“This is by far the best sail we have ever experienced.”
Verified Review
Step onto the Hahalualele, a 35-foot double-hulled sailing canoe modeled after the traditional wa‘a kaulua once used by Polynesian navigators to cross vast ocean distances. Departing directly from the beach at Mauna Kea Resort, this 1.5-hour voyage along the Kohala Coast offers sweeping ocean views and a rare window into Hawaiian history. With a small group (max six), you’ll sail the same waters once traversed by voyagers who read the stars and swells. Along the way, your crew shares stories of ancient travel, seasonal whale sightings, and the enduring traditions of oceanic exploration.
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For ages 4 and up, group size limited to 6 guests.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
This activity is calm and the skill level is beginner-friendly.
WHAT TO BRING
Wear swimwear or beach clothes, and bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
5.0★ from 100+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Guests love the smooth, stable ride aboard the Hahalualele, a beautifully recreated double-hulled canoe that feels safe and authentic. Many highlight the small, welcoming crew and their rich stories of Polynesian navigation and local history along the Mauna Kea coastline. Reviews often mention the calm pace, scenic views, and wildlife sightings — all adding up to an intimate, culture-rich sail that feels like a window into Hawai‘i’s past.
Guests meet and depart right from the beach at the beautiful Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, stepping aboard the Hahalualele, a 35-foot replica of an ancient Hawaiian double-hulled sailing canoe. The journey traces the coastline with sweeping views while the crew shares stories of Hawaiian history and culture. During whale season (December to May), guests often spot breaching whales, playful pods, and newborn calves — adding a magical layer to this one-of-a-kind sail. Towels, light snacks, and refreshments are provided onboard, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure.
Authentic Hawaiian Sails operates the Hahalualele, a 35-foot replica of a traditional double-hulled canoe, offering guests a rare chance to sail just like ancient Hawaiian voyagers. Run by a small, family-led ʻohana with deep roots in cultural storytelling, they bring Big Island coastal history and Polynesian navigation to life as you glide from Mauna Kea Beach. During whale season, their crew may even point out spouts or breaches offshore, adding a bit of seasonal magic to your sail.
Guests check in right on the beach at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Look for the Hahalualele sailing canoe and the crew near the shoreline in front of the hotel’s main beach area — they’ll greet you and help you board.
Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
Hahalualele: A Journey Back in Time
You don’t board this thing from a dock. You wade in—barefoot—until the surf’s up to your knees, and then climb into a vessel that looks like it time-traveled here. Two long, curved wooden hulls. A hand-lashed deck. No motor in sight. This is the Hahalualele, a replica of the double-hulled canoes Polynesians once used to cross entire oceans without maps or compasses.
Once you're out past the breakers, it gets quiet. Just the wind, the creak of wood, and the slow sway of the Pacific. The crew doesn’t give a rehearsed speech—they tell stories.
“Wading in barefoot felt like the first clue this wasn’t a typical tour.”
About how these canoes brought the first Hawaiians to these islands. About navigating by the stars, by the way the swell hits your ankles. You realize you're not just looking at the coastline; you're seeing it like the early voyagers might have—raw, sacred, full of memory.
It's only 90 minutes, but for a little while, you’re not in 2025. You’re somewhere else entirely. And when your feet hit the sand again, you carry just a bit more salt, wind, and wonder than you did before.
