Our Roots

Keawe Adventures was founded in 2008 by Hawaii born and raised, Makani Christensen. Makani felt Hawaii lacked in providing tourists an intimate, personal, and embracing connection to Hawaii's diversely-rich culture. Upon returning to Hawaii from his combat services, Makani decided to provide that local perspective to the tourism industry with the real stories from the people who live it and the knowledge passed-down from their families. A waterman all his life, he began his company with a focus on water sports and fishing activities, eventually providing all types of fun and educational tours to local, mainland, and international clients. 

Our  Guides

Makani CHRISTENSEN, CAPTAIN (MARINES)

Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, Makani has developed the majority of the tours based on how he grew up on the island of Hawaii.  His way of life consists of snorkeling, fishing, surfing, hiking, hunting, camping and spending time with his young family.

After studying at Kamehameha Secondary School, Makani graduated from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.  He then entered the military as a Marine Officer, where he served his country for 5 years with tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  After receiving the Joint Service Commendation medal, Makani was honorably discharged in 2008.

Along with his Bachelor of Science in Oceanography and his strong Hawaiian genealogy, Makani’s love for the land and sea is what inspired him to start his own business.  It is here where Makani finds true joy; sharing with others about Hawaii’s history, culture, and ocean environment.

Kiliona, tour guide and teacher

This guy knows his Hawaiian History!   When Kiliona came to work for Keawe Adventures a few years ago, his transition into the tourism industry was a seamless, perfect fit.  Known as the "Gentle Giant," he is the true meaning of professional aloha.  

A Polynesian Native, he also spent many years living among the Native American tribes of the United States before returning to Hawaii to pursue his university degree in Hawaiian History.   Additionally, Kiliona was trained in olympic swimming, is active in ancient Hawaiian Awa Ceremonies, and is one of the most requested guides at Keawe Adventures.  

OLAV HOLST, TOUR GUIDE AND HISTORIAN

Olav Holst is a military historian and retired US Army officer. He served as a Combat Engineer and a Civil Affairs officer. He also taught Military Science at the University of Hawaii. He enjoys studying the WW2 Pacific theater of operations and particularly the Pearl Harbor attack. Olav graduated from the University of Hawaii with a degree in International Business. He also graduated from the Pacific Asian Management Institute and the University of Hawaii Real Estate Appraisal School.

Olav has enjoyed taking people to Pearl Harbor since 1999 and been involved with telling its history. He scripted and narrated a Telly award winning documentary on Pearl Harbor for Chariot Productions. He helped create a two-hour documentary for the History Channel, appeared in and narrated the PBS documentary for the Old Glory Honor Flight to Pearl Harbor. He has spoken for the National Park Service during the 70thAnniversary of the Pearl Harbor Attack Symposium. He also worked with the National Geographic Society for a special Pearl Harbor tour. He conducted press briefings for Disney’s Pearl Harbor movie. He assisted NBC for their broadcast special during the 60th Anniversary and appeared in other television programs such as Chuck Henry’s Travel Café. Olav also worked with Electronic Arts and Entertainment for their Medal of Honor Rising Sun game.

Kalani Chapman, Professional Surfer and North Shore Local

Born and raised at Sunset Beach, Kalani Chapman has taken over the surf scene. Known for charging waves at Pipeline, the most dangerous and famous wave in the world, Kalani has numerous surfing achievements, including 4th in Pipeline Masters and Winner of Wave of the Winter, 2010.

Kalani is our go-to guide for our North Shore Insider Tour. As a Hawaiian Native and pro athlete, Kalani is well versed in the history and unique surf culture of Hawaii. He will introduce you to the North Shore with a local touch, visiting the top surf spots along Oahu’s seven-mile miracle, Historic Haleiwa Town, and other famous cultural sites.

Kalani currently runs his own business, specializing in surfing lessons, SUP, marine wildlife tours, and other water activities. He is one of the most down-to-earth and humble guys on the North Shore. Keawe Adventures is proud to have this young surfing legend on our team.

MARK, TOUR GUIDE

Mark has worked with Keawe Adventures since 2016. He is one of the best tour guides in the state specializing in Hawaiian and American History with a focus on Pearl Harbor. His knowledge of Pearl Harbor and the envents that shaped Hawaii and the world is unmatched. Going on a tour with Mark is like having a talking encyclopidia. Mark, born and raised on Oahu, graduated from Punahou High School and attended College of Idaho. Mark is one of the reasons Keawe Adventures experienced success throughout the years. He is able to entertain and captivate guest while on tour. His natural ability to create long lasting relationships generates repeat guest year after year.

Lui, TOUR GUIDE

Lui is an energetic and passionate speaker with a talent for story telling. His love for the history of Oahu, US Navy, and Pearl Harbor began at a young age and has been an interest of his ever since. He has heard first hand accounts of the December 7 attack from his grandparents who had front row seats from a nearby sugarcane plantation. His father was active Navy stationed at Pearl Harbor where he met his mother. After graduating high school Lui joined the navy serving as a Sonar Technician (submarine qualified) on board the USS Maryland out of Kings Bay Ga. 

After completing his Navy enlistment, Lui secured a degree in US History from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He began conducting tours for Keawe Adventures in 2019 and is a valuable member of our team. 

Ekahi Lee, chief (US Coast Guard), Maui

Born and raised in Hawaii, Ekahi has a strong background in the ocean currents, waves, wind, and natural elements that impact water activity. He is an all around waterman, credited to his lifelong training in surfing, paddling, physical fitness, and fishing. Ekahi, Hawaiian for Number One or First, has competed in surfing with (HASA) Hawaiian Surfing Association; and has competed in outrigger canoe races with (OCRA) Oahu Canoe Racing Association, Hui Wa'a, and competed in Outrigger World Sprints. He has won numerous awards in outrigger canoe racing as well as surfing. He is a Kaiwi Channel Finisher which involves knowledge of crossing currents that run in the channels that separate the islands of Hawaii. Ekahi retired from the Coast Guard after 20 plus years of dedicated service.  Ekahi lives the ultimate waterman lifestyle and is willing to share his talent with the community.

Aloha,

Thank you very much for the opportunity to serve you!

Our guides are versed in the unique culture of Hawaii, and we Honor the Historic tragedy of Pearl Harbor. Combat veteran-owned and operated, Keawe Adventures proudly employs veterans to enhance your visit with their experience and perspective. We will introduce you to Hawaii with unmatched caliber and camaraderie.

Let us build your Private Tour or choose from one of our preset Small Group Tours. You may book our Group Tours Online all other tours are customized upon your request. Give us a call at 808-780-1253.

Thank you very much for allowing us an opportunity to enhance your Hawaii Experience.

Mahalo,

Makani Christensen, Lead Guide