After repairing "Dallas Spirit", Erwin and Eichwaldt joined the search, leaving Oakland for Honolulu on August 19 at approximately 2:20 PM PST;  the crew intended for Honolulu to be the next stop on their way to Hong Kong to win the Easterwood prize, although Erwin stated they would refuel in Hawaii and fly back to Oakland if they did not spot the missing aircraft on the westbound trip. Local ham radio operators convinced Erwin to take along the radio set from "Pabco Pacific Flyer", a 50-watt transmitter powerful enough to allow the aircraft to stay in contact with other operators in California or Hawaii for the entire trip.