Fair Wind Cruises

09/18/2024

Happy ! 💙

In celebration of these beautiful gentle giants, enjoy some cool manta ray facts!

〰️ Despite their huge size, mantas feed on microscopic animals called zooplankton.
〰️ Manta rays are close relatives of all sharks and rays, meaning they have a skeleton made of cartilage rather than bone.
〰️ Every manta ray has a unique spot pattern on its belly that can be used to identify it, just as we are identified by our fingerprints!
〰️ Manta rays are truly colossal, with some individuals reaching seven meters from wingtip to wingtip and weighing up to two tonnes!
〰️ Mantas give birth to a single pup after 12.5 months gestation.
〰️ As far as fish go, mantas have one of the largest brains. Their curiosity and complex social interactions certainly support that!
〰️ Mantas are completely harmless and are therefore popular with divers and snorkelers.

We offer awe-inspiring Manta Ray Night Snorkeling tours aboard our Hula Kai vessel - right here in Keauhou Bay! https://www.fair-wind.com/night-manta-snorkel-tour/

08/31/2024

Have you seen our new photo cutout board down at our Fair Wind check in? Mahalo to for creating such a cute and fun photo prop for us!

We'd love for you to tag us in your pictures if you take advantage of this silly photo opportunity! 📸

08/27/2024

Step aboard the Fair Wind boat and join us on an enchanting journey to the heart of Kealakekua Bay, where the crystal-clear waters unveil a world of wonder beneath the surface.

🛥️ *Setting Sail in Style:* The Fair Wind vessel, an icon against the backdrop of the Hawaiian coastline, becomes the gateway to an unforgettable oceanic experience. As guests board, anticipation fills the air for the aquatic wonders awaiting them in Kealakekua Bay.

🤿 *Snorkeling Spectacle:* Dive into the pristine waters and witness the magic of Kealakekua Bay's underwater realm. Experience a kaleidoscope of colors as you snorkel alongside schools of tropical fish, creating moments of awe and connection with nature.

🐠 *Underwater Symphony:* Marvel at the diverse marine life that calls Kealakekua Bay home. From graceful sea turtles gliding through the water to the playful dance of colorful fish, every moment beneath the waves is a captivating encounter with the beauty of the ocean.

🎥 *Fair Wind Cruises - Your Passport to Oceanic Joy:* Whether you're on deck, basking in the Hawaiian sun, or submerged in the underwater paradise, Fair Wind Cruises offers an experience tailored for every type of adventurer. Safety, comfort, and creating lasting memories are at the heart of our mission.

08/22/2024

Somewhere over the rainbow. 🌈

08/21/2024

Chorizo nachos. Stir-fry. Chili with corn chips. Philly cheesesteak sliders. Pizza. Chicken pesto pasta. Even soft serve ice cream and a cookie dough sundae.

Makes your mouth water just reading that menu, right? They all sound delicious, and they’re all dishes you can get right now on the Big Island.

Nine businesses around the island are participating, showcasing the creativity and culinary prowess of talented chefs who have cooked up some delightfully delectable vegan dishes that even the most devoted meat lover would devour.

08/17/2024

Our Jackfruit Philly "Cheesesteak" slider special has been a hit this month! It's available just for the month of August on our Kona Coast Snorkel Cruise aboard the Hula Kai in participation of the .

If you loved it or want to give is a try, here's the recipe:

**Ingredients:**

Jackfruit mixture:

- 1 can young green jackfruit, drained and shredded

Process/shred the jackfruit, the roast at 400°F until dried out, about 20 minutes. Put in 1 Qt of marinade(recipe below) and let soak overnight.

- 2.5 lbs green peppers, thinly sliced
- 1.5 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 portobello mushrooms
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for roasting)

Julienne veggies, roast at 400°F for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

**For the Marinade:** This makes 2 QT of marinade.
- 1 Quart (4 cups) vegetable broth
- ⅞ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ⅜ cup tomato paste
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅜ cup smoked paprika
- 2.5 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2.5 tablespoons onion powder
- ½ tablespoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- ¼ cup mustard powder
- ⅝ cup vegetable oil
- ⅝ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic

Warm sauce over medium heat to let flavors bloom.

**Plant-Based Cheese Sauce:**
- ¾ cup potatoes
- 2.5 tablespoons carrots
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1.25 cups water
- ¾ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 garlic clove
- ¼ teaspoon vinegar

Boil carrots and potatoes for about 15 minutes, drain, and cool. Put all ingredients in a Vitamix, blend, and taste.

