Of all the exhilarating escapes Hawai`i has to offer, none captures the timeless thrill of adventure on the seas like sailing -- and the only place on O`ahu to climb aboard a luxuriously private sailboat is Ko Olina Marina, on Wai`anae’s west coast. That is where Hawai`i Nautical harnesses the trade winds daily with its 38-foot catamaran, Lei’d Back, spoiling guests with gorgeous sights, gourmet food and gracious Aloha service.

Heading out from Ko Olina harbor, there’s a sense that anything is possible.

Sails ascend, the engine is silenced, and all you hear are waves lapping at the hull. The sheets (ropes) strain to hold the sails as the wind pushes us out to sea. Surrounded by sky and salt water, it’s easy to imagine a time when the ocean was Hawai`i’s favored playground.

As early as the 16th century, Ko Olina, or “place of joy,” served as a retreat for Hawaiian Ali`i (nobility), including High Chief Kakuhihewa and King Kamehameha. Hawai`i’s historic elite sought out this sheltered, leeward coast with family and friends to boat, swim, fish and feast, escaping the demands of state and the hustle and bustle of WaikÏkÏ. Some 500 years later, it seems little has changed as today’s recreational connoisseurs enjoy Ko Olina’s rejuvenating waters.

What makes sailing here so special? According to Hawai`i Nautical owner and president Doug Ewalt, “Ko Olina Marina is one of the best marinas in the whole Pacific Rim and the only private commercial harbor in the state. The area gets offshore breezes whenever the trades blow, making sailing flat and fun. The waves may be small but the speed is great.”

In addition to ideal sailing conditions and spectacular coastal views, Ewalt notes: “We see everything from Hawaiian spinner dolphins and humpback whales to Hawaiian green sSea turtles and manta rays.” One trip stands out in particular, he says. “We watched a group of pilot whales hunt and feed on a blue marlin for 50 minutes, all within 30 yards of the boat. That was something even Jacques Cousteau never got on film!”

For those inclined to hunt their own marlin, the Lei’d Back is equipped with fishing gear -- and expert guidance on landing a big one. Or if you’d prefer getting “down-close and personal” with marine life, a crew member will set you up with snorkeling gear and even escort you over a coral reef.

The Lei’d Back experience is designed for four to 12 discriminating guests. Half-day charters run $700 for the first four persons and $100 for each additional passenger. Onboard amenities include a generous, modern cabin with a spacious dining area, full kitchen, four private cabins and two heads with showers. Topside guests can linger over drinks at the cockpit table (including Lei’d Back’s signature cocktail, “the Catatonic”) or head up to the bow where two, taut nets straddle the boat’s centerline. It offers splash-tacular access to the racing sea below. Ewalt calls them, “the best seats in the resort!”

Gourmet sunset charters afford guests the added luxury of fine dining on the high seas for just $150 per person. A typical dinner begins with braised scallops over mango barbeque mashed potatoes, followed by fresh salad with a variety of dressings: Caesar or local favorites Maui Onion and Wasabi Vinaigrette.

The main course menu features fresh Ahi tuna steak infused with a blend of seasonings, pan seared to perfection and served over a bed of spinach with asparagus, a slice of tomato, and warm bread. Ewalt adds, “We have even been known to catch fish onboard and custom prepare it for guests!” Dessert completes the moveable feast with chocolate muffins baked fresh on board, drizzled with chocolate sauce and surrounded by fresh fruit.

While half-day charters and sunset cruises make-up most of Lei’d Back’s voyages, Hawai`i Nautical caters to very special requests too. Ewalt recalls some unique passengers. “Lei’d Back has had ‘Wild on E’ filmed on her, the Natial Gulibuss show on golf network, and NFL ‘Under the Helmet.’” He adds, “Numerous NFL pro-bowl players have gone sailing with us and Nick Lachey proposed to Jessica Simpson onboard.”

One reason the company attracts such demanding customers is their gracious service. Ewalt says, “Everyone we have onboard is a traveling dignitary and we treat them as such. Hawai`i Nautical customer service is recognized and appreciated by the top hotels in Hawai`i as being the best in the industry. We strive to be on par or even exceed five-star expectations and standards.”

Pat Radona, concierge with the neighboring JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa, agrees. “We’ve dealt with Hawai`i Nautical for a long time and we’ve only had positive comments about the boat, the staff and the experience. They are the first activity we recommend to our guests. They’re not only a good activity; they’re service-oriented and they fit with our guests’ high expectations.”

To suit more casual tastes, the company recently introduced the Ko Olina Cat, which carries up to 49 passengers on three-hour tours and includes drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, swimming and sightseeing for just under $100 per adult ($83.50 per child). Several other outfits offer large catamaran sailing excursions from Waikïkï but no others sail from Ko Olina Marina.

Learning about Hawaiian waters and all that springs from them is perhaps the most precious gift from sailing its seas. Ewalt is proud that “The captains and crew are informative about the coast and love to engage in conversation with the guests.” After all, he says, “We strive to create memories that last a lifetime and an experience that is the highlight of a guest’s time in Hawai`i!”

Whichever way the winds blow over Ko Olina, Ewalt is poised to harness Hawai`i’s nautical nature just as the earliest Ali`i did in search of their own island getaway.

808-234-7245 (SAIL)
www.hawaiinautical.com

1-888-225-MAUI
www.sailtrilogy.com

For Maui-based adventure seekers Trilogy offers a fleet of sailing options fulfilled by four catamarans featuring the area’s largest covered cabins. Excursions range from all day outings between Lahaina and Lana`i and sunset sails that scoop guests right up off Ka`anapali Beach. The latter experience is family friendly and a delightfully informative way to spy on dolphins and Humpback Whales (in season November to April).