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LEDCOR 10
We’d love to get to know our community partners! Throughout the year, one of our hard-working community partners members sits down to answer the 10 big questions about work, fun, and life on Maui!
We are pleased to bring you this Q&A with Riley Coon, Director of Sustainable Tourism, Trilogy Excursions.
1
Briefly describe your early life and professional beginnings that led you to where you are now.
Born and raised on Maui – grew up in Lower Kula and spent weekends in Lahaina at Grandma’s house, Lahaina Harbor, and Trilogy office HQ. From a young age, I was helping my mom make the cinnamon rolls, apprenticing with our maintenance team, and crewing on the boats. I returned to the business full-time after graduating college in 2009, became a Captain in 2011, and branched into operations management from 2012-2021.
2
What is your official professional title? Please explain the work that you do.
As Director of Sustainable Tourism, I run our Blue ‘Aina reef clean-up program where we take volunteers and community members to clean Maui’s reefs and raise money for local nonprofits.
Each year we host private charter whale watches for school groups and youth clubs. We have a goal this year to host 500 Maui keiki and show them an unforgettable time out on the water with their peers and families.
As Boat Captain, I oversee my crew on snorkel sails, whale watches, sunset sails, or private charters to create lifelong memories for our guests. We get to host people, teach them about this special place we get to call home, and help them better understand the fragile marine environment and how to enjoy it sustainably. We earn our good standing and success one guest at a time.
3
What do you love about your work?
I get to be outside and out on the water. Being a 3rd generation boat captain, I often think that my Grandpa was captaining these same waters over 50 years ago, and that gives me chicken skin. Being a native Hawaiian, I often think that my ancestors sailed these very same waters and channels hundreds of years before that, and that is so special.
4
When you are not working, where might we find you?
Hanging out at ‘Iao River or the beach with my wife and three young kids.
5
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
I actually get seasick!
6
Who has influenced you? Who/what inspires you?
My wife is a huge inspiration to me – total super Mom, go-getter, and amazing friend to all.
7
Looking back at your career so far, what are you most proud of?
Our immediate response to the Lahaina Fires – the night of, and in the following days and weeks.
8
Looking ahead 10 years, what do you hope to achieve?
Returning our boats to Lahaina Harbor.
9
How might others describe you?
Steady and calculated. Kuleana-minded. My neighbors call me Mr. Miyagi because I keep my lawn looking good.
10
What would you like to share about Maui with people who may not know the area? This could be your favorite Maui memory, place or attribute.
Come out for a day on the water with me, and I’ll show you!