Meet Captain Kelsey 

Kelsey Waliszewski is the founder of Da Whale Boat on Big Island, Hawaii.  She is an avid kiteboarder, former triathlete, world traveler, and overall entrepreneur. Kelsey’s love for challenge and adventure is a huge part of who she is. “I believe women are capable of anything they put their mind to, and I have tried to exemplify that truth statement in my life.” Her more recent endeavor, tied to the boat business, is For Children to Flourish, teaching character development and sustainable lifestyle practices using the resources of the ocean so kids can find hope and accelerate healing in their lives.

Her heart to help others is ultimately the purpose of her existence, which has been cultivated in her love for Jesus. Although working full time, she believes in giving back to the community, and has served at Heart Ranch and Ho’ola Na Pua here on the Big Island, Hawaii. Find her on social media @captainkelseyhawaii

She is also the host of The Talking Story Podcast, a podcast that shares stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things hoping to give the listener tools to positively impact their community and use their life for purpose. Her co-host, Bob Waliszewski is her dad, a retiree from Focus on the Family where he was the Director of Plugged In and was on KLOVE radio every Friday. Their series, ‘Onipa’a: Building Resiliency, is a popular tool to help people push through pain and walk in purpose. Listen to Kelsey’s story here on The Moxie Podcast

Learn more about her heart for Business that makes a difference in her conversation with Molly Stillman.

Learn more from Kelsey about Sex Trafficking in her conversation with The Clapback Couch Podcast.

Learn more about projects in Hawaii and Africa (how the Children’s book started) www.forchildrentoflourish.org

Here’s another interview with Kelsey about why caring about where we spend our money is important!

Meet Captain Suelang and Snorkel Guide Extraordinaire

All the way from the North East of England, seasoned traveler and dedicated environmentalist Suelang has lived in Hawai’i for over 10 years.

Suelang is a licenced USCG Boat Captain, certified in scuba and an avid free-diver. Some may say a part-time mermaid.

An experienced underwater guide and marine naturalist, she thrives most in the role of deckhand as Suelang is happiest and in her element leading underwater tours of the reef, sharing her passion for sustainability and the ocean with others. When not on the water, one can find Suelang DJing around Hawaii as she loves music. With her love for sound and frequencies, Suelang is quite obsessed with whale song, a guest favorite on Da Whale Boat, where we have the opportunity to listen to the whales LIVE with our underwater hydrophone.

Meet Deckhand Eden and Snorkel Guide Extraordinaire 

Eden is a dedicated and hardworking deckhand with a passion for the ocean. Whether spotting humpback whales, locating and identifying exotic sea creatures during daytime reef snorkeling tours, or guiding groups during nighttime manta ray excursions, Eden is a reliable and skilled crew member who takes pride in contributing to a safe, fun, and educational experience for all.

Meet Fisherman Ocean who happens to be a Professional Baseball Player

Ocean Gabonia is a professional baseball player and waterman. “I grew up in Hawaii learning everything and anything about the Ocean. From fishing, spearfishing, and surfing. I get to experience many exciting things while I work like catching fish, talking stories, and cruising on Da Whale boat. Here, you get to experience all the wonderful creations, adventures, and excitement that God has blessed us with.”

Meet Deckhand and Project Coordinator for For Children to Flourish Renee

Renee Perrington is the glue of the non-profit For Children to Flourish. When she has time, she loves coming out during the whale season to deckhand and host trips on Da Whale Boat. She is a wife, mom of 4, friend to many, lover of all creatures, and warrior for our planet and our kids. For questions, scheduling a boat trip, volunteering your boat, and/or international endeavors of collaboration please email Renee at aloha@forchildrentoflourish.org or call 808-747-6405.

Meet Captain Steve

Steve has a passion for God, people and whales. Raised on the waters of Puget Sound, outside Seattle, Steve moved to Juneau, Alaska where he has been a whale watching boat captain for 16 years and the founder of Alaska Humpback Adventures. Married for 37 years, Steve and his wife, Janet, have 7 children and 9 grandchildren. Steve comes to Hawaii excited to experience the warmer waters and weather, just like the whales.