Grand Hyatt is situated

Rai  (Mirage) 88F The Tahitian word for sky.

Kamakani O Maha’ulepu   (Bradley Lightening) 88J Refers to the wind found at Maha’ulepu.

Ka Lae o Ka’iwa   (Bradley Lightening) 88K Refers to the point at the entrance to Lawai Kai bay.

Liko   (Matahina) 88L Named for a young man named Liko who made it safe for his people to go into the waters near Kukui’ula Harbor and Spouting Horn by luring the menacing mo’o (dragon) into the tubes of spouting horn where it got stuck–and can still be heard moaning to this day. Liko also refers to the shimmering of the sun on the water, and the bud–or newly formed blossom of a flower.

Lele i Ke Kai  (Matahina) 88M Means to fly or leap across the sea.

Anatomy of an Outrigger Canoe

Parts of the Canoe

Hawaiian names for the parts of an outrigger canoe with English translations:

• ama  (float/outrigger)
• hoe  (a paddle; to paddle)
• ‘iako  (spars, boom)
• manu   kupe  (curved end pieces covering the fore and aft parts of the hull; to steer a canoe)
• mo’o  (gunwale)
• muku  (ends of ‘iako that extend beyond the hull)
• wae  (spreaders)
• wa’a  (canoe, also  va’a ,  waka )

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Help with Hawaiian Boat Name Please

• Thread starter OBXDIVEGUY
• Start date May 8, 2010

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Contributor

• May 8, 2010

Aloha all you Hawaiians out there! I would like some assistance with naming our new boat. My newlywed wife and I have a special bond with Hawaii because that is where I proposed to her just over a year ago now. We just got married last month and as our wedding gift to eachother, we are getting a new boat! Her nickname on some of the other boards is Killer Mermaid because of her love of spearfishing. We'd like to incorporate that into the name of the boat, but I don't think there is a direct translation. Here's what we've come up with so far that we really like: Makaha Mermaid Maka Koa Mermaid We plucked these from some translation sites, but aren't sure if they actually make any sense. Makaha is ferocious and Maka Koa is bold, strong I think. Are these acurate translations, or are we way off base here? I'd hate to pick a name, and then have it just not make any sense in Hawaiian. Mahalo!  

I couldn't help flashing back to the hilarious scene with Meredith Baxter in Grumpier old men and his hawaiin Comeoniwannalaya, Uwannalikidiki, and Idkindaliketapokeya......... Great wedding present to each other  

• May 9, 2010

DennisS: I couldn't help flashing back to the hilarious scene with Meredith Baxter in Grumpier old men and his hawaiin Comeoniwannalaya, Uwannalikidiki, and Idkindaliketapokeya......... Great wedding present to each other Click to expand...

• May 10, 2010

Ha! I like "Idkindaliketopokeya"!  

• May 11, 2010

From my "New Pocket Hawaiian Dictionary": Mākaha: fierce, savage, ferocious. Maka koa : bold, unafraid, fierce. I'd probably go with maka koa if it were up to me... Plus, Makaha is the name of a town in west O'ahu, very "local" area. If you use "Mākaha Mermaid," you may get people asking if you're from there, etc. Aloha, Tim  

LeadTurn_SD

• May 12, 2010

I just learned there is a big difference between Mākaha and Makaha; the latter is a pig disease. :buggy: Not quite what I'm shooting for!  

The Lorax for the Kelp Forest

Congratulations on the marriage and your gift to one another. From what little I know about Hawaii and its unique language, just make sure your boat has sufficient beam in the stern to allow for all the letters!  

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Sailing in Hawaii: Everything You Need to Know

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The ocean surrounding the Aloha State beckons all to sail its waters. For those who take the call, they will find ample steady breezes, the sun, and calm seas awaiting their adventure. However, the calm and beautiful ocean can be deceiving to the inexperienced. 

If you want to go sailing in Hawaii, you must come prepared with a plan, a doable destination, and enough supplies if something goes wrong. This is because the trade winds and currents near the islands can change from calm to turbulent in an instant. 

To solve some of the riddles of sailing in Hawaii, the American Sailing Association established a list of tips and accredited sailing schools so you can learn the ropes. By reading further, you will learn what these tips and schools are so you can implement them as needed.

