Frequently Asked Questions

The Pu'olu pictured is a beautiful and traditional Hawaiian ti leaf eco-urn lined with a water-soluble and biodegradable bag and topped with a beautiful flower haku. By enclosing the ashes in this all-natural, green urn until it is placed in the Pacific Ocean, your family eliminates potential ash blowback on themselves.

What questions should I ask a burial at sea company?

Is the boat you have selected for your group Coast Guard approved & certified? Does the company carry commercial liability insurance?  Will an unattended ash scattering be performed within 30 days? Are those involved in the Burial at Sea USCG-licensed captains? Are all your questions answered to your satisfaction?

Tradewind Charters, Inc. dba Hawaii Ash Scatterings has met these requirements for over 40 years. In these times when personalized service is hard to find, we trust you will find our services exceed your expectations.

How far in advance do I need to make a charter reservation?

If you are flexible as to the date & time of your ash scattering charter, we should be able to schedule on short notice. If you require a particular date, location, time, vessel, etc., we would highly recommend as much lead time as possible (we have reservations with deposits as much as 2-3 years out). That said, please contact us for any needs with any lead time, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.

How do I make a reservation for this service?

Click on the “Reserve Now” button on the appropriate Island, choose your package, preferred date and times, and place your non-refundable $200 deposit by credit/debit card. You can always give us a ring at 1-808-227-4956 to reserve or send us a check through the mail. Optional services can be added after your initial reservation.

How is Payment made, and when?

Payment can be made 24 hours/day, 7 days/week on this secure site with a credit card.  By mail with personal or trust check, money order, cashier's check; or over the phone/fax with VISA, MC, AMEX, DISC credit cards. A $200 non-refundable deposit is required when placing your reservation, with the balance usually taken care of 30 days prior to your charter.

I've had the cremated remains for some time...What can I do now?

Many people choose to keep the cremated remains of a loved one at home for a while, sometimes years, before feeling the need to make a decision about their ultimate placement. This is very common and no problem at all. Call us for assistance.

For families on a tight budget, what do you offer?

For budget-conscious families & folks who find traveling to Hawaii not an option, we offer unattended sea services. These services can also be scheduled to fall on a particular date if requested. Upon receiving your reservation & payment, we will send you our shipping label to utilize with the US Postal Service Priority Mail flat rate box. We will let you know when received and schedule the dispersal and email you the Memorial Service certificate with the exact Global Positioning System coordinates of scattering. The price for this service is $595.

How would the cremains be delivered to this service?

Upon reserving with Hawaii Ash Scatterings, you will be sent a confirmation and mailing label to pre-ship your loved one’s ashes.  We recommend the use of the US Postal Service’s Priority Mail flat rate box service. If you are sending last minute to any of our locations, we recommend the US Postal Service’s Express Mail service, as it is even faster, just as reliable, and still very economical. Ashes on Oahu can be dropped off at our home office by appointment.

Are services available on weekends and at special times?

Yes, weekends are the most convenient time for most residents of Hawaii to gather together for the Burial at Sea service. Our services are available 7days/week, year-round.  For national & state holiday dispersals, we may charge a premium.  Charter times are totally flexible, ranging from sunrise to well past sunset.

Can you accommodate special requests for scattering?

Yes, we will attempt to satisfy any special requests provided they are not in violation of governing state or federal statutes.

Do you scatter pet cremains?

Yes, we scatter pet cremains in a similar manner as human ashes. Pricing is the same and includes a Memorial Certificate of your beloved pet's release location.

What locations are available for ash scatterings on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii?

Our primary scattering areas are Mamala Bay and Maunalua Bay off the southern coast of the Honolulu coastline, Kaneohe Bay on the eastern shoreline, the Waianae Coast on the west side, and the North Shore from Haleiwa Harbor. South Shore vessel departure is typically from Kewalo Basin, which is located 1.5 miles west of Waikiki between downtown and Ala Moana Beach Park. Aerial ash scatterings can be scheduled over the Koolau mountain range or over the Pacific Ocean just offshore.

What locations are available for ash scattering on Kauai, Maui & Big Island?

We offer departures from the major harbors on the Islands of Kauai, Maui  & the Big Island. Vessel pricing, services, and availability are subject to change.

Would our family & guests be the only ones on the vessel for ash scattering?

The vessel is exclusively yours for the duration of your memorial service charter. Family and friends may conduct whatever type of memorial service they wish, with our Captain assisting. We always recommend scheduling our Kahu Clergy to conduct a short personalized service to assist your family with closure. 

Can I revisit the site where a loved one was scattered in the past?

Yes, you can. With the GPS coordinates, we can take you back to the exact location. Without the GPS coordinates, we can still take you back to the approximate location. Please go to Revisit Charters for more details. 

How will I know when & where the unaccompanied scattering took place?

It is our policy to scatter remains as soon as possible after payment and receipt of the cremains. You will receive an emailed Memorial Certificate indicating the date, time & exact location of the scattering.

What about providing flowers?

Hawaiian tradition calls for flowers to be dispersed with your loved one's ashes. The bright, colorful flower petals serve as a marker to the dispersal location as we slowly circle the site and pay our last respects. Our guests usually order one basket of flower petals for every 3-4 guests. Aloha eco-leis are another tradition in Hawaii and can be ordered in advance to be worn and tossed in the ocean at the ash release site. We also create a beautiful biodegradable sea wreath that, with its bright red anthuriums, serves as a beautiful beacon to the release site. Petals are included in our Silver, Gold & Platinum Packages, and the other florals can be added to any of our packages. Our florists also create beautiful memorial wreaths and sprays that hang from our easel. Some of them can wrap around a laminated 8” x 10” photo of the deceased. Details and pricing are located here.

Family and friends not in attendance can still supply any of the above florals through us. Please call us in advance at 1-808-227-4956 to schedule and pay.

Will we have any refreshments or meals on the vessel?

When reserving your charter, be sure to mention that you would like beverage and/or meal service aboard during your private cruise. Some of our Gold and Platinum Packages may include beverage service and light pupus. We have bar and catering menus that can be arranged in advance at some of our locations. Please call to discuss your needs.

What is the aerial scattering procedure and what is the cost for both unaccompanied and Accompanied Aerial Services?

Upon scheduling your aerial ash scattering with us, you will send the ashes to us in advance. Our pilot will fly to the dispersal location and release the ashes from approximately 1000’ altitude, depending on the terrain and weather. We will then send you our beautiful memorial certificate with the geographic location. Pricing starts at $2495 for Aerial release services on Oahu. There are aggregate weight limits of 500 lbs. for guests flying with us.

Do your vessels have restrooms on board?

Yes, most of our vessels have 1-2 clean, private restrooms for your use.

Can we request something to be read while the scattering takes place?

Our staff typically are busy during an unattended ash scattering to read a verse, poem, or special words you have selected and sent to us. If you are accompanying us, you may want to select our clergy option and have him join us for a personalized service. We have available, with lead time, Hawaiian Kahu's, Christian Pastors, Nondenominational officiants, and Buddhist Priests. We have a minister's worksheet for you to complete and send back to us in advance if you would like this service.