JULY 2019 • FOGHORN 41 NEW MEMBER PROFILE snorkeling at the stunning Molokini Crater, a marine sanctuary that offers some of the clearest water in the state for sensational viewing of marine life. “After snorkeling, passengers are given a welcome breakfast with mimosas.” One unique operating feature of Makena Boat Partners is that they do not own — or use — a dock. According to Taylor, “We beach load at Maluaka Beach in Makena, which offers our pas- sengers an intimate relationship with the ocean in which we sail.” Keeping this tropical paradise special takes effort, of course, and Makena Boat Partners are happy to do their part. Because they operate in a marine sanctuary, Makena Boat Partners are extremely mindful of the effect humans have on the fragile marine environment. “Sometimes people unknowing- ly harm marine life with everyday products such as hand sanitizer and sunscreen,” Taylor explained. “To avoid this, we offer our guests locally sourced products that do not hurt our Hawaiian reefs and ask that the only use these while they’re in the area. These products protect both people and marine animals, so it’s a win for all.” The operator works closely with the Hawaii Wildlife Fund and marine biologists are regularly aboard the Kai Kanani II. Moreover, many of the vessel’s crew are trained as naturalists to help better understand the environ- ment in which they operate and share their knowledge with visitors who board the catamaran. “We gratefully acknowledge our place as caretakers and interpreters of this South Maui paradise we call home,” the operators say. Taylor said they decided to join PVA when they learned of the Association’s legislative efforts in Hawaii on the state level. “I read comments to a document for public testimony provided by the Passenger Vessel Association that were advocating for passenger vessel opera- tions like ours in Hawaii,” she recalled. “Realizing that PVA could be a partner and support organization, we reached out and joined the membership.” As vessel operators, Taylor says she and her family love being in the passenger vessel industry to share Hawaii’s waters with visitors from around the world. “Kai Kanani’s tours are saturated in local experience and cuisine so that passengers go away feeling connected and refreshed,” Taylor and her family said. n For more information, go to www.kaikanani.com, or say aloha to Maria Taylor at maria@kaikanani.com.