West Oahu Paradise ~ Sailing to Makua

Imagine a beautiful Hawaiian day with prefect breezy winds, calm coastal waters, and warm sunshine lighting the way. This is paradise and you’ve embarked on your newest adventure, bareboat cruising! The chart is plotted, the boat is in ship shape and the journey begins out of the Ala Wai Harbor.
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​So where exactly are you headed? The eight-hour cruise along Oahu’s Leeward coast leads to Makua.

An ever-changing valley alive with mysticism and majesty dating back to one of the original settlements of Oahu civilization. Makua means parents deriving its namesake from the God and Goddess that united in the valley giving life to the first Hawaiians. The soft Kaiaulu winds are gently guided down the faces of the three valley’s Ko'iahi to the right, Makua in the center, and Kahanahaiki to the left. The space is tangibly serene sprinkled with the drone of a passing car along Farrington Highway.  The anchor is dropped and pristine aquamarine water beckons a swim, one by one the crew splash into the warm clear waters of Makua. The sun begins it’s westerly descent with a gradient of soft pastels into a crescendo of passionate magentas, oranges, and pinks. The ocean reflects the changing sky glistening a swirl of turquoise and pinks along the calm glassy waters. The first stars make their introduction to the night sky and a gentle shadow makes its way over the valley revealing the details of their ridged figure against the painted sky. One last glimpse and the sun descends into the line separating sea and sky.
 
The first day is a success! A full belly and comfortable corner of the boat the crew reflects on the journey sure to be accompanied by laughter and stories. Hours pass and the night reveals in all its splendor the portrait of a thousand stars. The boat comfortably sways rocking the crew to sleep in one of the most splendid places in all Hawaii. The following morning there’s a possibility for a playful swim with indigenous Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins!
 
Once underway, sailing instruction continues rotating crew members at the helm and reviewing exam questions with both verbal and hands-on experiences to ensure crew members ace their exams!

By Elizabeth Kaiolohia Sneed