How One Maui Sailing Company Persevered After the Lahaina Wildfires

As the sun dips below the horizon, the Maui sky is illuminated with a rich symphony of colors. I’m aboard the Trilogy catamaran, on a voyage through time and nature.   

This journey is part of a legacy that dates back to the 1920s, when brothers Eldon and Afton Coon built a fishing boat in Washington and sailed it to Alaska. Later, the brothers’ wanderlust and adventurous spirit led them on to the Valley Isle and set the stage for what would become one of Maui’s first sailboat tour companies, Trilogy Excursions, founded in 1973. Tales of their early travels mirror the enduring spirit that drives the business to this day.  

Still owned and operated by the Coon family, Trilogy has offered top-notch excursions, including sunset sails, snorkeling and whale watches, for 50 years. But just over a month after celebrating its milestone anniversary in July 2023, tragedy struck: The town of Lahaina had been lost to the nation’s deadliest wildfire in over a century.  

“With the fires in Lahaina, we lost Trilogy VI; it was one of our oldest vessels,” says Capt. Nicholas O’Connell, the seasoned skipper who helms the sunset sail that I’m on. “We lost our restaurant, Kapena’s Wood Fired Kitchen. We were spared our offices and shops, but they were heavily damaged by smoke.”  

Despite unprecedented challenges, O’Connell says the Trilogy crew displayed remarkable heroism during the disaster and subsequent relief efforts. Company president Capt. Gabe Lucy gave his truck to a stranded family before navigating Trilogy V to Lāna‘i. Meanwhile, various captains from Trilogy stepped up as first responders and played pivotal roles in the Coast Guard’s rescue of 50 people who had escaped into the ocean. In the following weeks, dedicated crew members delivered much-needed supplies to West Maui, using both boats and trucks.  

In an effort to keep its crew employed and contributing to the local economy, Trilogy started offering tours exclusively out of Mā‘alaea Harbor on Aug. 16.  

“We had seven boats prior to the fire and, right now, we’re only able to run three of them out of this harbor,” O’Connell says. “We’re working on trying to get the rest of them going.”  

Sail to Molokini Crater with Trilogy for an unforgettable aquatic adventure.
Photo: Courtesy of Trilogy Excursions

The company is currently running its Mā‘alaea Sunset Sail ($109 for adults; from $70 for kids), an adults-only Captain’s Sunset Dinner Sail ($149), and its Discover Lāna‘i ($279 for adults; from $185 for kids) and Discover Molokini ($190 for adults; from $135 for kids) snorkeling tours. Whale-watching excursions (from $85 for adults; from $50 for kids) will operate as scheduled through whale season, from Dec. 15, 2023, now to April 15, 2024.  

While Trilogy works to overcome obstacles brought on by the fire, I get to witness its resilience firsthand on my voyage. I’m on the Mā‘alaea Sunset Sail, a two-hour boat ride into Mā‘alaea Bay, which offers impeccable views of the Maui coast, Lāna‘i and Kaho‘olawe.

After we step onto the vessel, members of each group get to pick where they’ll sit. The boat offers ample options, including comfortable cushioned benches along the inner part of the vessel. But my eyes light up when I notice the last available two-top table, which I eagerly claim for myself and my guest.  

Upon departing the harbor, we admire the captain’s impressive navigation skills. The boat slip we’re docked at is snug, but he maneuvers the vessel away as easily as a driver pulling a small car out of a big stall.   

As we venture farther into the open water, I recall a cherished childhood memory of an earlier trip with Trilogy, this one to Lāna‘i. A friend and I were at the front of the boat, joyfully bouncing in time with the rolling ocean waves. I still vividly remember what our captain said in reference to the delicious lunch we were served that day. “On this boat, we don’t eat until we’re full; we eat until we can’t chew anymore,” he declared to exuberant fanfare from the guests. 

 This casual camaraderie is common aboard Trilogy. The crew excels in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where every guest feels like part of its ‘ohana (family). 

Trilogy offers snorkeling experiences off Maui.
Photo: Courtesy of Trilogy Excursions

An example of this unfolds on my voyage, when the crew gathers at the bow to hoist the sails. One crew member rallies the guests, inviting them to chant and cheer in support of another sailor who’s diligently hauling on the rope to raise the sails. Soon, two more crew members join in, and they work together to bring the sail to full mast.  

The atmosphere turns festive once drinks from the open bar begin to flow. Local selections from Maui Brewing Co. include the Sunshine Girl golden ale and a seasonal dragon-fruit seltzer. I order the Lāna‘i Tai, a mai tai made with mango rum, orgeat, fresh lime, ginger syrup, pineapple juice and a float of Potter’s dark rum. My guest opts for a classic Good Ol’ Fashioned with Redemption bourbon, agave syrup, Watkins bitters and a splash of water.  

As we savor our cocktails, we relish the unobstructed views of the surrounding islands and watch as folks capture stunning photos to commemorate their Hawaiian vacation.  

Although I’m already grateful for securing a table complete with cup holders, my appreciation deepens when we’re served a pūpū (appetizer) platter, which, on a boat, is much more convenient than a full-course meal. The delectable assortment features light bites like hummus with celery, cucumbers and carrots; Kula cherry tomato and mozzarella skewers with an aged balsamic glaze; kalbi-style chicken satay; and a kālua pork slider. To sweeten the deal, a crew member offers chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert. 

From light pūpū to delectable desserts, you won’t go hungry on a Trilogy Excursions tour.
Photo: Courtesy of Trilogy Excursions

While we enjoy the delicious food and drinks, it becomes clear why Trilogy is so frequently praised for crafting unforgettable moments on the water. For decades, the company’s been committed to providing top-notch trips every time it sets sail.  

As Capt. O‘Connell aptly says, “We didn’t make 50 years without running good trips, so if you want to come out to Maui, one of the best things you can do is come out on a Trilogy trip.” 

This story was originally published in our Winter 2024 issue. Buy a copy here.