— article continued below —

The Art of Sailing Among the Islands of Hawaii

There is no better way to see Hawaii than by sailing. The trade winds surrounding the islands make nearly perfect sailing conditions without ceasing. Plus, you can enjoy the calm waters and warm breeze all year long, especially on the western side of the archipelago. You can take out your boat or rent one to see all the islands offer, such as the Kohala Coast and Kealakekua Bay.

While the lure of the water splashing onto your boat's hull sounds inviting, the islands are notoriously challenging to sail. The breeze may be steady, but it is not a constant everywhere. The shapes of the islands create a chaotic storm of everchanging ocean currents and weather. The conditions are so bad, sailors boast that if you can sail in Hawaii, you can sail anywhere .

Each island has its unique character traits. The winds are so specific that ancient Hawaiians have 30 names for the winds around the island of Maui alone. It also takes an expert navigator to chart around the swells, currents, and rotating stars. The ancient Polynesian navigators were the best in the world for a reason. 

Therefore, you must come prepared before you embark on your journey through the waters surrounding these volcanic islands. 

Hawaiian Sailing Education Resources

Most people get the taste for sailing around Hawaii on some sunset cruise and believe they are already skilled enough to handle the Hawaiian trade winds. They feel the moist air passing over the West Maui Mountains and over the boat, forcing it to move with purpose. They think they can handle the waters and embark to go off the typical visitor tours. 

However, the Hawaiian straits can get challenging beyond the shores. General sailing skills are not enough; you need local expertise if you want to avoid Hawaii's legendary surf breaks or a free trip to Tahiti. 

You can gather this expertise by hiring a guide for a private tour of the islands, or you can attend classes at one of the three American Sailing Association (ASA) sailing schools on the island of Oahu:

• Waikiki Sailing School
• Sail Hawaii
• Honolulu Sailing

You will find all three schools centrally located at the Kewalo and Ala Wai harbor near the world-famous Waikiki Beach. 

All three schools provide instructions that lead to ASA certifications 101 and 106 using a classic Pearson Ariel 26 keelboat. You will learn your way around Hawaii with practical applications such as a liveaboard Pacific Offshore Challenge sailing adventure around the islands. They even offer courses for ASA 105 and 107 (Celestial Navigation) certifications. 

Best Places to Sail in Hawaii

With your new Hawaii sailing certification, you will want to get out on the open sea. Every Hawaiian island has unique vistas and challenges that will keep you coming back for more. If you set out with a guide, they will point you towards exciting destinations and how to get to them. If you are taking the seas alone, you will want to plan out your excursions before leaving the shore. 

Sailing Around Maui

Around Maui county's islands, the tradewinds generally come from the northeast but can have different effects if they flow from the north versus the east. Either way, they will lead you to the Auau and Pailolo Channels and Maalaea Bay which are often labeled as the best sailing places in Maui. 

The Pailolo Channel

The Pailolo Channel offers the most consistent sailing conditions of the archipelago. Situated between the mountains of the Maui and Molokai islands, the strait forms a 9-mile-wide funnel that keeps the winds going in the same path regardless of their direction. 

Reaching the channel requires knowing how the winds are blowing. With an east wind, your best bet is to start sailing towards Eastern Molokai, then turn towards Maui once you reach the middle of the channel. The winds would then cross your boat from the port side. 

With a north wind, you can go straight through the middle of the channel with the free-running breeze. You will crawl at a consistent 15-25 knots, but you will have a riveting sailing experience. 

Honolua Bay should be available to you regardless of the trade winds. 

Auau Channel

As the Pailolo Channel becomes the Auau Channel near Lanai, the winds get complicated. For example, you can cross the channel from Manele Harbor to Lahaina without much effort with a good north wind. However, crossing the channel with an east wind can challenge even native experts. 

With an east wind, your best chance is to find wind convection or a light breeze caused by the nearby hot land. Though, the occasional south wind can help as well. 

