One of the best ways to fully experience the fabled attributes of sailing the Kona Coast is to book a tour on a catamaran or sail boat and spend some time with the wind in your hair, leaving your cares behind.
The Kona Coast is a fine place to sail, protected as it is from the prevailing, blustery east-northeast tradewinds by the volcanic mountain slopes. The mountains create a wind shadow, or lee, along the west side of the island that provides sailboats and fishing boats with protected, smooth surface conditions. During the day, the heating of the landmass by the sun causes warm air to rise, pulling the "Kona Breeze" in off the ocean, and providing the gentle winds for sea breeze sailing.
You won't have to look hard to find a variety of reef fish swimming through coral-encrusted lava formations if you decide to snorkel at Pawai Bay. Sometimes huge manta rays, spotted eagle rays and green sea turtles appear in the bay, which is inaccessible by car and protected by government regulations.
There isn't much "white knuckle" sailing on this tour nor do you have to be an accomplished swimmer or diver to enjoy the trip. And if you'd rather go it alone, some companies rent small sailboats and pontoon boats for sightseeing, fishing and snorkeling.
