This blog is here to show the world the status of Keawe Adventures and Makani Christensen (Owner). Where it is headed, where it is going, and whats happening now? Sure some the the words might not be spelled right and grammer might be wrong. But as long as you get the point we won't have a problem. Not that I suspect any problems. Thanks for taking the time to read some of our stories. Mahalo, Makani Christensen
Makani Christensen, Owner
Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, Makani Christensen is the owner of Keawe Adventures.
After studying at Kamehameha Secondary School, Makani attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He entered the military as a United States Marine Corps Officer, where he served his country for 5 years, traveling to both Iraq and Afghanistan. After receiving the Joint Service Commendation medal, Makani was honorably discharged in 2008.
Along with his Bachelor of Science in Oceanography and his strong Hawaiian genealogy, Makani’s love for the land and sea is what inspired him to start his own business—Keawe Adventures. He is an advid diver, commercial fisherman, waterman, and historian. It is here where Makani finds true joy, educating others about Hawaii’s history, culture, and the ocean environment
On Wednesday morning we started our journey to Maui from Hawaii Kai.The weather report stated that the trades had died, but the seas and wind told a different story.The winds were blowing from the Northeast at about 25 mph and the seas were about 4 foot.Being on a 35 foot Bertrum called the Hoku III made the journey a little easier.The 90 mile journey around the backside or North side of Molokai was filled in brief doses of excitement surrounded by hours of boredom.One moment, which we tried to capture on our Go Pro, was of an Aku school that we passed through.We have some of the action on film to include a marlin strike.We also hooked up to a few Mahimahi that got away.That night, instead of anchoring at Kalaupapa, we continued to “N” buoy. We arrived there about 2 hours before the sun was coming up.
Finding the buoy at night wasn’t easy-- especially when you are “kinda tired.”I found myself in the Captains chair holding-on as the waves and wind crashed into the boat.I spotted the buoy about 5 miles away. When you are looking at a blinking light at night all kinds of things go through your mind.There is another buoy out there! There is about 10 seconds, no 8 seconds, no 4 seconds interval between flashes.I’ve lost the buoy!All these thoughts were amplify by sleep deprivation.
The world famous “N” buoy!It is located about 22 miles North of Lahaina.It is where we lost a 1200lbs Marlin to the “tax collectors” (sharks), and lost out at $57,000 during the Lahaina Halloween Shootout in 2009.
About an hour after we arrived two sports fishing boats out of Lahaina Harbor joined us: No Problem and Die Hard.Once there was a little light we started trolling around the buoy.Within 5 minutes we had our first Yellow Fin Tuna (Ahi) on the boat.In one hour we caught 4.The biggest Ahi was 80lb and the other 70lbs not bad for 48 hours of fishing.The other two boats did just as well.There were Mahimahi and Ahi jumping all over the place.By the time the sun crested the horizon the bite stopped and the fish stopped jumping.We headed toward Lahaina with our fish bag full.
With about one hour of sleep total, I decided it would be a good idea to run about 10 miles in the hot Lahaina Sun.Things you have to do when training for the Ironman: run, swim, bike, and puke!Finished the run in style, and immediately off loaded the fish to sell.
Each year we dock at slip 39 where our friend and black coral diver Robin parks his boat.Mike the Captain of Hoku III, dove (scuba) with Robin for a number of years.So each year Robin makes sure our fish are sold and we have a place to park.If you are ever in Lahaina, make sure you visit his black coral jewelry Store called Aulani.
We got settled in that night into the Condo Hotel called the Aina Nalu.
The next day we prepped for the upcoming the Lahaina Jackpot and the Shootout.Fixing lures and replacing line.
Biked about 40 miles this morning in preparation for the Ironman, and then cleaned the bottom the Hoku III.The Hoku III is a 35 foot Bertrum fishing boat.We are getting the boat ready for the 2011 Lahaina Jackpot and Lahaina Shootout fishing competition on Maui.Three years ago we were in Lahaina News …check out the article….Also, here is a video of what we did.http://www.lahainanews.com/page/content.detail/id/500393.html?nav=21
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Light Tackle fishing is our most popular family tour. Using spinners and rods, we head to our favorite fishing spots to catch island predators. Lunch and drinks are provided in this tour. If you catch a 'keeper,' then ask your local chef if he can prepare your catch for dinner. You never know what you will catch.