On the South Side of Maui

Maui's volcanoes turn the island into a wind funnel aimed directly at Maalaea Bay. This funneling makes the bay the windiest spot in Hawaii. As such, the bay is continuously whitecapped from dawn to dusk. To make matters worse, the north wind arrives early, rendering snorkeling and other water activities impossible. 

You also must reach the bay traveling upwind. Because of this, even the seasoned veterans will not sail into the bay and recommend using a motor along the coastline. You can bring out the sails again once you reach North Kihei. You can only sail to McGregor Point and Maalaea Harbor during light or westerly winds. Just be ready for the jump from 10 knots to 25 as you pass North Kihei. 

Cruising the Leeward Seas

The leeward side of the islands is the calmer side with much more manageable water and winds. Partly shielded from the tradewinds, these waters provide an unforgettable and unique way to see Hawaii and all that the islands offer. You can sail anywhere with little effort, even upwind. 

Kaiwi Channel

For instance, you can cross the Kaiwi Channel between Oahu and Molokai in less than half a day. Once there, you can spend the rest of the day and night enjoying life in Lono Harbor, a deserted but protected hideaway. You can then take the short-day trip to the Nanahoa pinnacles, an interesting rock formation with a nice anchoring spot for swimming and lunches. 

Lanai Island

Toward the south from Nanahoa, you will find the Island of Lanai and the Auau Channel with a more leisurely approach towards Manele Bay. The bay is Lanai's only recreational marina and has no guest slips, but it does give you access to Hulopoe Beach and the nearby hiking cliff trails. 

The only other interesting spot on the island is Lahaina Harbor. The Lahaina Yacht Club privately owns the historic harbor. As such, you need permissions from the club to dock. Even then, most of the time you will find yourself mooring your boat to a visitors' buoy or anchoring in the bay, using their provided dinghy to reach the bars on the shore. 

Luckily, ASA Hawaiian classes provide Lahaina Club membership, giving full access to the club's other amenities, including hot showers, fish taco shops, and the best view in town. 

Molokai Island

Across the channel from Lanai is Maui, which has nothing special for boaters, but beyond Maui is Molokai. Reaching Molokai requires crossing the Pailolo Channel, but you will find a reef that will lead you towards the calmer lee side of the island. 

Fortunately, there are no harbors or anchorages along Molokai's north shore. So, you can avoid most of the tradewinds and travel down the lee side until you reach Kaunakakai. Kaunakakai is the main town on Molokai, and its harbor is fully equipped. There is a guest dock with end ties and enough room in the harbor in case you must anchor offshore. 

As for the island itself, Molokai has the most native Hawaiians in the state, who prefer a more traditional lifestyle. The "Friendly Island" feels like a time capsule with only a few modern amenities. The island's major attraction is the Paddler's Inn. The popular restaurant serves as the central meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. It is open every day except Sunday and serves Molokai's famous hot bread.

The Open Sea Between Molokai and Oahu

When sailing around the Hawaiian Islands, you rarely venture out into the open ocean. Most travels keep you near the islands or in the semi-protected channels between them. The only time you will travel through the open Pacific is when you go directly between Oahu and Molokai. 

The course will take you past migrating Humpback whales as they play with spinner dolphins. However, we only recommend that you take the route going in the westward direction. This way, you will travel the 45 nautical miles with the trade winds and not against them. 

Sailing Between Hawaii and Mainland U. S.

When people talk about Sailing in Hawaii, they only mention traversing the waters between the islands. However, the open ocean between the archipelago and the mainland offers a gratifying experience on its own. Many sailors prefer the ventures so they can bring their boats with them instead of renting once they get to Hawaii. 

General Hawaii-Bound Sailing Route

Regardless of your starting location, your trip to Hawaii will be essentially the same, with a few deviations. You generally head south along the coastline until you are between 35 degrees North and 25 degrees North. From there, you can head straight westerly for Hilo. The trip will take about 2-4 weeks. While there are more direct routes, this passage is the quickest with the fewest chances for failure. 

Los Angeles is a good staging point . The city ranges from 38 degrees and 34 degrees North. From the south, you want to remain offshore and out of the surf as much as possible, but you can start heading west as soon as you see the city. 

