How to Arrange a Burial at Sea on Oahu

Oahu is a popular go-to destination for relaxation and tranquility. It’s the perfect place to go when you need to escape the cares of life. The clear skies, azure waters, and breathtaking natural wonders provide a sense of peace and fulfillment. These conditions make the island of Oahu ideal for hosting memorial services like an ash scattering or burial at sea.

Cultures around the world have practiced burials at sea for thousands of years. But each culture has its own unique rituals and traditions for laying to rest their loved one’s ashes. Hawaii also has its own version of a burial at sea. To this day, family and friends will paddle out on surfboards and canoes before proceeding with the service. Once at the burial spot, they place the ashes, along with lei and flowers, in the water. Family members unable to paddle out or withstand a canoe ride typically wait on the beach.

Larger vessels make the process more accessible for Hawaiians and visitors alike. Private boat charters ensure a safe voyage for a burial at sea and can accommodate more guests. Most catamaran charters on Oahu can take up to 30 or 50 passengers. So whether you want to keep the ceremony small and intimate or invite the whole `ohana, there’s enough room for everyone to say aloha and pay their respects.

The island’s natural beauty draws people from all over the world to honor their deceased loved ones with a Hawaiian burial at sea. If you’re one such visitor, you may have a lot of questions about the process and how to go about arranging a burial at sea ceremony. Below are the answers to all of your questions along with a vessel comparison table to help you choose the right boat.

Ash scattering in Hawaii is legal as it poses no health risks. However, the practice is regulated and there are rules that have to be followed.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, all burials at sea or ash scattering services must be 3 or more miles from land. The EPA requires notification within 30 days following the ceremony by filling out an online form. This form can be completed by anyone in the family or by member of the crew or charter company. Also, any wreaths or flowers you place in the water must be biodegradable so as to not harm marine wildlife.

You do not have to obtain any special permits. The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) general permit is specifically for people who own or operate vessels that transport the cremains. Charter companies are responsible for obtaining necessary permits.

Most burial at sea charters on Oahu depart from Kewalo Basin Harbor and Waikiki Beach. However, there are other departure options through companies that focus on ash scattering charters.

Kewalo Basin Harbor is located on Oahu’s southern shore. The harbor is 3 miles from Waikiki and 7 miles from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. From Kewalo Basin Harbor you can easily access Oahu’s southern and western shores, providing more options for burial at sea locations. The advantage to choosing a charter from Kewalo Basin Harbor is that you would board the boat while it’s docked. Boarding at the dock is easier for elderly family members who may struggle to board on the beach.

The other option is a departure from Waikiki Beach, easily one of the most frequented beaches on Oahu. Waikiki Beach is world famous for its white sand and clear blue water. Charter boats come and go throughout the day providing various services – ash scattering ceremonies being one of them. The beach, known for its calm waters and captivating views of Diamond Head (Mount Leahi), provides a breathtaking backdrop for a burial at sea.

Rates for private boat charters vary depending on the type of vessel, its amenities, and the duration of the charter. To give you a clearer idea of how much a boat charter can cost for a burial at sea, we gathered the most popular private boat charters on Oahu:

PCK Nautical is perfect for those who prefer to keep the number of guests to a minimum. Say goodbye to crowded boats and enjoy a private ocean adventure on our spacious 60 ft yacht. The listed price is for the entire group, allowing up to six passengers to join you on the boat. You’ll have a fantastic time cruising  complete with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks. Feel free to bring your favorite alcoholic beverages and food on board for added enjoyment.

Pau Hana is a private charter day sail or snorkel tour, accommodating up to 12 guests on a sleek yacht. Ideal for intimate gatherings, this customizable tour caters to your preferences, from relaxation to exhilarating sailing around Diamond Head. With amenities like shaded areas, snorkeling gear, and refreshments, create unforgettable memories in paradise on this personalized journey.

The Makani Catamaran stands out as a premier luxury vessel, accommodating up to 80 passengers, making it an ideal choice for larger groups looking to host events like weddings, birthday parties, and corporate gatherings. It boasts a range of amenities such as a covered cabin with indoor seating, an open-air seating area, LCD TV, pilothouse seating, audio/visual equipment, and two restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. With customizable charters, an attentive crew, and optional meal and beverage plans, Makani offers a seamless and luxurious setting for various social and professional occasions.

The Royal Hawaiian Catamaran, a stunning 52-foot Classic Rudy Choy custom-designed mahogany catamaran, offers private charters accommodating up to 30 guests, making it ideal for Corporate Groups, Wedding Parties, and other special occasions. With a focus on comfort, style, and safety, it features ample deck space, the largest trampoline-style net in Waikiki, and customizable catering options.

The Holokai Catamaran, sized at 45 ft. x 24 ft., offers a serene setting for memorial services in Hawaii, accommodating up to 49 passengers. With lifeguard-certified crew members always on board, safety is prioritized, while amenities like a fully-stocked bar, functional marine head, and surround sound system enhance the experience. The professional crew assists with conducting important services, ensuring courtesy and respect for you and your loved ones amidst the beauty and magic of the islands.

Set sail with Manu Kai Catamaran in Waikiki for a heartfelt ash-scattering burial at sea service, accommodating up to 49 passengers on the 43ft. USCG Certified Catamaran. Whether a small gathering or a larger group, bid farewell to your loved one with honor and respect on a private one-hour sail. Lifeguard-certified crew members ensure safety while amenities such as spacious seating, an on-board marine restroom, and a netted splash area provide comfort during the ceremony.

Hawaii Glass Bottom’s 50 ft. power catamaran is not only incredibly stable, but also offers plenty of space for up to 49 passengers. All passengers can relax and enjoy the scenic views. Safety is a top priority, as the boat is completely enclosed by a railing system, ensuring peace of mind, particularly for families with children. Its popularity as Honolulu’s premier glass bottom boat makes it a sought-after option for various occasions.

Experience exclusive sailing adventures with the Hokulani, Waikiki’s sole trimaran, accommodating up to 49 passengers for private charters. Offering great value, guests can bring their own beverages and food for a personalized experience. The Hokulani’s open-air design, spacious lounge areas, and surround sound system ensure a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for all.

Once you’ve received the cremains (cremation remains), you can transfer them to an urn of your choosing. If you choose to do a burial at sea rather than scattering the ashes on the surface, by EPA regulation the urn must be biodegradable to protect the marine wildlife and environment.

• Journey Biodegradable Earthurn – this is a best-selling urn due to its economical price and simple yet alluring design. Made out of Mulberry tree bark paper and reclaimed cardboard, it makes for a great water burial urn as it dissolves rapidly once submerged. It also contains a water-soluble plastic to hold the ashes before it dissolves.
• Himalayan Rock Salt Burial Urn – Apart from its remarkable design, this urn crafted out Himalayan salt (which is also known for its healing properties) is ideal for sea burials. Upon release into the sea, it will only take hours for the urn to dissolve, unlike for land burials which could take months.
• Eco Water Urn – This cylindrical all-natural urn is one of the more innovative urns currently available on the market. It is completely biodegradable, made from recycled plant materials and bound only by heat and water. It also comes with a bamboo container for easier transportation.

The captain and crew will be there to assist you in any way, from boarding, to playing your choice of music over the sound system, and serving food and beverages if you wish to include that in your charter.

After family and friends have boarded the boat, the captain and crew will give a short safety briefing before getting underway. You’ll then set sail and head out into the clear blue Hawaiian waters. Unless you request to have the ceremony at a certain location, the burial site will be at least 3 miles off the coast of Diamond Head.

You can arrange the burial at sea service according to yours or your loved one’s wishes. A family member or friend can deliver the eulogy, you can sing a group song or have music played over the speakers, or have someone recite a prayer or poem.

How you place the ashes in the water is also up to you and the wishes of the deceased loved one. You can scatter the ashes or lower the urn into the water and let it sink – a method that ensures the cremains make it into the ocean safely without any blow-back from the wind. If you choose to scatter the ashes, the captain will position the boat where the wind is less likely to blow the ashes back into the vessel. You can place flowers, wreaths, or lei in the water afterward to make an area that commemorates the burial at sea.

The practice of scattering ashes at sea is a beautiful way of honoring the people we loved and lost. Many prefer it over a land burial for religious reasons or for the relaxed and natural atmosphere. Burial at sea is also a common choice for military service members, especially for those in the Navy. burial at sea accomplishes traditional funeral rites without compromising the solemnity of the event.

A burial at sea aboard a private boat also gives the family time to exchange stories and memories of the departed, and the flexibility to conduct the service how you wish. And just like with a land burial, you can return to the site of the burial at sea if you request to do so through the same charter company.

Whether it be a personal wish of the deceased or the family’s decision, a burial at sea amidst the beauty of nature provides the respite needed by the family at such a time. Say your final goodbye among family and friends, surrounded by the warmth of Hawaii and comforted by the spirit of aloha.