If you give it a try, tag us and let us know! Or enjoy it on a Kona Coast Snorkel cruise during August - book now and save 20% off with promo code SAVE20%.

08/10/2024

🌊 Meet Leah, our incredible Reservations and Retail Manager! 🌊

Leah has been with Fair Wind Cruises for over 23 years TODAY, bringing joy to both our team and guests, many of whom return time and again. She began her journey with us seeking a less stressful role after leaving California, and from the moment she interviewed, she knew Fair Wind was the perfect fit.

Leah has worked both on our vessels as crew and in reservations. Her favorite spot? Pali Kaholo, or "Rob's Reef" on the Hula Kai, where the massive coral heads rise from the ocean floor and the area feels wonderfully remote. The variety of fish, including many juveniles, makes it a magical place.

Not many people know that Leah’s great grandparents hail from Hilo and Papaikou. She starts her day with meditation to focus on the positive, believing in the power of counting blessings. Despite life's ups and downs, Leah finds strength and support in her amazing coworkers and managers.

08/06/2024

Check it out! This month only on the Kona Coast Snorkel Cruise aboard the Hula Kai!

08/06/2024

“This study verifies what we’ve long suspected—sharks are critical to ocean health,” said Lee Crockett.

(Sharks are a rare sighting on our cruises - this is an informative article about the state of shark populations world-wide.)

Besides helping to maintain balance within the food web, reef sharks feed in offshore waters and bring nutrients back to the reef

08/03/2024

We seeing you peeking at us 👀 🐙

Did you know Kealakekua Bay is home to some of Hawai;i's most fascinating octopus species? Here are a few incredible facts about these intelligent sea creatures:

1. **Masters of Camouflage**: Hawaiian octopuses, like the day octopus (Octopus cyanea) or he'e mauli in Hawaiian, can change their color and texture to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, making them elusive and difficult to spot.

2. **Incredible Intelligence**: Octopuses are known for their problem-solving abilities and intelligence. They can navigate mazes, solve puzzles, and even use tools!

3. **Three Hearts**: An octopus has three hearts! Two pump blood through the gills, while the third pumps it to the rest of the body.

4. **Short Lifespan**: Despite their intelligence, most octopuses have a relatively short lifespan, often living only 1-2 years.

5. **Solitary Creatures**: These fascinating animals are usually solitary, preferring to hunt and explore alone.

Join us on a Fair Wind cruise and explore the vibrant underwater world of Kealakekua Bay. Who knows, you might even spot one of these incredible octopuses!

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For more information and to book your adventure, visit https://www.fair-wind.com

07/25/2024

MONTHLY REEF TALK

The July 25th Reef Talk features Mikayla Barnwell with The Nature Conservancy of Hawaiʻi. She will present an update on "Community Driven Croal Restoration in West Hawai'i.
If you're in Kona, join the Malama Kai Foundation from 5:30-7:30 pm in person at the Ridge to Reef Restoration Center (73-4485 Kahilihili Street, Kailua-Kona, HI).

07/24/2024

Guess how many bags of trash we cleaned up off the highway this weekend?

26!! 🗑️🗑️🗑️

Mahalo to the Fair Wind crew for helping clean up along Kona's roads! Fair Wind has adopted a 2 mile section of Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy. in-between Honokohau Harbor and Palani Road.

Wave 👋 next time you see us out there!

07/17/2024

If you're on Hawai'i Island in August, check out the Vegan Chef Challenge -West at participating restaurants! https://veganchefchallenge.org/bigisland/

In support of this challenge, we'll be featuring an exclusive lunch menu item aboard our Kona Coast Snorkel Cruise during the month of August.

If you'd like to try our special menu this August, book here: https://www.fair-wind.com/kona-coast-snorkel-tour/ (and save 20% off!).

It's going to be a crowd pleaser for sure!

We're so grateful to our sponsor Fair Wind Cruises!

🌊 Fair Wind's dedication to sustainability is inspiring: from using biodiesel and compostable utensils to offering plant-based meals and reef-safe sunscreens. They even turn food waste into soil and participate in beach cleanups.

🌎💚 Proud to partner with a company making a positive impact on our planet!

➡️ Check them out over at https://loom.ly/Zc_tGtU

07/04/2024

Cheers to the red, white, & BLUE! 🇺🇸

Happy 4th of July! 💥

07/04/2024

The high dive aboard our Fair Wind II vessel is a hit with kids and adults alike!

