Aloha from Maui. Here's another Microsoft Mobile Post, on the go from the most beautiful island in the world and underwritten by Microsoft (literally). Thanks, Steve!
Three years ago our neighbor's son Sage Spalding moved to Maui with a wacky plan. A licensed boat pilot permitted to steer anything afloat (and get paid big bucks doing so), Sage opted out of the big boats and launched a Hawaiian sailing canoe concession on Maui with his wife, the lovely Liz. Sage bought a modern version of the old Hawaiian sailing canoes made of wood and fiberglass, rigged with a lateen sail and a traditional ama or outrigger pontoon. He started taking out tourist for snorkel sails, teaching them a bit about how the ancients drove their boats and dropping visitors in the water far from the cattle car snorkel excursions with as many as 100 passengers. I finally got to go out for a sail with Sage today on Maui and it was a heaping blast.

There were four passengers in total, including my son and another couple. We hung out on the trampoline, watching the wind as Sage and his cousin Elan paddled us out through the surf. The winds were fairly slack off Wailea but the simple sail caught a few gusts. Sage dropped anchor just off Wailea Point far from the cattle snorkel boat anchored there. I jumped in and came face to face with a manta ray. It was totally awesome. I highly reccommend this trip. Departures are from Polo Beach in Wailea next to the Fairmont Kea Lani. These trips are definitely kid friendly but mellow enough for couples, as well. I don't know true capacity of the trip but I imagine its only six. Again, thanks Microsoft!

—Alex, 05/01/08