Sail in a Hawaiian Canoe

Even at jet speed, it's a long trip to Hawaii. Think of what it must have been like in 600 AD when the first wave of Polynesians somehow found Hawaii in their sailing canoes. They navigated thousands of miles of vast ocean without instruments or charts before sighting the Islands, and managed to settle in well before European explorers arrived in the 16th century.

Today, Hawaiian sailing canoes are experiencing a renaissance. Most of them are built and used by private groups. But a few are operated for public use. Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures offers two-hour tours at 10 a.m. daily from Polo Beach in Wailea. The tour, the only one of its kind on Maui, is both a lesson in Hawaii's traditional sailing culture and a lovely, two-hour sail and snorkel along the Wailea Coast.

Before the canoe is launched, passengers will learn about the sailing canoe, which was built on Molokai and originally used for racing. Time will be spent to explain the canoe's components and the spiritual and physical process used in its construction. After a safety briefing, the canoe, called the Hina, will set sail along the coast. During the ride, passengers will learn more about ancient Hawaiian navigation techniques and the history of the coastline. Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures, a family owned and operated business, offers private charters as well as the daily morning tours.