Forty-three days on the Pacific, and Kelsey Pfendler has rowed her way into the record books.

Pfendler began the more than 2,400-mile trip from Monterey, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii, on May 21. She set out to become the first American woman to row solo from California to Hawaii, and the youngest and fastest woman ever to do it.

She did that in 43 days. In the process, she broke the previous women’s record and also beat the men’s record of 52 days by more than a week.

Pfendler rowed into Ala Wai Boat Harbor in Honolulu, where hundreds had gathered to watch her finish.

A veteran Grand Canyon river guide, Pfendler also took on the challenge to raise funds and awareness for the Whale Foundation. The organization supports the mental, physical and financial well-being of the Grand Canyon river guiding community.

As of publication, more almost $200,000 had been donated to her Spotfund campaign since she began the row.

“My mission goes beyond just rowing an ocean, it’s about inspiring women everywhere to recognize and embrace their strength,” she wrote on her fundraising page. “Your support would mean the world to me as I pursue this dream. Thanks for believing in me!”

Pfendler previously skippered a women’s team of four rowers across the mid-Pacific Ocean in 2024.