From the north, you must choose from three different routes: 

• Slowest route: Reach Los Angeles through San Francisco. You can hop from port to port until you reach the Bay Area before heading southeasterly to join the northern route to Hawaii.
• Fastest route: Head directly towards Los Angeles, approximately 20 to 40 miles from the shore. This route lets you take advantage of the coastal current and winds. 
• Safest Route : Same as the fastest route, except you remain 50 to 100 miles out. You will find smoother sailing the farther out you are, but try to avoid the Pacific High. 

Regardless of the route you take, you want to avoid:

• Point St George
• Cape Flattery
• Cape Blanco
• Rocky Point/Honda Point

Make Sure You Always Remain South of the Pacific High

Regardless of how you plan to reach Hawaii, you want to avoid the Pacific High. This semi-permanent depression in the North Pacific gives Hawaii its tradewinds, and you need those tradewinds for your trip. The High also has light winds and rain, which will make your trip a miserable experience. 

Therefore, all recommended routes towards Hawaii send you south before you head west. However, the Pacific High moves. It shifts towards the equator in the winter and back north in the summer. The Los Angeles route is only suitable for summer sailing because of this. During any other time of the year, you must head further south before you start heading for the Hawaiian Islands. 

A general rule of thumb is:

• 20 degrees North during winter
• 30 degrees North during spring
• 35 degrees North during summer

Once you reach your travel latitude, it will take you a few days before you pick up the tradewinds for smooth sailing to Hilo. Just note that the optimal wind zone will remain small and narrow throughout the trip. 

Best Time to Sail to Hawaii

Because of the Pacific High, your best time to sail to Hawaii is in June. Setting out in June lets you take the Los Angeles route in relative comfort while avoiding the hurricane season. After June, you must deal with the hurricanes, while your trip will get cold if you venture out during the winter and spring. 

Just note that you may still deal with the occasional hurricane. Fortunately, hurricanes are easily spotted. So, you should have plenty of time to prepare for them. Pacific hurricanes tend to stay south of 20 degrees North Latitude, far away from the summer Hawaii route. 

Heading Back to the Mainland

After your many adventures around Hawaii, you take a different route back to the mainland. The tropical tradewinds only move west, and you need the jet stream which moves easterly, so you must head north of the Pacific High to reach them. 

Therefore, the only route available to you is to head straight north from Hilo until you pass the High's northern edge. This path should take you to around 47 degrees North, which is the latitude of Seattle. From there, you can turn towards the east and sail until you reach the coast. You can then travel south until you reach your home base. The 2,600-mile trip to Seattle will take you 4 to 5 weeks.

Plan for the Journey

As with any long voyages, you must prepare for your trip before setting sail to or from Hawaii. You are looking at a several-week journey through cold nights, rain, and slow winds. These conditions grow worse as you drift near the Pacific High, but you should get through the worst of it after five days of sailing. 

Once you catch the trade winds, the air gets warmer and dryer, and with winds pick up to something respectable. This part of the journey will take about two weeks, but it should be a pleasant ocean voyage. 

However, you will spend all that time on your own. There will be nothing on the horizon to break the monotony. As such, you need to bring your knowledge of sea sailing, courage to remain focused, a strong stomach, and a plan for anything that might go awry. A part of that planning is establishing a time to sleep and change the sail, as well as fixing any leaks that might spring up. Because of this, you may not want to make the journey alone. 

Sailing among the Hawaiian Islands is a fun way to enjoy the sun and the sights from the Aloha State. However, the waters around these islands can challenge even seasoned sailing veterans. To enjoy your voyages while remaining safe, you must come prepared and understand how the winds and water current flow around the islands. Only then can you sail around the archipelago with your friends.

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Hokulea: History of Hawaii’s Voyaging Canoe

As Nainoa Thompson so eloquently stated, there was once a time when the Polynesians were the most skilled navigators on Earth.

Only 50 years ago, however, during the 1960’s, the act of Polynesian voyaging and wayfinding had been reduced to memories and lore.

There were no canoes which endured deep water sails, there were no captains who could read the map that is etched in the sun and stars, and there was no breath in the maritime spirit which one connected Polynesia.