Whatexactly is light tackle fishing?
We use Penn Slammer reels with 12 lb test with a 6 foot rod. The basic set up consist of a 12 lb test main line, to an egg shot lead, to a one way swivel, to a 6 lb test leader, and to a hook with grub or bait. This is the basic set up for whipping in zones 1 and zone 2.
We will walk the rocky coastline whipping into the surf in efforts to catch Omilu, Papio, Moana, Nunu, Moi and Roys. These are some of the predator fish in the area that will bite the grub or bait. As we fish your guide will explain where to cast and how to reel over different areas of the reef.
Do we need a fishing license?
No
What about lunch?
We will provide you with lunch. Please give us a call or let us know if you have any special food requirements. Our food will be purchased from Zippys. We will order everyone a ZIP pack (rice, slice of spam, fillet of Mahimahi, fried chicken, and teriaki beef). We will also have refreshments available.
What should we bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, glasses, and a camera. We will provide tabi's (reef walkers), the rod, the reel, and the tackle. Pack light, we do not want to bring a huge bag and leave it in the car. There are car break in, so let's minimize the risk.
What do we do with the fish we Catch?
We have two options. Option 1: Keep the fish. Option 2: Let the fish go. If you choose to keep the fish, we can make arrangements with a local restaurant or you’re chef. If you do not want the fish, then we will gladly take the fish home. Nothing gets waisted.
Zone 1
Zone 1 is from Holona Blow Hole to Pele's Chair (Kaiwi Coast Line). The currents in this area are radical. Zone 1 is one of the better areas on the island to dive and fish. Many of the fish migrate into the area daily, and chances are high that you are going to catch something. We will avoid the cliff areas when ocean conditions are not in our favor. We will cast into the surf zone, and will hope to catch some predator fish feeding on bait fish. We will also have bait (squid), if requested.
Zone 2
Diamond Head. This area is both rocky and sandy. There is an outer reef, which mitigates much of the wave coming to shore. This is a safer area to fish than zone one, but just as rewarding if we catch something. You'll find the same type of predator fish in this area as zone 1.
What about individuals with Disabilities?
We will have to coordinate transportation, and coordinate an accessible spot to fish.We will determine fishing spots based on physical limitations.
Are you planning on snorkeling when you are in Hawaii? One of the best and easiest places to snorkel year round is Hanauma Bay. The maze of reefs is filled wilt all types of animals, coral, and super cool things to look at!
I remember one dive in particular. We were snorkeling around then all of a sudden an eel swims by us in about 4 feet of water. Chasing the eel was two Jacks or Omilu's in Hawaiian. I know pretty crazy! Well the eel found refuge in one of the rocks...and the entire time the Jacks circled.
What else will you potentially see? Uhu, Ape, Roy Sea Bass, flounders, Blue Strip Snappers, Toau, Turtles, Octopus, Squid, Aholehole, and others. Sometimes depending on the time of year, you will see massive schools of Aholehole or Manini (Usually in Summer or Winter). It is pretty cool to swim through a massive school of fish. And on occasion our instructors will lead you to see sleeping white tip sharks. You'll have to look in a cave, so make sure you practice holding your breath before you take the tour.
What is the deal with Keawe Adventures and the Bay?
We provide professional guides and lifeguards to escort you while diving at Hanauma Bay. Your equipment (snorkel, mask, and fins), transportation, and entry are complementary. We also provide lunches and drinks for half and full day tours only.
What is a typical tour like?
We will pick you up 0800 or 1300. While driving to Hanauma Bay we will teach you about the history and the geology of Hawaii. Once we reach Hanauma Bay, we will try on our snorkel gear, and then head into the bay. We are required to watch a 9 minute video prior to entering the bay.
We will stay on the inside of the reef unless the weather conditions are in our favor (light current and small waves).
For the first hour and a half your guide will be snorkeling with the group. Once we return to shore you will have the opportunity to continue to snorkel or go on a beach walk with the instructor.
Once we have had enough snorkeling we will make our way up to the car where we will have lunch.
If it is a full day of snorkeling we will make our way back down to the beach to snorkel more.
Remember bring a water proof camera if you have one.If not bring a memory stick that the instructor will fill with pictures.
