What an awesome day for a sailing adventure! We flew Alaska Airlines‘ nonstop flight to Kona from Anchorage and stayed at the Sheraton Kona Hotel & Spa at Keauhou Bay. The hotel is about 44 steps from the dock at Keauhou Bay, where we boarded the Fair Wind II for our snorkel cruise to Kealekakua Bay.
You’ll notice a big white monument at the bay–which commemorates the death of Captain James Cook at the hands of local Hawaiians on Feb. 4, 1779. Captain Mitch Stauffer offers some good historic notes on the battle and what led up to the scuffle.
Since I used to live in Kailua-Kona, this was probably my fifth or sixth trip on the Fair Wind–and it’s always a blast. The crew offers up a light breakfast on the cruise south from Keauhou to Kealekakua Bay, then docks in the bay. Before anyone gets in the water, there’s a comprehensive safety briefing, as well some detail on the delicate marine environment in the underwater park.
Then–everyone dives in with their mask, snorkel and fins while the crew prepares lunch on the barbecue. And WOW, does it taste great after swimming around for an hour or two!!
There were several other pasty-faced Alaskans on the cruise like me. We ALL were reminding each other: don’t forget the sunscreen!! Aloha!!
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