Looking at the movement of peoples in the Pacific, the first Hawaiians were voyaging Marquesans who arrived around 400 AD. The Tahitians would arrive to supplant the Marquesans around 900 AD, and while voyages between Tahiti and the Hawaiian Islands may have existed for a short period of time, the maritime connection was eventually severed and the two nations drifted apart.

To Herb Kane, an Oahu based artist and avid paddler with an interest in Polynesian voyaging, this was an unacceptable loss of culture which couldn’t be allowed to continue. Specifically, Kane had a vision of a double-hulled sailing canoe that would voyage from Hawaii to Tahiti, and reignite the unifying spark between the people of Polynesia.

More than just a traditional canoe, however, the voyage would employ the ancient techniques of navigating, route-planning, and wayfinding. Though Kane was confident he could silent the critics, there was the fundamental problem that there was no one in Hawaii who still knew the ancient techniques.

From a voyaging perspective, when you see Hokule`a arc overhead, you know you’re sharing the same latitude with the Main Hawaiian Islands, and it’s a shining light in the night time heavens which helps to point the way home.

After its journey through the Hawaiian Islands, Hokule‘a experienced a groundswell of support for her upcoming voyage to Tahiti. Crew were chosen from various islands, and in 1976, along with cultural anthropologists and the master navigator Mau, Hokule‘a departed for a 2,500 mile journey without a compass or maps; this would be the first time in over 600 years that a voyaging canoe using traditional techniques would connect the Polynesian chains.

Through it all, the crew was constantly fascinated and amazed at Mau’s depth of wayfinding knowledge, and as crewmember Shorty Bertelmann put it, being around Mau and being able to glean his knowledge “was like a living ancestor that you could finally talk to. “

For as much jubilation surrounded the voyage, tragedy unfortunately lay right around the corner.

Having returned to Hawaii in 1976, another voyage was planned for 1978 between the Hawaiian Islands and Tahiti. As with the first voyage, modern conveniences were left behind in lieu of traditional methods, and on the first day of the sail, just 12 miles south of Moloka‘i, Hokule‘a was battered by gale force winds and capsized in the growing seas. Clinging to the hulls of the damaged canoe, the crew of Hokule‘a spent an uncomfortable evening adrift in the open blue.

Today, Eddie is lauded for his courage and sacrifice in the face of devastating circumstance, and the full story of Eddie Aikau is masterfully chronicled in the classic biography, “ Eddie Would Go ,” by Stuart Coleman.

Today Hokule‘a continues to ply the Pacific and her trips have given rise to a culture of voyaging. Her sail to New Zealand inspired Maori leaders to revive the art of canoe building, and she has sailed the Pacific from Japan to Micronesia and the west coast of the Mainland U.S.

In the summer of 2014—38 years after her launch—Hokule‘a embarked on a round the world voyage to 26 countries. The voyage was entitled “Malama Honua,” which translates “to care for our Earth,” and the sail aimed to raise awareness for a peaceful and sustainable future.

Three years after sailing nearly 40,000 nautical miles around the world, the Polynesian Voyaging Society and its crewmembers returned from the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage. An arrival ceremony and homecoming celebration  took place on June 17, 2017 on Oahu’s Magic Island, with tens of thousands of people awaiting Hokule‘a’s historic return. A grand wa‘a (canoe) procession, an ancient Hawaiian spear throwing ceremony not seen in 200 years, ‘awa ceremony, hula kahiko, and musical performances were all part of the day’s celebrations.

Nainoa Thompson at the historic homecoming celebration of Hokule‘a on June 17, 2017.

As Nainoa Thompson, master navigator and president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, puts it, “these influences that we want to change and recreate for a new civil kind of society, a more healthy society, will take the work of many…when I look at all the efforts combined, I think therein lies the answer to a healthy and safe future.”

Have you had an experience with Hokule‘a during her voyages around the world? Share it with us in the comments below!

