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 in case of emergencies we also carry a 7kw generator on board that runs with Pacific Biodiesel. The Dolce Vita is currently the only electric sailing charter vessel operating in the Hawaiian Islands.
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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 noises of fossil fuel engines. We encourage you to come experience the difference!
The Crew
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.
Captain Suelang Watson is one of the most knowledgable and enthusiastic marine naturalists of the Kohala coast. Though she is a certified USCG Captain, she prefers the role of deckhand as she is truly in her element leading underwater tours of the reef, and will show even veteran observers a thing or two! A 10+ year Hawai’i resident, avid free-diver and also certified in scuba, she loves nothing more than sharing her passion for sustainability and the ocean with others.
The driving force behind Kohala Blue is our Director and Wonder Wench, Shaun Elise. Vivacious and passionate, Shaun has lived the majority of her adult life on the Big Island. She keeps the ship afloat, handles our bookings, guest relations and logistics, and is there to make sure your experience aboard the Dolce Vita is one you will never forget. She’s truly a Jill-of-all-trades, moonlighting as a highly talented violinist in a popular local band and creatrix of custom swimsuits, among countless other fields of expertise.
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!
