Story

The Makani Olu (Gracious Wind) is owned and operated by Marimed Foundation, a non-profit organization involved with sail training since 1988. The 96-foot, three-masted staysail schooner, retrofitted for sail training in Hawaiian waters, is the central component of a model experiential education and treatment program for at-risk adolescents built around ocean voyaging. Voyaging challenges and experiences are designed to be powerful and transformational. From Makani Olu’s home port in Kaneohe Bay on Oahu, cadets make a series of six-day voyages throughout the Hawaiian Island chain. While learning to operate the sailing ship, the cadets learn marine, navigation and team-building skills. Elderhostel International provides sail training experiences aboard Makani Olu, as well. These programs feature a six-day voyage that includes hands-on opportunities to sail and operate the ship, additional learning opportunities at ports-of-call, and a chance to see and experience the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Oahu as few people, even Hawaii residents, have. The Makani Olu is also available to youth, families and community organizations for day, weekend and six-day sail training and team building trips.