Record-breaking solo rower Kelsey Pfendler arrives in Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hundreds gathered along Magic Island Friday to watch solo-rower Kelsey Pfendler complete her record-breaking journey from California to Hawaii.

Read more Carissa Moore recharges in Hawaii after back-to-back World Surf League wins

She began the more than 2,400-mile journey from Monterey, California, to Oahu, Hawaii, on May 21 and arrived at the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor on Friday aboard her 21-foot ocean rowing boat, Lily.

Pfendler was on a mission to become the first, youngest and fastest woman to row solo from California to Hawaii.

She not only shattered the current women’s record, 86 days, 10 hours and five minutes, held by Lia Ditton — but also broke through the men’s record of 52 days.

She rowed across the Pacific in just 43 days, and several were in awe of that achievement, especially women who turned out to witness the finish.

“This is amazing girl power. So impressed with what Kelsey’s been able to do I think with everything that’s going on. Just so impressed,” said Honolulu resident Amanda Wentz.

Kelsey said on her Spotfund campaign her mission goes beyond rowing an ocean, inspiring women everywhere to recognize and embrace their strength.

“She’s just so inspirational. Actually, the last live post … she said for everybody who feels like they can’t face and fear, they can’t do it — I’m doing this for you,” said resident Stacey McConlogue.

Pflender made several social media posts about her solo row, and many said they had just found out about it in the past few days — but decided to show up to witness rowing history.

Read more 2 pulled from waters near Keaau Beach Park after boat capsizes

Pfendler also took on the feat in part to raise funds and awareness for the Whale Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the mental, physical and financial well-being of the Grand Canyon river guiding community.

So far, more than $30,000 has been donated to the nonprofit since she started the journey.

Pfendler is a veteran Grand Canyon river guide who’s been guiding multi-day trips to the Colorado River for eight years.

Click here to learn more about the Whale Foundation and to donate.

Pfendler’s solo row is not the first time she’s crossed the Pacific, and she was the skipper of Hericane Rowing in 2024.

She and four other women arrived in Kauai 40 days, 22 hours and 14 minutes after departing from Monterey, battling huge waves, a capsizing, equipment failures and adverse currents.

As Pfendler completed her solo row and brought Lily into the Hawaii Yacht Club, she was greeted by her crew members.

She’s expected to speak to the media later after getting much-needed rest and celebrating her birthday.

Read more Man accused of trying to run over police officers in Kalihi is arrested