You might say that the Hawaiian sailing canoe is part of Trevor Cabell’s DNA. Born and raised in Hawaii and the son of a waterman, Cabell has sailed canoes since he was 16 years old, spending time in and on the ocean for as long as he can remember.
Today, as the owner of Island Sails Kauai, Cabell channels his love of Hawaii’s seas and stories during unique 90-minute sailing excursions in Hanalei Bay, on Kauai’s north shore. Helming the red, 45-foot traditional Hawaiian sailing canoe — which he built by hand — he offers culturally rich eco-tours that put visitors in touch with the beauties of the water and the significance of local heritage.
Island Sails Kauai operates in the summer only, generally from April through September (when ocean conditions are best). Trips begin and end at Puu Poa Beach, which fronts St. Regis Princeville Resort.
Cabell calls his vessel Kuupaaloa, which means “safe and strong on the ocean” — and it has lived up to the name in impressive fashion, he says.
“I’ve taken thousands of people out on the water and it has never let me down,” Cabell said.
He has also sailed the canoe around all the Hawaiian Islands, including a stop near the privately owned island of Niihau.
Because Kuupaaloa’s maximum passenger count is six, each Island Sails Kauai tour is intimate, allowing Cabell to easily spread his knowledge of and devotion to canoe history and culture.
Trevor Cabell (center) calls his Island Sails Kauai tours ideal for families.
Credit: 2018 Joss Photography
When clients go on a tour with Island Sails Kauai, they find themselves engaging in conversation about canoe lore and, at the same time, delighting in splashy thrills. Cabell tells tales of the earliest Polynesian voyagers, who built similar boats and steered them across the sea while calling on only nature as their guide.
“The canoe is essential to Hawaii,” Cabell said. “It represents how the ancient Hawaiians survived and lived.”
On the first trip of each morning, when seas and breezes are calmest, Cabell takes guests to a prime snorkeling spot: a coral reef teeming with sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. (Note: Visitors who have signed up for this outing need to bring their own snorkel gear.)
During tours throughout the rest of the day, Cabell artfully maneuvers the canoe out onto the bay, providing postcard-perfect views of the stunning sea cliffs that define Kauai’s northern coastline. Following the conditions, he usually heads upwind for 3 to 5 miles, then surfs downwind back to the hotel’s beach.
The final ride offered by Cabell is a romantic sunset sail, ideal for couples who want to get cozy as the sky turns dramatic shades of orange and pink. On all tours, it’s not unusual for clients to see dolphins spinning, gliding and playing near the canoe.
No matter which Island Sails Kauai adventure clients choose, they’re sure to have a memorable time as they feel the sun, the breeze and the spray of the surf.
Each Island Sails Kauai tour starts and ends at the beach fronting St. Regis Princeville Resort.
Credit: 2018 Joss Photography
“I hope my guests will gain a greater appreciation of and respect for our island nature and culture,” Cabell said. “The sailing canoe is real and meaningful for the people of Hawaii. It fills up our hearts. I want to share that with as many visitors and locals as possible. I don’t see this as a job. It’s my passion.”
Island Sails Kauai’s tours cater to all ages, making them a good activity for families. Rates range from $99 to $119 per adult and $60 to $75 per child. Private tours and charters are available on request. Clients staying at St. Regis Princeville Resort can line up a tour through the hotel’s concierge, while non-guests can book either online or by phone.
The Details
Island Sails Kauai
www.islandsailskauai.com
St. Regis Princeville Resort
www.stregisprinceville.com
