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What to expect in Big Island
Your captain meets your group at the dock, takes you to the scattering spot, and gives you time for words, music, flowers or silence. Afterward, the captain records the coordinates of the scattering so your family always knows where it took place. Biodegradable urns and flowers can be ordered from our memorial store and delivered before your service.
Scattering rules in Big Island
Captain license
Not required
Inside Big Island waters
Not settled
Pacific Ocean off the Kona and Kohala coasts (from Honokohau Harbor and Kawaihae) and off Hilo (Hilo Bay, Wailoa); Alenuihaha Channel toward Maui
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Hawaii County. No county permit; the burial-transit permit comes from the state Department of Health local agent on Hawaii Island. The Kona coast drops off fast, so 3 nm is usually a short run from Honokohau; still measure from the nearest land, not the harbor. Kawaihae Boat Harbor is excluded from the whale sanctuary, but the Kohala/Kona waters out to the 100-fathom line are in it (whale season roughly Nov-May). Honokohau and Kawaihae small boat harbors are DOBOR harbors (Honokohau has a 120 commercial permit cap); Hilo Harbor is a DOT commercial harbor. Hilo Bay: whether it has a closing line that moves the 3 nm start point offshore is not confirmed.
Full Hawaii guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Big Island
How much does a burial at sea cost in Big Island?
The 6 boats listed in Big Island, HI start at $1,649, and the highest starting price is $2,699, for a private charter. The price depends on the boat, the length of the trip and the size of your group. You send the captain your date and wishes, receive a written offer, and pay only if you accept it; an 11.5% booking fee is added at checkout.
How many guests can come on a memorial cruise in Big Island?
The largest boat listed in Big Island takes up to 24 guests; each boat's page shows its own limit. Every charter is private, so only your family and friends are aboard.
How far out do boats go for a burial at sea from Big Island?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. From Big Island, boats head out to the Pacific Ocean off the Kona and Kohala coasts (from Honokohau Harbor and Kawaihae) and off Hilo (Hilo Bay, Wailoa). No permit is needed in advance; the captain reports the scattering to the EPA within 30 days.
Can ashes be scattered in the bay or harbor at Big Island?
Bays, harbors and rivers are inside waters, so the federal ocean rule does not cover them, and Hawaii has no clear rule for scattering there. That is why captains in Big Island hold the ceremony out in the open ocean, where the rule is clear.
What do I need to bring for a burial at sea in Hawaii?
The ashes and a copy of the burial-transit permit or cremation certificate. Your written OK for the captain to scatter, with your wishes for where and how. You can write it in your conversation with the captain. Your captain will confirm anything else they need before the day.
What can we put in the water with the ashes?
Only things that break down naturally: the ashes, loose flowers or petals, and a biodegradable water urn if you would like one. No plastic, balloons, wreath frames or glass. Biodegradable urns and flowers can be ordered from our memorial store before your service.
How do I book a burial at sea in Big Island?
Choose a boat above and send the captain your preferred date, time and number of guests, along with anything you would like for the ceremony. The captain replies with a written offer, usually within a day. Nothing is charged until you accept it, and if plans change you can ask for a new date first.