What is for Lunch?
We order a Zip Pack, which consist of rice, spam, fried chicken, teri beef, mahimahi, and a hot dog. If you have special arrangements please coordinate with Keawe Adventures.
When do you conduct these tours?
The tours are conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. We do not operate on weekends, holidays and Tuesdays. Half day tours are from 0800 to 1200 hours and from 1300 to 1700 hours. Full day tours are from 0800 to 1400 hours.
What do I need to bring?
Sunscreen, towel, Identification, snorkeling equipment (Optional), Rash Guard (Optional), Extra Clothes, and extra
Bring extra money to rent storage lockers.Lockers are provided for a nominal fee.
Enjoy a half or full day guided fly fishing wading tour. Bonefish, also known as Oio, thrive in the sandy, shallow waters around the island. You can often see their tails waving in the air on low tides as they feed on mantis shrimp, crabs, sand turtles, and squid. Our guides will help you match the hatch to land your first Hawaiian Bonefish.
Why go with us?
Because it is fun! Let us fish until we are starving, and enjoy a day of adventure. We will put you on fish during different tidal periods. Remember there are low tide spots and high tide spots, let us show you.
What Tour Times?
Full Day Fly Fishing Tours (8 am to 4 pm)
Half Day Fly Fishing Tours (8 am to 12 pm or 1 pm to 5 pm)
Lunch?
Lunch is on us! We will be eating a ZIP pack from Zippys, which consist of a slice of spam, fried chicken, a filet of Mahimahi, rice, and teriaki beef. It is pretty good! If you have certain dietary needs, then we can make other arrangements. If you want something else, then let us know.
Equipment?
We will also provide all the equipment: 8 or 9 wt rod, stripping basket, reel, flies and footwear (reef walkers). Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for protection against the sun and hooks. Bring your own equipment if you have it. Do not bring anything lighter than an 8 wt rod. These fish are powerful!!!!
What is the best time to fish?
The best time to fish is on an incoming tide or an outgoing tide and before noon.
One of the greatest things about our Island Guided tours is its flexibility. In the morning you could be fly fishing or surfing, and later in the afternoon you may be hiking. Combine any of our tours to create the ultimate island tour. If you want to go around the island to see the different sites we can do that to. Is there something you have always wanted to do on the island, off the beaten path? Well give us a call and we will help you coordinate the adventure.
We will pick you up in our super sporty Nissan van with twenty inch rims from the boat at 8 am. Coordinated adventures will be executed with professionalism and on a time schedule. Non-planned events will be coordinated that morning.
You are not limited to these adventures listed above. If you find another adventure somewhere on the island, we will gladly drive you to the location, and sometimes participate.
Everyone’s ultimate adventure will vary depending on capability, likes, and time.
Here are a couple examples:
For the experienced Surfers
We pick you up at 8 am, and head to Ala Moana Bowls (for experienced surfers). You pull into the best "barreling" waves of your life. You catch your fair share of waves for the next three hours. Then we head to Zippys to eat and replenish before heading to the North Shore. Now we head to Sunset beach to surf. The waves are 3 to 5 feet and clean. We surf for another three hours before we head home. Perfect waves all day!!!
For the hikers
Forty Five minutes prior to sunrise we pick you up and head to Makapuu. It is a little chilly, wind is blowing, and you have no idea what to expect. We start on the trail before the sunrise. We get to the top of Makapuu to watch the sun crest the horizon. We spend the rest of the morning exploring the old bunkers and tide pools. You go for a dip in the tide pools. At about noon we head back to the car for lunch. Because you are adventurous we head to Mariners ridge for a 45 minute hike to the top of the Koolaus. Today you've taken about 500 pictures of the most breath taking views in Hawaii.
The Island Tour...
At 8 am the pimped out van picks you up to embark on the ultimate Island Adventure. Let us start at Pearl Harbor where we will visit the Arizona Memorial. Your tour guide is a vetran of both the Iraq and Afghanistan war and a Naval Academy graduate. So rests assure you are in good hands. After our visit at Pearl Harbor, we will make our way to the North Shore where we will have lunch at the famous shrimp trucks. Then we will stop at the Bonzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Haleiwa--home of the triple crown of surfing. Finally we will make our way to Haleiwa for some shopping before heading home.
