"I was just licking that to survive," said Kai Sato.
Watchstanders aboard the M/V George III spotted Sato's de-masted 32-foot sailboat.
The crew prepared the ship's engines, deployed a pilot ladder, and utilized a line-throwing device to secure Sato's vessel stern before bringing him aboard in an operation lasting an hour and a half.
"I was like crying and like so happy, and then they got me fruit and water, and yeah, they were so good to me, those guys," said Kai Sato.
Following his rescue, Sato stayed with family members in Hawaii while recovering from the month-long ordeal.
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He is currently making plans for a 7,500-mile voyage to the Philippines in a larger sailboat.