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Hokule'a, The Hawaiian Canoe Traveling The World By A Map Of The Stars

Sara Kehaulani Goo

The Hokule'a, a voyaging canoe built to revive the centuries-old tradition of Polynesian exploration, makes its way up the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. Sailed by a crew of 12 who use only celestial navigation and observation of nature, the canoe is two-thirds of the way through a four-year trip around the world. Bryson Hoe/Courtesy of 'Oiwi TV and Polynesian Voyaging Society hide caption

The Hokule'a, a voyaging canoe built to revive the centuries-old tradition of Polynesian exploration, makes its way up the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. Sailed by a crew of 12 who use only celestial navigation and observation of nature, the canoe is two-thirds of the way through a four-year trip around the world.

She sails by the memory of the stars.

Her bones are lashed together with 6 miles of rope. Her twin wooden masts are lowered and outstretched only by the power of muscled arms. And once fully extended, the red, V-shaped sails announce who she is.

She is the Hokule'a, Hawaii's famous voyaging canoe, built in the double-hulled style used by Polynesian navigators thousands of years ago to cross the Pacific.

Now, she's on a journey to make history, traversing the globe by wayfinding — an ancient Polynesian skill that requires memorizing hundreds of stars and where they rise and set on the ocean horizon. She has already crossed 26,000 miles of ocean and still has a year left to go.

"As a navigator, your job is to look at the shape of the ocean," said Nainoa Thompson, the architect of the worldwide tour and president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. "You have to be on your feet, and to be able to feel one wave when it comes through from one foot to another. You only know where you are by memorizing where you come from."

Kala Tanaka marks "stays" at the front of the canoe so they can go back in the same place after the mast is taken down to fit under the George Washington Bridge. The garlands of ti leaves, a Hawaiian tradition, were placed on the Hokule'a by well-wishers. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

Kala Tanaka marks "stays" at the front of the canoe so they can go back in the same place after the mast is taken down to fit under the George Washington Bridge. The garlands of ti leaves, a Hawaiian tradition, were placed on the Hokule'a by well-wishers.

Onboard this East Coast leg is a 12-member crew, a mix of veteran native Hawaiian navigators and young, lean apprentices who have taken time off their jobs as pro surfers, educators and executives for the chance of a lifetime: sailing for weeks on a 61-foot catamaran-style canoe in the open ocean. And the promise of returning with a stronger sense of themselves.

Many are part Native Hawaiian and were inspired to connect to their roots. With Hokule'a (ho-koo-lay-ah), they want to spread a message about what the world could learn from island people about how to live sustainably and care for the ocean.

"She has the ability to transform," said Na'alehu Anthony, 36, who is navigating this leg of the trip but also serves as chief executive of 'Oiwi TV, a Native Hawaiian television company.

"This floating island is a representation of the values people should have for the islands we all live in — whether that's Hawaii, the U.S. mainland or Tangier Island. It's been really interesting to see how people see themselves in that message. They get it."

Behind the canvas on both sides of the boat are the small, 6-foot "holes," or cubbies, which are the sleeping quarters for crew members. They have a sleeping bag, clothes and a few personal effects for the journey. Underneath the sleeping mat is storage space for food, water and other supplies. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

Behind the canvas on both sides of the boat are the small, 6-foot "holes," or cubbies, which are the sleeping quarters for crew members. They have a sleeping bag, clothes and a few personal effects for the journey. Underneath the sleeping mat is storage space for food, water and other supplies.

Hokule'a's trip around the world is ambitious. But it's nothing compared with her maiden voyage. That was a moonshot.

Forty years ago, a group of Native Hawaiians and anthropologists built the Hokule'a to revive the ancient art of Polynesian wayfinding, which had been forgotten.

No one knew how to build a canoe in the style of their ancestors, whose oral stories spoke of setting forth across vast oceans like astronauts of their day, exploring an ocean that is bigger than Russia.

At the time, no one in Hawaii knew how to build a voyaging canoe — none had existed for at least 600 years. No one in Hawaii knew how to navigate by the stars. But they found a man named Mau Piailug in Micronesia, a wayfinder on a tiny island who agreed to teach them how to sail using cues from nature — not only by watching the stars, but by noticing the swells and bird species, and the smallest of details, like shifts in the wind pressing against their bodies.

