American woman becomes first to row solo from California to Hawaii, sets speed record

Honolulu: Kelsey Pflendler has become the first American woman to row solo from California to Hawaii, arriving at Ala Wai Boat Harbor in Honolulu on July 4 — America’s 250th birthday.

The 8-year Grand Canyon rafting guide completed the 2,400-mile voyage in 43 days, setting new records as the fastest solo rower of any gender and the youngest woman to make the crossing, according to the Ocean Rowing Society International.

She shattered the previous women’s record of 86 days 10 hours held by Lia Ditton, and also broke the men’s record of 52 days. Her time came within 3 days of the 40-day mark set by her own 4-person female crew on the same route in 2024.

Pflendler documented the journey in Instagram vlogs, describing rough seas, tough currents, sunburn, and cooking at sea. On day 37, with 500 miles to go, she said she was “grieving for the loss of this row.”“If any part of this made at least one person feel a little bit more powerful in their own skin, I couldn’t ask for anything else,” she said in a day-43 entry.

A crowd of more than 100 people greeted Pflendler late on July 4 as she pulled her 21-foot boat Lily into the harbor. She arrived in time to celebrate her birthday.

The voyage also raised $30,000 for a charity supporting the physical and mental care of Colorado River rafting guides.