Looking to sail in Kona HI

[bigjer40]

Were heading to Kona next month and I have looked everywhere for a sailing adventure. The only sailing I can find seems to be a little motor sailing to go snorkeling or whale watching. I am looking to sail, not snorkel or whale watch. Anyone know of good day sailing outfit in this area?

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Sailing LLC These are my friends Daniel and Alicia. Even if their package doesn't seem to meet your needs they might be able to fix you up.

kind regards,

[bigjer40]

Great! Thanks

[fisherman.ben]

my little brother works on a charterboat (65ft mono sloop) and he's in kona right now, boats name is swiftsure. not sure how long they'll be there, but it's easy to chase them down.

[bigjer40]

Originally Posted by fisherman.ben

my little brother works on a charterboat (65ft mono sloop) and he's in kona right now, boats name is swiftsure. not sure how long they'll be there, but it's easy to chase them down.

Thanks, I will look it up.

[roverhi]

There is a 40' plus Catalina that is supposed to be in Charter. No idea of costs, etc. Will see if I can find a number or web address for them the next time I'm down at the Harbor.

Would be happy to take you out but still haven't got the boat back together and will be on the mainland much of next month.

[bigjer40]

Originally Posted by roverhi

There is a 40' plus Catalina that is supposed to be in Charter. No idea of costs, etc. Will see if I can find a number or web address for them the next time I'm down at the Harbor.

Would be happy to take you out but still haven't got the boat back together and will be on the mainland much of next month.

Hey thanks! Am I wrong in that it just seems like everyone wants to snorkel and whale watch? Is there a slip shortage there or something that makes sailing excursions hard to come by?

[roverhi]

MAJOR slip shortage in Kona. Waiting list over 5 years for 30'-40' slip and forever for anything larger at Honokohau, the only small boat harbor here. Commercial slips are buyable but prices are well into 6 figures and come with a ton of requirements from the State. Can't legally do anything for hire without a commercial slip and it just isn't economically feasible to buy a commercial slip for just sailing, You'd need to be very dedicated and well funded to make a commercial slip work or independently wealthy which most of the larger fishing boat owners are. Mostly power boats in Honokohau Harbor dedicated to fishing, diving, and/or whale watching. The winds in Kona tend to be light and not a sailors delight so not much demand.

Our old Westail 32 ran a dinner cruise for many years and seemed to be successful. Understood their clients were primarily time share condo buyers who got the sail as a perk for buying a slot. Apparently the Time Share sold out or quit offering the sail as an incentive and they shut down the business several years ago. There is a beach cat that works out of Honokohau but it's pretty much a cattle boat and doubt that sailing is a big part of the draw. Think it's mostly a snorkel cruise.

The Hotels up north in South Kohala, oxymoron anyone, all have catamarans that take people out. The winds are more reliable and stronger up there which makes the sailing more exhilarating. Those cats are moored offshore and often pull into the beach to load their clients. Call one of the hotels, Outrigger Waikoloa, Mauna Lani or Mauna Kea Hotels, they should have information on going out on those boats.

[SkiprJohn]

Originally Posted by roverhi

MAJOR slip shortage in Kona. Waiting list over 5 years for 30'-40' slip and forever for anything larger at Honokohau, the only small boat harbor here. Commercial slips are buyable but prices are well into 6 figures and come with a ton of requirements from the State. Can't legally do anything for hire without a commercial slip and it just isn't economically feasible to buy a commercial slip for just sailing, You'd need to be very dedicated and well funded to make a commercial slip work or independently wealthy which most of the larger fishing boat owners are. Mostly power boats in Honokohau Harbor dedicated to fishing, diving, and/or whale watching. The winds in Kona tend to be light and not a sailors delight so not much demand.

Our old Westail 32 ran a dinner cruise for many years and seemed to be successful. Understood their clients were primarily time share condo buyers who got the sail as a perk for buying a slot. Apparently the Time Share sold out or quit offering the sail as an incentive and they shut down the business several years ago. There is a beach cat that works out of Honokohau but it's pretty much a cattle boat and doubt that sailing is a big part of the draw. Think it's mostly a snorkel cruise.

The Hotels up north in South Kohala, oxymoron anyone, all have catamarans that take people out. The winds are more reliable and stronger up there which makes the sailing more exhilarating. Those cats are moored offshore and often pull into the beach to load their clients. Call one of the hotels, Outrigger Waikoloa, Mauna Lani or Mauna Kea Hotels, they should have information on going out on those boats.

As ever, Peter O. nailed it. I'm on the other side of the island and there is an illegal sail charter working out of Hilo Bay. He has a Hunter of some such length and takes folks out. No bareboats here.

Our club has boats from 10 to 26 feet but I don't know what days you'll be in Kona and whether or not you have a car. Our sailing days are the first and third Sundays and the second Saturday. There are always folks willing to take you out if you introduce yourself. It is a 200 mile roundtrip drive to Hilo from Kona. Na Hoa Holomoku of Hawaii Yacht Club

[bigjer40]

Thanks, I will look into those!

[bigjer40]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

As ever, Peter O. nailed it. I'm on the other side of the island and there is an illegal sail charter working out of Hilo Bay. He has a Hunter of some such length and takes folks out. No bareboats here.

Our club has boats from 10 to 26 feet but I don't know what days you'll be in Kona and whether or not you have a car. Our sailing days are the first and third Sundays and the second Saturday. There are always folks willing to take you out if you introduce yourself. It is a 200 mile roundtrip drive to Hilo from Kona. Na Hoa Holomoku of Hawaii Yacht Club

Great, we will be there the 4th-13th and have a rental car waiting

[roverhi]

The Catalina for charter I mentioned earlier is called Imagine. Website is info@hawaiiislandsailing.com. Phone is 808 938-7272.

[roverhi]

The website is actually hawaiiislandsailing.com

[bigjer40]

Originally Posted by roverhi

The website is actually hawaiiislandsailing.com

Thank you! Wish we had another couple to help share the bill. Looks like it's an all or nothing kind of thing. I think I will call and see if they can keep us in mind if another couple calls looking to go out.