Map view
Nearby on the Hawaii
What to expect in Honolulu
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 Honolulu
Captain license
Not required
Inside Honolulu waters
Not settled
Mamala Bay and the Pacific off south Oahu (from Kewalo Basin, Ala Wai and Keehi harbors); Kaiwi (Molokai) Channel; Kaneohe Bay on the windward side
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
City and County of Honolulu. No county permit; burial-transit permits come from the state DOH Office of Health Status Monitoring (vital records) in Honolulu. Ala Wai and Keehi are DOBOR harbors with commercial permit caps (15% and 35% of berths); Kewalo Basin is managed by the Hawaii Community Development Authority and Honolulu Harbor by the state DOT, so check their own commercial rules. Avoid Pearl Harbor (naval defensive sea area/restricted) and Navy/Marine restricted areas around Kaneohe Bay; Honolulu Harbor has Coast Guard security zones. South shore Oahu waters out to the 100-fathom line are in the humpback whale sanctuary. Do not scatter in Kaneohe Bay or near Waikiki beaches; go past 3 nm.
Full Hawaii guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Honolulu
How much does a burial at sea cost in Honolulu?
The 8 boats listed in Honolulu, HI start at $645, and the highest starting price is $2,695, 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 Honolulu?
The largest boat listed in Honolulu takes up to 49 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 Honolulu?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. 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 Honolulu?
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 Honolulu 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 Honolulu?
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.