07/01/2024

Summer sunsets are……MAGICAL✨

06/28/2024

06/26/2024

If you're looking for the flexilbility of a private snorkel charter - look no further than the Capt. Jack! Cruise down to Kealakekua Bay earlier in the day than most boats for a peaceful morning in the bay or head north to snorkel at another vibrant snorkeling location of you or the Captain's choice.

Our 4.5 hour Capt. Jack Private Snorkel Charter can accomodate up to 6 passengers and includes breakfast!

Customize your cruise for an unforgettable adventure!

For more information & to book: https://www.fair-wind.com/private-kealakekua-snorkel/

06/25/2024

Dive deeper into summer fun with our Kama'aina Club! 🌴🚤

Unlock endless adventures on the water with exclusive discounts on tours and merchandise, plus receive insider emails packed with seasonal specials. As a bonus, earn FREE boat passes just for being part of the club!

Call or message us to join today (must be Hawai'i Island resident with a valid Hawaii ID)

For more details: https://www.fair-wind.com/kamaaina-club-membership/

06/20/2024

Snorkeling with manta rays at night is pure magic! 🌌✨

Did you know Keauhou, Hawaii, is one of the best places to see these gentle giants up close? Manta rays can have wingspans up to 20 feet and feed on plankton attracted by our boat's lights.

Dive into this unforgettable adventure and witness their graceful underwater ballet!

Now for the summer, we're offering manta tours 5 nights a week! For more details, visit https://www.fair-wind.com/night-manta-snorkel-tour/).

06/14/2024

06/12/2024

King Kamehameha I, a visionary leader and warrior, is renowned for unifying the Hawaiian Islands into a single kingdom. During his reign, he held immense reverence for Kealakekua Bay, recognizing its strategic location, fertile lands, and its spiritual significance.

In 1779, Captain James Cook's arrival at Kealakekua Bay marked a turning point in Hawaiian history. It was here that Cook encountered the Hawaiian people for the first time. King Kamehameha I witnessed Cook's arrival and the subsequent interactions between his people and the Europeans. This encounter would greatly shape the future of Hawaii.

Over time, Kealakekua Bay became an important hub for trade and cultural exchange. King Kamehameha I recognized the bay's potential as a center for maritime activities, fostering relationships with foreign traders and establishing alliances. His presence and influence at Kealakekua Bay helped cultivate diplomatic ties with European powers and expand Hawaii's role in the global community.

Today, Kealakekua Bay serves as a powerful reminder of the historical significance and cultural heritage associated with King Kamehameha I. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the stories of Hawaii's past, appreciating the importance of this bay in the formation of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

As we celebrate King Kamehameha Day, let us honor the indelible mark left by King Kamehameha I at Kealakekua Bay. May we cherish and protect this sacred site, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate its historical and cultural value.

06/11/2024

World Ocean Day was officially celebrated in 6/8, but every day is World Ocean Day.

06/08/2024

This let’s show and grow support for the movement to protect at least 30% of our blue planet by 2030.

We're facing a monumental threat to our blue planet: the climate crisis. A healthy ocean means a healthy climate, and we need bold actions now more than ever.

For 2024, The Ocean Foundation is proud to launch a new theme: **Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate**. This plan includes:

🌍 Maximize existing climate solutions
⚡ Accelerate a just transition to clean energy
🛢️ Stop fossil fuel extraction
♻️ Phase out single-use plastics
📣 Amplify local leaders' voices
🌱 Protect and restore coastal and ocean ecosystems

Together we can turn the tide, curb the climate crisis, and protect biodiversity worldwide.

Learn More: https://worldoceanday.org/

06/06/2024

OLA KA ‘AINA, OLA KE KANAKA. - “When the land lives, the people live.”

In honor of World Environment Day today, The Fair Wind team went up the mauna last week to participate in our 3rd Annual Tree Planting and Reforestaton Day. 🌳

Mahalo to Kristin and Joe Souza for having the Fair Wind ‘ohana up to your beautiful land to help with reforesting Hawai’i’s rainforests.

We spent the day learning about native plants and the importance they play in the ecosystem, from being food sources for native birds to helping bring in the afternoon rain. We then enjoyed a delicious, homemade, plant-based lunch made by part of the Fair Wind team to energize up for planting a native tree, mamane. Together as a team, we planted 900 trees that day. 🌳🌳🌳

The land and ocean are connected and our kuleana to steward. Whether we are cleaning trash from Kamilo Beach with or planting trees in the forest at Kealakekua with the Souza’s, we all are grateful for these opportunities to steward our home, Hawai’i nei. It was an inspiring day of fellowship and giving back to the land that gives so much to us.