Makena Bay is our kayaking and snorkeling destination, famous for the Green Sea Turtle population and exceptional paddling conditions. Not far from Makena Landing is an area called “Turtle Town”. Turtle Town is the home to a high concentration of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (honu’s). It is very common here to also see rays and dolphins as well as the Hawaiian monk seal. During whale season (October through April) you will have the opportunity to see Humpback whales during their annual migration to the Islands to mate and give birth.
Highlights
Meet @ Makena Landing
(1.7 miles past Kea Lani)
Availability: 7:15am Daily and 10:30am M-F
The 7:15am tour is 2.5 miles and rated easy due to the calmer waters; the 10:30am tour is 2.0 miles and rates medium in difficulty.
Includes: Snorkel Gear, Snacks, & Beverages
Ages: 5+ for the 7:15am tour; 16+ for the 10:30am tour
Snorkel time: one long or two short stops ~45 min.
TRACI NARDIN is a Program Operations Manager at Blue Hawaiian, where she plays a key role in supporting the daily operations of the executive leadership team and concierge managers. She oversees marketing efforts, manages the company websites, and assists with legal contracting, sales programs, and company growth initiatives.
With over five years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, Traci previously worked as a Field Operations Partner for Expedia. Before relocating to Hawaii, she spent eight years in various Human Resources roles at Kellogg Co., specializing in employee benefits, compliance, and HRIS management.
Traci thrives on the diversity of experiences her role offers, embracing the daily challenges and opportunities with enthusiasm. Originally from Michigan, she enjoys hiking, beach days, and spending time with friends and family. A passionate traveler, Traci loves to explore and embark on new adventures. Traci’s commitment to excellence and her adventurous spirit continue to drive her success with Blue Hawaiian.
JOHNESSA LABRADOR-LINDSEY is a Concierge Manager at Blue Hawaiian servicing our Hawai’i Island concierge locations.
Johnessa brings over years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry. Before joining Blue Hawaiian, Johnessa worked as a Concierge Manager for Expedia Local Expert.
Born and raised on Hawai’i Island, Johnessa deeply appreciates the diversity of her home. She enjoys hiking, snorkeling, working out, and spending quality time with her friends and ‘ohana (family).
For Johnessa, the best part of her role at Blue Hawaiian is the wealth of experiences she’s gained. She’s had the chance to explore many of the top attractions on each island, offering her a unique perspective to share with her guests. Whether hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, or flying over the main islands for a bird’s-eye view, her adventures enrich the insights she provides.
Jenny Nobriga
Sr. Manager Sales Programs
JENNY NOBRIGA is a Senior Sales Manager at Blue Hawaiian, overseeing operations in Maui, Kauai, and our web-based bookings.
Jenny brings over 15 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry. Before joining Blue Hawaiian, Jenny worked as a Concierge and Concierge Manager for Expedia. In 2023, she was promoted to Senior Sales & Program Manager, a testament to her dedication and leadership. Additionally, Jenny was honored as Concierge of the Year during her tenure with Expedia, showcasing her commitment to excellence in customer service. Jenny brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication and passion to her role at Blue Hawaiian.
What Jenny loves most about her role is the challenges it presents and the continued opportunity to learn. She finds fulfillment in supporting her team and embracing opportunities for growth. Jenny’s work philosophy is grounded in humility, integrity, and a genuine passion for serving others.
Born and raised on the vibrant island of Maui, Jenny’s commitment to her team and her guests reflects the spirit of aloha that permeates her work.
David Nitta
Supply Manager
DAVID NITTA is a Supply Manager for Blue Hawaiian, overseeing the procurement and management of top-tier activity partners to provide exceptional experiences for guests.
David has been a dedicated professional in the activities industry since 2001. With over two decades of experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at Blue Hawaiian Activities, where he has been contributing since 2021.
Prior to joining Blue Hawaiian Activities, David spent over a decade with Expedia, starting in 2010, where he honed his skills and built a robust network. Passionate about creating unforgettable experiences, David thrives on securing the best activity partners to ensure that guests’ dreams come true.
In his free time, David is a musician, performing at luaus, beach weddings, and hula competitions, adding a personal touch of aloha spirit to every event.
Quentin Koch
PRESIDENT
QUENTIN KOCH, President of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Activities, is a distinguished leader with a profound connection to the Hawaiian Islands and a steadfast dedication to sharing their beauty and wonder with others.
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Quentin moved to Hawai’i for college, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Travel Management from Hawai’i Pacific University on O’ahu. He furthered his education by obtaining a master’s degree in International Business from the UoP while living in Tokyo, Japan.
Quentin brings over 25 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, including 20 successful years at United Airlines before joining Blue Hawaiian in 2019. His extensive background has equipped him with a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge, which he leverages to lead Blue Hawaiian with distinction.
Under his stewardship, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters has set the Gold Standard in tourism, consistently delivering memorable experiences to visitors while preserving and promoting the unique qualities of the area. Quentin’s passion for his work is driven by his belief in the importance of creating unforgettable moments for guests. He credits the success of Blue Hawaiian to its exceptional team of employees, who embody excellence in the industry and ensure the highest standards of safety and guest experience. His dedication to empowering his team is evident in his approach to leadership, which focuses on continuous learning and enhancement.
One of Quentin’s most remarkable professional achievements was Blue Hawaiian’s swift and impactful response to the Maui wildfires. Leading the company’s efforts, he oversaw the first launch of support operations, which quickly transformed into a five-day rescue mission. During this critical time, Blue Hawaiian provided thousands of meals, communication equipment, water, and evacuation services to those stranded on the west side of Maui. The power of helicopters enabled the team to deliver essential resources directly to the areas most in need, exemplifying Quentin’s commitment to community support and resilience.
Quentin’s work philosophy is rooted in the belief that greatness is achieved through team dedication, collaboration, and continuous improvement. He emphasizes the importance of every team member’s best effort, recognizing that their collective strengths and weaknesses complement each other, creating a stronger Blue Hawaiian. By fostering an environment of mutual support and striving for excellence in every task, Quentin ensures that Blue Hawaiian remains a leader in the tourism industry, delivering unparalleled experiences to all its guests.
In his free time, Quentin loves to hike and scuba dive. He is also an avid runner and has participated in over 41 marathons around the world, a testament to his dedication and perseverance. His love for running mirrors his professional ethos: a relentless pursuit of excellence, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a passion for the journey as much as the destination.
Example Team Member
Bill Noll, Sr. Manager-Oahu
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