Left: Apprentice navigator Kala Tanaka (right) talks to students from the Alexandria Seaport Foundation about how the boat is navigated, during one of many educational tours offered while the boat is in port. Right: Na'alehu Anthony took leave from his job as chief executive of a television company to train for and join the voyage. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

In 1976, a group of Native Hawaiians and anthropologists, and Mau, bet their lives that they could sail from Hawaii to Tahiti without any modern-day navigational equipment. They wanted to prove a theory that the original people who settled the islands of Hawaii did so not by accident, but with the intention of finding the islands and settling there.

And when the team safely reached its destination, after more than a month at sea, its triumph sparked a revival of Hawaiian identity and culture. Soon after, Native Hawaiians demanded that the state begin teaching the Hawaiian language in schools again. A group occupied the uninhabited island of Kaho'olawe, in protest of the U.S. Navy's use of it as a target for bombing practice.

"There was a time when the Hawaiian culture wasn't valued," said Kalepa Baybayan, who was part of that first generation of crew members aboard the Hokule'a. "In the '70s, it all changed."

Na'alehu Anthony's hand rests over a small black mark on the rail of the boat. Marks like this create a grid on the entire boat to help orient the navigator in the direction which they are heading. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

Na'alehu Anthony's hand rests over a small black mark on the rail of the boat. Marks like this create a grid on the entire boat to help orient the navigator in the direction which they are heading.

The Hokule'a gave the Native Hawaiian people an identity; it became a symbol of hope for the survival of their culture.

Now they call Hokule'a the mother ship because she spawned a new generation. Since that 1976 voyage, 25 more deep-sea-voyaging canoes have been birthed across 11 countries. More than 180 crew members have taken a turn aboard the Hokule'a on its global trip. More impressive is the number who trained, applied but for whom there was no room: 4,000.

It's her mana, or spirit, as well as her history, that attracts people, crew members say. On her first voyage, to Tahiti, she was greeted by a crowd of 17,000 who walked into the water with their clothes on to see her; to touch her; and to drape leis around the necks of men who were onboard. And when she arrived along the shores of Alexandria, Va., last week, visitors waited as long as an hour for the chance to step onboard and touch her bow.

Modern updates include this rope rather than the coconut fiber that was used on Hawaiian canoes in the past. The small flag (right) that flutters above the canvas is one tool that navigators use when they can't see the stars. Knowing the direction the wind is blowing and watching the waves helps them to understand their direction when it is cloudy. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

The navigator's place is at the back corner of the Hokule'a, standing at all times with feet wide apart on the deck.

"There's the motion that the canoe makes as it climbs up over the wave," said Baybayan. "And you have to internalize that as the rhythm, the pulse of the canoe. And when that rhythm changes, either you've steered off course or the conditions have changed."

When you're doing it for the first time, you're double-guessing yourself, he said. But once you make your first landfall, you understand that the process you went through got you there.

"Once you're in the zone, you've reached a different plateau of metaphysical thinking," he said. "It just builds confidence in yourself. You start to understand nature."

The mast must come down in the next part of the journey to get past the bridges on the Potomac River on the way to the Washington, D.C., stop. The lei at the very top is color coded; traditionally each captain had his own color so the boats could recognize who was on it from afar. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

The mast must come down in the next part of the journey to get past the bridges on the Potomac River on the way to the Washington, D.C., stop. The lei at the very top is color coded; traditionally each captain had his own color so the boats could recognize who was on it from afar.

Being on a 61-foot vessel with no engine in the middle of the ocean is, indeed, as tough as it might seem. All crew members train for weeks to prepare their bodies mentally and physically and must take courses on celestial navigation to prepare for the voyage.

Once onboard, crew members are assigned a 6-foot-long plywood plank that runs along the inside of one of the boat's two hulls, which are connected by boards that serve as Hokule'a's deck. Most put a waterproof foam pad on top, like the kind you float on in a swimming pool.

The rookies get a "hole," or 6-foot sleeping spot in the front of the canoe, where it's wettest and coldest. The elder crew members get the back where it's warmer and dry. They all sleep head-to-toe, in a line, inside the twin canoe hulls.

"It's like a one-man tent, but like, elongated, " said Kala Tanaka, 34, who sleeps in the front while her father, one of the most seasoned navigators, sleeps in the back. "You have situations where it's so rough that the water splashes in between the canvas [overhead] and it gets wet. But I like to think of this as exciting!"

