POSTED: 16 MARCH 2011

Destination: Hawaii's Big Island

Fair Wind survives the unfair ocean

There’s a considerable sense of personal relief in reporting that the staff and vessels of Fair Wind, on Hawaii’s Big Island, have survived unscathed following the tsunami that was triggered late last week by the devastating Japanese earthquake.

Both the company’s catamarans, Fair Wind II and Hula Kai, were safely out at sea and not damaged in any way, though its check-in facility on the Keauhou Bay foreshore will require extensive repairs.

I’ve had the enormous pleasure of sailing on both vessels during a couple of visits to Hawaii over the past 18 months or so, not just having a great time snorkeling and taking in spectacular scenery but also enjoying the convivial company of their crew members.

From an Australian perspective, it’s also pleasing to report minimal damage to Fair Wind II’s regular playground of Kealakekua Bay, site of the monument marking the tragic death of Captain James Cook, Britain’s 18th-century Pacific explorer extraordinaire.

Fair Wind operations have resumed today, using temporary offices and check-in facilities.

I gather, too, that the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort, just a few hundred metres from the wharf, has also come out in good condition, though guests in lower-floor rooms were evacuated just in case.

I’ve enjoyed a few mai tais in the hotel’s Manta Ray Bar & Grill, right on the volcanic cliff face overlooking the Pacific, where even on a calmish day the breaking waves are awesome. Wouldn’t like to have been there, though, for one of the really, really big ones.

Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort. Images: © John Rozentals.