Name: Dave Ponce

Originally From: Wisconsin

Worked For Trilogy Since: 2015

Trip You’ll Most Likely Find Me On: Discover Molokini

Where Do You Go On Vacation? Fishin’ with family back home.

Favorite Restaurant on Maui: Monkeypod Kitchen Wailea

Most Interesting Place You’ve Had A Passenger From: A neighbor from my childhood home randomly being on the boat.

Favorite Place On Maui: Paliku Cabin up in Haleakala Crater

Coolest Thing You’ve Seen While Snorkeling: A pod of dolphins leading a parade of Humpback whales

Why Is Sustainability Important To You, And What's Something That You Do To Try To Live More Sustainably? Throughout 20 years of diving, I've been lucky to witness incredible wonders that have left me in awe. I've seen the changes to the world's reefs and it's never been more evident that drastic degradation is happening really fast. The future depends on sustainability in order to protect nature's delicate balance. I try to do my part in many little ways like limiting single use plastics, volunteering for environmental projects and beach/ highway cleanups, limiting energy use, investing in alternative energy technologies, and even driving my good ol’ Maui cruiser to keep her out of a landfill a little longer.

What’s An Element Of Hawaiian Culture Or Tradition That You Respect, Appreciate, Or Value? I've lived around the country and the world, and I'm always drawn to places that have a strong sense of identity and pride. I've never witnessed as much pride in culture as I've experienced in Hawaii. It permeates every aspect of life on the islands. It helps us all stay humble and appreciative of every day we get to enjoy here.

What Makes You Stoked To Work For Trilogy? I love seeing people push themselves a little beyond their comfort zone and love every second of it. I love hearing from a guest that today is one of the best days of their entire lives. I am blessed to be a part of that experience with new guests every day.

Have you been on one of our Maui snorkeling tours with Dave? 

Leave him a comment to say hi, share a memory, or let him know how much you enjoyed it!