Man who leaving behind office life to voyage across Pacific Ocean reaches Hawaii: "Corporate America, it's time to say goodbye"
Man Sails Across Pacific Ocean with His Cat, Arrives in Hawaii
In an extraordinary act of adventurism, 29-year-old Oregon resident Oliver Widger embarked on a journey across the Pacific Ocean alongside his feline companion, Phoenix. This voyage evolved from a life-changing decision Widger made following a grave medical diagnosis[1][3].
Having left his corporate job and cashed in his 401k, Widger sold his possessions and taught himself to sail by studying YouTube videos[1]. He set sail from Oregon towards Hawaii in late April 2025[3]. The journey spanned about 2,000 miles and took approximately 24 to 25 days[3][1].
During their voyage, Widger and Phoenix encountered various obstacles but also received supporting gestures. A care package was dropped from a plane containing essential supplies, courtesy of e.l.f. Cosmetics and the aviation nonprofit Aloft[1].
Upon reaching Hawaii on May 2025, the duo was met by a crowd of well-wishers in Waikiki. Hawaii's Governor, Josh Green, presented Widger with an official proclamation at the Waikiki Yacht Club[3].
Widger's adventure has garnered an impressive following on social media platforms, with over 1.7 million followers on Instagram and over 1 million on TikTok[3]. He also partnered with e.l.f. Cosmetics to launch a Roblox Game Jam titled "Sailing with Phoenix", challenging developers to create games inspired by his journey[1].
As for future plans, Widger is contemplating a voyage to French Polynesia, but for now, he is taking a well-deserved break[1]. According to his brother, Marcus, a filmmaker, a documentary about their journey is in the works[3]. Marcus plans to fund the project by selling merchandise inspired by a Britney Spears T-shirt often spotted in Widger's videos[1].
[1] Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/man-sails-hawaii-cat-friends-el-cosmetics/story?id=90478987[3] Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/05/25/oliver-widger-sailed-across-pacific-ocean-cat-josh-green-support/33561099/
- With a home-and-garden filled with only essentials and a pet cat named Phoenix, Oliver Widger now ponders a future sailing voyage to French Polynesia.
- In search of a unique traveling companion, some pet owners might be inspired by the story of 29-year-old Oregon resident Oliver Widger, who sailed across the Pacific Ocean with his feline friend Phoenix.
- As a pet owner, if you appreciate adventurous lifestyles and stories of determination, you can follow Oliver Widger's journey on pet-friendly social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
