KAILUA-KONA — In life, free rides are hard to come by. But Fair Wind Cruises offered something close Saturday at its headquarters in Keauhou Bay.
KAILUA-KONA — In life, free rides are hard to come by. But Fair Wind Cruises offered something close Saturday at its headquarters in Keauhou Bay.
The company, which boasts the distinction of being the oldest family-owned snorkel business in the state, celebrated its 45th anniversary by hosting a day on the ocean for the public. The bay was packed as residents and tourists alike ventured out to take advantage of 45-minute cruises for only $4.50.
All of the proceeds from the day’s festivities will be donated to the Kohala Center’s Kahaluu Reef Teach Program, which teaches reef etiquette and awareness to ocean goers.
“It’s really important there is someone there who gives this education, so we wanted to support that,” said Mendy Dant, co-owner and executive vice president of Fair Wind Cruises. “We are really happy they are there.”
The company will also match whatever money it’s able to raise — a figure Dant expected to end up in the thousands. The hosts had to add an extra cruise to the docket after attendance surpassed what even Dant and her team expected.
Guests enjoyed hot dogs and snow cones while being serenaded by a two-piece band in their downtime, either while waiting for their ride or after it was completed.
But the boat trips were still the stars of the day, offering guests a chance to jump in the ocean or make their way to the water via slides connected to the vessels.
Taire Baker, who caught a ride early in the day, was thrilled with her experience.
“The slide was unreal,” she said. “It has been 15 years since I’ve been on that boat, and it’s still fun. The kids enjoyed it. I loved it.”
Kelia Fauhiva shared Baker’s opinions and described the trip as, in a word, “lit.”
“It was unforgettable,” she added. “It was like, the best trip ever. I would do it again right now.”
While altruistic, the celebration proved an interesting marketing strategy, as several residents in attendance had enjoyed previous trips but hadn’t been on one of the company’s boats in many years.
Like Baker, island resident Lani Ke went on a cruise nearly 15 years ago with her son. She decided Saturday was a great opportunity to take her younger children out for the same experience.
Dant said most customers who take Fair Wind snorkeling trips to Kealakekua Bay and further south, as well as its evening manta ray cruises, are guests on Hawaii Island.
She added, however, there is a loyal local following as well, who can make use of substantial discounts during offseason months.
Based on the general sentiments and views of guests, Saturday’s celebration may swell those ranks.
“Mahalo to the people that put this on,” Baker said. “Congratulations for their 45th anniversary, and may they have another 45 years. It was great. They gave back to the people.”