Here are the post that I posted on facebook and my webpage to give you an idea of the house.
Facebook
Another day pumping out paperwork like the Honolulu Advertiser. Over the past couple of days, minus the weekend, we were able to more closer our objective. We secured a contract with Hawaii Activities and potentialy Carnival Cruise Lines. We also managed to secure a 5 bedroom, 4 bath house for individuals to stay at when coming on vacation. Check for available dates at http://www.vrbo.com/106986 ... The house is located 150 yards from sharks cove on the North Shore of Honolulu. Keawe Adventures is your one stop shop for Adventure and fun.
This is what I put on my webpage:
On your next visit to Hawaii. Why not stay on the North Shore about 150 yards from Sharks Cove and about 400 yard from the world famous Waimea Bay home of the Eddie Aikau Quicksilver Competition? We'll pick you up from the house everyday and take you on your next adventure. Let's go surfing, snorkeling, and or just watch the waves. You call us and we will make it happen. We will stock your house with food and drinks upon request for a nominal fee. This is the perfect spot, one minute from Foodland and minutes from the Surf. At night play some pool or fools ball with your buddies in the recreation room. The house is a 5 bedroom, 4 bath house sleeps up to 7 individuals (7 people get there own beds). If you want you could always throw a couple people on the couches. From the porch you can watch whales go by and watch beautiful sunsets at certain times of the year (winter). So book your adventure and a place to stay with us! Click here or the picture to book or see availability.
Journal Entry 10/12/2011 (Keawe Adventures) Basically my company is starting from ground zero after returning from Rhode Island. I was in Rhode Island creating a beach activities program at the Misquamicut Beach Club in Watch Hill. Invited by the one of the best general managers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with-Phil Korestki. Got there on June 20, 2011, and stayed for two months finally returning on September 1. A couple of services we offered fly fishing clinics, snorkeling, surfing, beach boot camp, triathlon training, and stand-up paddling. It went off without a hitch!!! Great program, but not the best business move. With a limit amount of clients (club members), I was at the mercy creativity, weather and the natural rotation of club members on the beach. My initial investment was about 15 thousand, I brought in about 18 thousand. Great I made 3 thousand. Now there are the other expenses and losses that I didn’t see coming. The biggest lost was the loss of business in Hawaii to the point where I have to start over. No customers, no travel agents actively working, absolutely nothing, but my own drive and determination to make it happen. I spent the first couple of weeks working with active customers that were in town for the end of summer. September and October is usually a slow month, so it was expected. Anyway, after two weeks of writing on forums, I am finally beginning to see the fruits of my labor. So far I’ve had two individuals’ book tours for May and another inquiry for Spear fishing for 6 people. I would relate running this business to a football team with the odds against them. This is survival and a game of inches. You keep working at it over and over and over, until finally you see the glimmering light---bookings. Then you work harder, spending less, credit cards maxed out. Anyway, I’m starting this journal to log my successes as I start this new business. Each day I’ll give an assessment of what I did; who I talked to; and was it worth it. So today like many days during this past month I needed to create, think and move. Press release!!! Let as many people know I’m back and I’ve done great things to improve my company. My meeting with Activities Hawaii, scheduled at 10 am, was cancelled at 9 am. A couple customers e-mailed me this morning wanting to book tours for May 2012. The work I put into my company over the last two weeks are finally paying off. We updated our booking system. Now individuals can book via our website, and check available dates. I think that is pretty cool. In fact we got our first deposit today! Over the past two weeks we also revamped the entire webpage by adding my descriptions and pictures. On this day, today, not tomorrow, I was sent out press release to Marine Corps Community Service, a few customers, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and The Kahala Hotel and Resort. I know I lost the contract at The Kahala Hotel and Resort, but I like to keep them updated on things going with Keawe Adventures. You never know when there might be opportunity. It is about 3:30 pm and I’ve been working since 7 am. What is the true measure of success? Is it working for yourself or making money-both. How do you quantify time versus success? Is it 10,000 hours of work equals a million dollars—maybe. I believe in what I’m doing and I believe in hard work. Lastly if you can imagine something/believe in something you can make it happen with the right planning, organization communication and proper execution. K, Later on I’m going to go train to get ready for this Ironman in June 2011.