Ki'i, statues that help guide the vessel, are on either side of the boat. Only the female (right) has eyes because she sees the way while the male counterpart stands guard. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

Aside from a canvas over their head, the crew members are exposed to the wet cold, the relentless sun or rain. They take saltwater showers. The sunscreen onboard is gallon-size, with a pump on top. The navigator and his or her apprentices are expected to remain awake for 18 to 22 hours a day, keeping an eye on the conditions to ensure they stay the course.

But their rewards, of course, are many. They are counted in mahi-mahi, which the cook prepares sashimi-style, and in the sightings of whales, penguins and sunrises that they will never forget.

This leg of Hokule'a's journey is moving slowly; she's her most graceful out in the open ocean.

On this trip, she has braved new challenges of the mid-Atlantic: She took on unexpected whipping winds while sidestepping the onbeat of Navy and fishing boat traffic up the Chesapeake Bay to Alexandria, Va. Then she had to limbo under a series of concrete bridges up the Potomac River to Washington, D.C.

The Hokule'a has traveled 26,000 miles to deliver a message that, in typical fashion of this city, is often calculated through a political lens. Her message is Malama Honua. In Hawaiian, it means taking care of Island Earth.

"Not everyone believes in climate change, but we do," said Thompson, one of the architects of the worldwide tour. "We're islanders; we see it. We come from small islands in the Pacific who have nothing to do with [causing] climate change but we are the ones who will suffer the most, first."

The Voyage Of Hokule'a, Beginning And Ending In Hawaii

Source: Polynesian Voyaging Society

Credit: Alyson Hurt/NPR

Hokule'a left Hawaii in 2013 and headed west across the South Pacific and across Australia, Indonesia, the Indian Ocean and down around Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Then, she crossed the Atlantic to Brazil and headed north. At each stop, she has been greeted by first-nation people and like-minded organizations that want to create a sense of urgency about climate change and keeping the oceans clean.

In that cause, the Hokule'a has attracted some high-profile supporters. Before setting sail three years ago, the Dalai Lama blessed her and, on a stop in Samoa in 2014, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon came aboard in a show of support.

Kalepa Baybayan (right) and his daughter Kala Tanaka. Kalepa is training Kala as an apprentice navigator. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

Kalepa Baybayan (right) and his daughter Kala Tanaka. Kalepa is training Kala as an apprentice navigator.

When Ban came aboard the Hokule'a, he brought her a gift of a message in a bottle: a handwritten note pledging that the top environmental issue was to protect the world's oceans and a commitment to take action. Thompson said Hokule'a has been collecting other pledges from around the world and added 40 more messages to the bottle. He plans to return it to the secretary-general at the United Nations next week for World Oceans Day.

For 40 years, Thompson's life has been tied to the Hokule'a. Now, she is reaching middle age and, at age 63, he has nearly passed it. This trip is a bookend for him, but not likely for her.

"This canoe is a school that's about relearning the genius of our ancestors, and about our reconnection to our ocean," said Thompson. "This voyage is not my vision. It's that of my teachers. I'm just a bridge between between them and" — he points to his young crew — "them."

After New York, the Hokule'a will attempt to make it as far north as Nova Scotia, which, at 50 degrees north of the equator, would mark the northernmost point she has ever sailed. After that point, though, she will turn around. And every minute will be that much closer to returning home.

Hokule'a will go up the St. Lawrence to the Great Lakes, then turn back down the East Coast and across the Panama Canal where she will return to her ocean, the Pacific.

Thompson, Baybayan and the other elder crew members made a deal that this would be their last voyage. Anyone over age 32 will have to come off the boat as Hokule'a re-enters Polynesia at the last stop before home, in Rapa Nui. There, a new generation of wayfinders will come onboard and decide where she goes next.

Hokule'a stops in Alexandria, Va., on the way up the Potomac River to Washington, D.C. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

Hokule'a stops in Alexandria, Va., on the way up the Potomac River to Washington, D.C.

Reporter Adam Cole contributed to this report. @sarakgoo @cadamole

• climate change