Oregon man, Oliver Widger, who quit his job to set sail with his cat arrives to cheering fans in Oahu, Hawaii
Share this @internewscast.com

HONOLULU — An Oregon resident decided to leave his position at a tire firm and cash out his retirement savings for an exciting journey to Hawaii alongside his cat, Phoenix. The duo reached their destination on Saturday, greeted by enthusiastic supporters after several weeks at sea, a voyage chronicled by the man for his considerable social media audience.

Upon arriving at the Waikiki Yacht Club in Oahu, Oliver Widger was welcomed by Hawaii Governor Josh Green and faced a crowd that included members of the press. Widger admitted to feeling “really weird” – not due to seasickness, but because he had an odd sensation of needing to cling onto things to prevent himself from toppling over.

Widger’s adventure turned him into an internet sensation. This followed a life-altering diagnosis four years ago, presenting the risk of paralysis and prompting him to reassess his managerial career, which he found unsatisfying. He made the bold move to leave his job without a financial plan, carrying $10,000 in debt, and set his sights on acquiring a sailboat for a global sailing expedition.

He taught himself to sail mostly via YouTube and moved from Portland to the Oregon coast. He spent months refitting the $50,000 boat he bought.

He set sail for Hawaii with Phoenix in late April, documenting their experiences for his more than 1 million followers on TikTok and 1.7 million followers on Instagram. He said he thinks his story, which made national news, resonated with people.

“I think a lot of people are, you know, you’re grinding at your job all day long and it doesn’t really matter how much money you make at this point, everybody’s just trying to do enough to get by and that just wears you out,” he said. “It’s just the world’s in a weird place, and I think people have seen that it’s possible to break out.”

Green presented Widger with a proclamation. Fans swarmed Widger after the news conference, many holding cameras and seeking selfies.

The scariest point of the trip came when a rudder failed, Widger said. Highlights included seeing dolphins and whales and periods of calm Pacific waters. “Being in the middle of the ocean when it was completely glass in every direction was an absurd feeling,” he said.

Widger, 29, said he never truly felt alone, since he was communicating with friends by means including video conference. But he also lamented not experiencing the open waters in a way that other sailors – who didn’t have access to tools like Starlink internet satellites – have in years before.

He said he may travel next to French Polynesia. But he said he had been focused on getting to Hawaii and not on what he’d do after that. He said he also needs to make repairs to his boat.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Jacksonville charter school employee arrested, accused of sexual battery

Jacksonville Charter School Staff Member Arrested on Charges of Sexual Battery

James Tellis, 27, was employed with IDEA Public Schools, which manages charter…
US accuses Venezuelan regime of narco-terrorism over alliances with Tren de Aragua, Sinaloa Cartel

US Charges Venezuelan Government with Drug-Related Terrorism Ties to Aragua Train and Sinaloa Cartel

The U.S. government has designated the Cartel de los Soles, a Venezuela-based…
NTSB finds Army chopper in fatal midair crash with American Airlines plane was above altitude limit

NTSB: Army Helicopter in Deadly Crash with American Airlines Plane Exceeded Altitude Limit

Investigators examining the January midair collision involving a passenger plane and an…
Tsunami fears lessen after 8.8 earthquake in Russia

Concerns of a tsunami decrease following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia

Authorities warned the risk from the 8.8 magnitude quake could last for…
DOJ, FBI investigate brutal Cincinnati assault captured in viral video

DOJ and FBI Launch Investigation into Cincinnati Attack Seen in Viral Video

CINCINNATI – The FBI and Department of Justice have verified the existence…
What are the tsunami alert levels? What do you do if you get a tsunami alert?

Understanding Tsunami Alert Levels: What Actions Should You Take if Notified?

Some tsunamis are small and don’t cause damage. Others can cause massive…
New details about Jason Land, charged in McHenry crash that killed Perla Tejeda and boy at Richmond and McCullom Lake, revealed

Latest Developments in the Jason Land Case: New Insights into the McHenry Crash That Claimed the Lives of Perla Tejeda and a Young Boy

An 18-year-old man is facing charges in McHenry County after being accused…
Pope Leo XIV condemns brutal machete attack that killed 49 Christians during prayer in DR Congo

Pope Leo XIV denounces horrific machete attack claiming 49 Christian lives during prayer in DR Congo

A new massive assault on Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo…
Live | Day 2: Jacksonville rapper Ksoo's murder trial continues

LIVE Update: Day 6 of Jacksonville Rapper Ksoo’s Murder Trial

Jacksonville rapper Hakeem Robinson, also known as Ksoo, is currently on trial…
Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas spark romance buzz as they’re spotted holding hands after months of speculation

Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas Ignite Romance Rumors After Being Seen Holding Hands Following Months of Speculation

Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas Ignite Romance Rumors After Being Seen…
Lyons Township, IL homeowners waiting on certificates of error to receive thousands in Cook County property tax refund money

Lyons Township, IL residents eagerly await Cook County property tax refunds due to certificate errors

LYONS TOWNSHIP, Ill. (WLS) — It is money homeowners are owed but…
Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' could spell trouble for gamblers: What to know

Trump’s Promised Legislation May Pose Risks for Gamblers: Key Points Explained

A gambling tax provision in President Trump’s megabill that passed Congress earlier…