We are Hawaii's first and only renewable electric charter operation!
We are proud to lead the way in eco-friendly ocean tours, offering guests a clean, quiet and comfortable sailing excursion. Our experienced captain and crew guide your ocean adventure, providing local knowledge of the beautiful Kohala coast and all of its marine inhabitants.
Our Vessel
The Dolce Vita (Italian for “Sweet Life”) is a lovely 34’ Gemini 105MC sailing catamaran, which has recently been converted from diesel to renewable electric propulsion. Our system is charged by solar panels, wind turbines and propeller regeneration, and we have a generator on board in case of emergencies. The Dolce Vita is currently the only electric sailing charter vessel in the Hawaiian Islands.
Our new system has completely transformed the experience for everyone aboard. Electric propulsion also has much less impact on marine wildlife; especially the whales, whose sonic lifestyles are highly sensitive to the loud noise of gas engines. We encourage you to come experience the difference!
The Crew
Marine naturalist and deckhand, Suelang Watson, hails all the way from the North East of England. Seasoned traveller and dedicated environmentalist, she has lived in Hawai’i for over 10 years. Certified in scuba and an avid free-diver, she loves sharing her passion for sustainability and the ocean with others. As an experienced underwater guide and marine naturalist, Suelang is truly in her element leading underwater tours of the reef and will show even veteran observers a thing or two.
The captain for most of our tours is Damon Little, salty veteran of the Kawaihae waters who began his sailing adventures over 30 years ago in Morrow Bay, CA. One of the happiest guys you'll ever meet, Damon is also a die-hard surfer. If the waves are ever too big to sail you will likely find him paddling out to catch some tubes.
The driving force behind Kohala Blue is our Director and Wonder Wench, Shaun Elise. Shaun is vivacious and passionate, and has lived the majority of her adult life on the Big Island of Hawaii. She handles logistics, bookings and guest relations, and is there to make sure your experience aboard the Dolce Vita is one you will never forget. She’s also a highly talented violinist in a popular local band and a wonderful massage therapist. (Try booking an hour or two on the table with her after your adventure!)
Our Location
The Kohala coast enjoys consistent sunshine and trade winds, making for some of the most ideal sailing weather in the Hawaiian islands. The area is also a marine sanctuary, famous for its incredible whale watching and abundant sea life, including dolphins, manta rays, eels, turtles and many species of exotic fish.
Departing from the Kawaihae South Small Boat Harbor, it’s an easy, scenic 45 minute drive from Kailua-Kona town and just minutes from the beautiful resorts and beaches of Waikoloa and North Kona. We are fortunate to be docked in one of only 24 slips at this harbor, ensuring no crowds and easy parking, and often being one of the few boats on the water.
Press
Kohala Blue is proud to be the first and only renewable electric charter in Hawaii, and we are humbled by the public support and excitement for this new venture.
Check out a few of our write-ups!
