What to Expect on a Wailea Sunset Cruise: Romance, Scenery, and Local Flavors
Sailing is, by nature, a more sustainable activity than traditional motor boating. If the winds are right, these watercraft can rely on the power of nature themselves, combined with the skills of a well-trained crew — to swiftly get everyone where they need to go, which is certainly part of the adventure.
For more than 30 years, Kai Kanani has focused on making sure its sailing tours are as sustainable as possible. The family-owned company is the only commercial catamaran based in South Maui. Each day, the company provides a tranquil and downright unforgettable nautical experience for passengers.
The Wailea-Makena area, a marine sanctuary, includes beautiful beaches, clear waters, and amazing weather throughout the year. Whether guests are enjoying a morning or afternoon cruise or a snorkeling expedition for their Maui sailing, there is something for everyone.
However, Kai Kanani’s commitment to the Wailea-Makena area goes beyond basic sustainability and extra attention to “keeping things tidy” (Although this is certainly essential and a good starting place).
The company’s goal is to take an active role in preserving this valuable marine sanctuary as much as possible. This is important in so many ways.
First, our livelihood is entirely based on providing guests with an amazing experience on the beach and the water. We want guests to return home from sailing tours with a perfect experience and a happy memory that lasts a lifetime. We never want them to see or hear anything that would detract from it, such as dirty water, garbage, or any other sort of pollution.
Second, we also know that we have a responsibility to future generations to safeguard this wonderful location.
By focusing on the long-term, we want to make sure that visitors 20, 30, even one hundred years from now, can experience the same vivid sunsets, the wonderful weather, the clear blue waters, and the amazing features that our guests encounter when they play and swim. We know that oceans elsewhere in the world are facing challenges, but we want to make sure we do everything we can to protect every aspect of our local marine sanctuary along the Makena Coast.
This includes everything from the sea turtles we may encounter to the Molokini Crater, which is just three miles away and an easy destination for a Maui sailing cruise.
Continue reading for other sustainable aspects of the Kai Kanani experience.
Easy access
Rather than berthing the boats in a marina, Kai Kanani invites guests to board right in the water. As much as marinas try to be responsible and sustainable, there are often unpleasant sounds, smells, and other chaotic distractions that are not optimal for starting a tranquil trip.
Instead, the Kai Kanani II makes it a point to drop anchor right at Maluaka Beach in South Maui. You will do what we call beach-loading, which is wading out into the surf and getting aboard the 65-foot catamaran. It is easy and exciting! You may get a little wet, but bring your towel along. Plus, you will dry off in no time in the warm weather.
The company has found that beach loading is a peaceful and memorable way to start their sailing tour and causes less impact to the environment than leaving from a crowded slip. We are also happy to pick up Maui sailing guests right from the Wailea Resorts to keep them from having to drive to the beach by themselves.
Local wildlife
The State of Hawaii faces a growing challenge trying to balance access to so many beautiful places and making sure the island’s wonders are not overtaken by visitors. State officials are especially cautious about making sure tourism companies are committed to having the same ethos of preservation and sustainability.
This is especially important on South Maui. The beaches are just as beautiful, perhaps more so, than other beaches on the island. But places such as nearby Makena State Park receive fewer people and less impact from the public.
Very few permits are issued to ensure that those who take these excursions in this marine sanctuary provide a peaceful, tranquil experience and are focused on keeping the water clean. Therefore, guests do not need to contend with other boaters or marine life that have learned to stay away.
Kai Kanani is proud to be one of the few permit holders for this scenic sanctuary near Molokini Crater. Maui sailing guests can observe all sorts of marine life, from Pacific humpback whales to eels. We even offer a snorkeling trip where a plethora of colorful fish, as well as Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, make appearances.
Local food
A commitment to greater sustainability also includes acknowledging other businesses with a similar ethos. That is why Kai Kanani seeks out culinary partners that not only provide exquisite meals for sailing tour passengers but also have a focus on quality ingredients.
For instance, we enjoy providing our guests with food from Spoon & Key Market, a well-known location in Wailea featuring a restaurant and deli, all with a focus on locally sourced cuisine. This can include coffee and breakfast items for our morning cruises and a larger spread for afternoons.
We are also proud to offer Maui’s Organic Ocean Vodka, Fy Gin, Kula Rum and assortments of wines from MauiWine, a winery in Ulupalakua.
Local commitment
There’s a term called Malama ‘Aina, which means living in balance with the islands. This tradition encourages caring for and living with the land and the overall environment. Part of Kai Kanani’s approach to Malama ‘Aina is to work closely with the Hawai’i Wildlife Fund, a non-profit that has a focus on conservation of native wildlife and encouraging research, education, and advocacy.
During our cruises, we do our best to educate our passengers about the delicate ecosystem and why everyone must do their part to protect it in big and small ways, even something as simple as trying to keep sunscreen out of the water. Our Maui sailing crew members are certified naturalists, and we all enjoy sharing our wisdom and encouraging guests to think more about their impact while they are enjoying themselves.
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Check out this page for more info.
https://kaikanani.com/our-tours/adventure-sunset-sail/