Sailing Triteiavideo

A Passage Through Oahu's Shallow Sampan Channel into Kaneohe Bay

January 24, 2022 · 18 min · 13K views · Kaneohe Bay, Oahu

What this video covers

A vessel departs Ala Wai Harbor in Honolulu at 04:00 to transit to Kaneohe Bay, navigating around Diamond Head and Koko Head.0:20 The passage involves beating into 10 knots of wind with three-foot seas before rounding the windward side of Oahu.3:12 The route requires passing between Moku Manu Island and the peninsula, then entering the Sampan Channel, a shoal-draft passage marked by buoys that require careful adherence to the Navionics app to avoid surrounding reefs and unmarked hazards.6:08 Depth in the channel drops to 4.8 feet in sections.12:35 Upon entering Kaneohe Bay, the vessel navigates past a mooring field to anchor in 33 feet of water between the moorings and a fish pond, utilizing 5:1 scope.13:36 The bay is protected by a large sandbar and extensive reef systems, creating calm, lake-like conditions for anchoring.17:11 Timing the departure to coincide with minimal wind conditions successfully mitigated the difficulty of the windward beat.15:33

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Alberg 30Their boat

More from Sailing Triteia

Victoria Arrives to Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles and We Sail to Silhouette IslandAug 2026Forney Cove on Santa Cruz Island From The Channel Islands Cruising GuideAug 2026Dangerous Sailing in Coral Passes & Storms in the Maldives on a 30ft SailboatAug 2026Pushing Through The Maldives - Cruising in Paradise At the Wrong Time of YearAug 2026

From Sailing Triteia — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue