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Overview

Experience traditional Hawaiian culture with expanded opportunities to meet the locals on their land and in their homes. Each evening the Safari Explorer sets anchior in a different harbor or inlet. Our flexible itinerary focuses on dipping into hideaway coves and inlets. Our small guest contingent have little impact on the islands, and our all-American crew includes Hawaii residents, especially Captains and Expedition Leaders/Naturalists who have personal knowledge of the islands.

During this 11 day/10 night Hawaii yacht cruise, you will see and experience the Maui County group of islands (Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i) and the Big Island from a different perspective than that of a high-end resort or a big cruise ship.  Explore remote coves and shoreline by foot, kayak,paddle board, sailboat, mountain bike and motor launch. The warm, shallow waters provide one of the world’s most important habitats for humpback whales — two-thirds of the North Pacific population migrate to Hawaii each winter for breeding, calving and nursing.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Maui

Welcome to Hawaii! You’ll be transferred to the quaint 19th-century whaling village of Lahaina. After dinner onboard the Safari Explorer, join us for a historic walking tour of Lahaina, site of our overnight anchorage.

Day 2: Explorer’s Moloka’i

Start your first full day aboard the Safari Explorer on deck as we search for humpback whales and a variety of marine life in the Pacific humpback breeding grounds among the Maui Country group of islands – Maui, Moloka’i and Lana’i. The Pacific humpback whale is the state of Hawaii’s official marine mammal. Today we explore the leeward shores of Moloka’i to view adult humpbacks that may have been observed by Safari Explorer guests during the summer months in Southeast Alaska. After months of gorging on herring and krill in Alaska, humpbacks make the long journey to the warm waters of Hawaii to reproduce. After lunch we anchor in Hale ‘o’ Lono Harbor where you can enjoy your first of many opportunities to explore the surrounding waters and shores via kayaks, inflatable launches, sail boats, stand-up paddle boards, snorkeling, swimming or guided hiking. Also, this area is known for some of the best mountain biking trails in Hawaii. Bikes are available for those who wish to cover more ground and work up a sweat. Other guided activities include nature hikes into sand dunes and beachcombing. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this remote area of the island as we remain anchored overnight.

Day 3: Moloka’i; The Traditional Isle

Breakfast brings us to the Kaunakakai dock to meet the people of Moloka’i in their main community and to venture into the countryside on guided hikes – even the ultimate hike down and back up the 3 miles of 26 switchbacks which make up the Kalaupapa Trail. Or you may choose to ride mule back instead as sure-footed animals descend the 1,700 feet of the steepest island cliffs in the world (optional tour). At the bottom, learn about Father Damien’s humanitarian work in this remote sanctuary. A round of golf can be arranged as well as a visit to the Moloka’i Coffee Company’s plantation. We end our day under the stars onboard the Safari Explorer for a relaxed time to “talk story” with an engaging local guest.

Kalaupapa Peninsula, now a national historic park, boasts the tallest sea cliffs in the world as recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records, measuring 3,600 to 3,900 feet. The historic town of Kalaupapa sits 1,700 feet below the trailhead and at the end of a 2.9-mile switch-back trail. This special community was once home to Belgian missionary, Father Damien, who watched over the 19th-century isolated colony. Beginning in 1873, this selfless priest gave hope to Hansen’s disease victims who were exiled to this cliff-backed peninsula by developing a village where they could live out their lives. For those who do not wish to descend the trail to the settlement, you can view Kalaupapa Peninsula from the 1,000-foot elevation of Palaau State Park. This 34-acre recreation area offers winding trails among eucalyptus and ironwood trees as well as breathtaking views of the north coast of Moloka’i.

Day 4: Traditional Hawaiian Culture

Moloka’i is described as “A place where you won’t find a single traffic light, and not a single building taller than a coconut tree.” Today we continue our visit by spending the entire day and evening with the residents that make up what has been called “the friendly isle.” Moloka’i is also known as the most traditionally Hawaiian island and today we meet several of Molokai’s close-knit families in the historic Halawa Valley to experience the land and traditions as few visitors ever do. Several hands-on activities await: hike with Lawrence through his land to a hideaway waterfall; learn about the history and archaeology of this sacred homeland on a guided walk; join Uncle Anakala and his ‘ohana to restore taro terraces, pause for a refreshing brunch and help ready poi for tonight’s Pa’ina (local feast). Early evening, watch or lend a hand to net fish at Uncle Herb’s ancient fishpond which is served at the shoreside Pa’ina that evening. Afterwards, join in a home-style Hawaiian music “jam” session. This is genuine Hawaii.

The scenic Halawa Valley on the island’s north coast features many archeological sites that are only accessible via a winding two-lane paved road. The scenic valley is spectacularly revealed from turnouts ?? a sheltered cove, gray sand beach and grasslands bisected by the slow curve of the Halawa Stream, while farther up lush greenery covers the valley floor and lower slopes, and at its end two spectacular waterfalls plunge from its rim. The cultural resources found in the valley represent a more complete picture of the early Hawaiian culture and a classic example of wetland agricultural adaptation. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity exists to help restore ancient terracing taro fields, a mainstay of old Hawaii livelihood and unique heritage. These taro farms represent so much stirring history and guests are welcomed to work with their hands to help restore the ancient fields to their former manicured and productive state. The Pa’ina on Moloka’i authentically represents Hawaiian luaus since it is not a staged commercial production designed for large groups.

Day 5: Lana’i; The Private Island

On Lana’i, steep rock faces line many protected coves. We’ll cruise by white-sand beaches to Nanahoa Beach where we will anchor close to the ancient volcanic plugs sitting both above and below the water surface. Choose snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, motor launch exploration and other water activities. This afternoon we will be underway again to Manele Bay for more activities: hiking, taking off on a more leisurely nature walk, sailing, swimming, kayaking or enjoying a bike ride on the old roads that criss-cross through what were once pineapple plantations. Along the route, be on the lookout for deer grazing in the in the fields. For golfers, an (optional) opportunity exists to play either The Challenge at Manele Bay or The Experience at Koele – two challenging and extremely beautiful championship courses.

Optional Golf

Challenge at Manele Bay – Carved out of the rugged coast, The Challenge at Manele Bay sprawls across ancient lava fields, with 180-degree ocean panoramas from every hole. A theater of color unfolds: red cliffs plunging down to blue sea, green fairways engulfing white sand traps and blossoms from fissures in the black lava rock. This was the palette of designer Jack Nicklaus, who shaped the 7,039–yard, par 72 championship course, carefully protecting and preserving the archaeological ruins within its borders.

Teeing off from the cliffs at Hulopoe Bay with the Pacific surging below, you face perhaps the world’s most unforgiving water hazard. The twelfth hole is nothing short of a leap of faith, with 200 yards of churning waves to cross. Other holes demand shots over yawning ravines. Fortunately, the five-tee concept – with courses of shorter yardage mapped in red, white, blue, gold and “Nicklaus” – allows golfers of all levels to emerge unscathed.

The Experience at Koele – Chiseled from the mountains, the front nine holes of The Experience at Koele run through old pineapple fields and deep valley gorges laced with kiawe trees and rare, regal koa. The back nine wind past pine cathedrals and thickets of eucalyptus with untrammeled views of neighboring Maui and Moloka’i rising from the sea, and deliver a staggering finish: a 250-foot drop from the signature seventeenth hole to the deepest ravine on Lana’i.

In designing the 7,014-yard, par 72 championship course, Greg Norman and Ted Robinson sought to conserve as many native plants as possible while creating a battlefield worthy of golf aficionados. As legions of discerning golfers have discovered, playing a round at The Experience at Koele ensures you will take home bragging rights, regardless of your score.

Day 6: Marine Wildlife; East Maui; Molokini

It’s time to be on deck with your Captain and Expedition Leaders/Naturalists to join their trained eyes in searching for whales and marine mammals. This is one of Hawaii’s prime humpback whale locations. Later, as we ease along the leeward coast of Maui, we’ll go ashore and explore secluded beaches and bays – most of which are inaccessible to highway or other travelers. Hike on the Laparuse Trail (King’s Highway) to view ancient Hawaiian ruins. Keep your eyes on the water for dolphins. Golfers can choose to play a round of golf (optional). Toward the evening hours when dayboats have vacated the area, we’ll anchor off the back side of Molokini, an almost submerged crater off the coast of Maui. Here we’ll have the rare opportunity to experience night snorkeling and scuba diving (optional; for certified divers) to view multitudes of fish and even harmless sharks.

Molokini, an uninhabited 23-acre island, is crescent-shaped which provides protection from the waves and ocean currents. The reef has a beautiful underwater sanctuary for more than 250 species of fish and other marine wildlife. With clear views to depths of 150 feet, the sanctuary offers one of the most breathtaking snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking experiences in the Hawaiian Islands. Doing these activities at night is even more spectacular as the lights from the yacht draw more marine life toward the surface. Back onboard the yacht, relax in the upper deck hot tub or sauna, or perhaps relieve sore muscles with a complimentary massage.

Optional Golf

Makena Golf – Enjoy a peaceful 18-holes of championship golf at the North Course – designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and opened in 1993. In fact, to make it feel more like a nature walk and less like a golf course, even cart paths on the North Course are tucked away and hidden from view. You will have some obstacles to overcome, however. And as an added bonus to save golfers some time looking for lost balls, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed most fairways so that everything slides back towards the center.

Day 7: Marine Mammal Search

Today is designed to seek out Hawaii’s famous marine mammals, highlighted by the several thousand humpback whales who arrive in the fall and leave in the spring to escort their newborn calves to Alaska for a summer-long feast. The Safari Explorer’s Captain who calls Hawaii his home uses his first-hand knowledge as well as that of Hawaii-based Expedition Leaders/Naturalists to take you to the best spots to observe humpbacks, seals and spinner dolphins or perhaps one or more of the other 12 species of toothed dolphins found in Hawaiian waters. Both the Safari Explorer and the inflatable launches serve as today’s viewing platforms. Listen for the sounds of the humpback via submerged hydrophones. At anchor, snorkel with sea turtles and the tremendous colorful variety of underwater creatures. Or you might choose to watch the underwater action on the screens inside the Safari Explorer as the bow-mounted cameras conveniently catch the below surface scenery and marine life.

Day 8: Coastal Adventures; the Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii is our island paradise for the next three days. Vast, rural and remote, Hawaii Island’s southernmost region, Kau, seems almost untouched by civilization. We start our in-depth exploration at Ka Lae, also known as South Point, the southern most point in the United States. It is believed that the first Polynesians to arrive in the Hawaiian Islands disembarked here at Ka Lae somewhere between 400 and 800 A.D. Ka Lae has been designated a National Historical Landmark due to the archaeological ruins and artifacts found here.  By skiff we can take a closer look at the effects of the lava flows which have been generated by Kilauea which has been erupting since January 3rd, 1983. The current eruption may last another 100 years or stop tomorrow. Kilauea is part of Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Continuing up the coast, we may visit Punaluu Black Sand Beach’s jet black shores. Coconut palms fringe the upper edge of sand and you may also discover large honu, or Hawaiian Green Sea turtles, basking on the beach. This evening we set anchor in a protected cove.

Day 9: Marine Wildlife and Coral Reefs

This morning’s cruise along the shores of the Big Island is a great time to be on the bow or along the outer decks to keep a sharp eye for dolphins, whales and even the elusive whale shark. Hugging the coast northward, we pass by the sacred Place of Refuge to Kealakekua Bay. A snorkeling excursion with an expert local operator reveals a diversity of colorful corals, sea turtles, sponges and tropical fishes. Go ashore at the very place where Captain Cook died in battle. In the evening, watch the sunset as you cruise toward your next anchorage.

Day 10: The Big Island; Historical Sights

We set sail this morning for the Kohala Coast. Along the 40 plus miles of coastline there are long white sand beaches and a host of important historical sites including extensive petroglyph fields. At Kailua-Kona there is an opportunity to join an historic walking tour of the town of Kailua and the gallery-rich village of Holualoa. For those so-inclined an (optional) helicopter tour is available. The aerial tour will travel over the lush tropical landscape to view remote waterfalls, and linger over the bright orange lava flows and steam clouds rising from Kilauea’s caldera. For fishermen, optional deep-sea fishing can be arranged. Back onboard the Safari Explorer, we are underway for Mano Point. Here we’ll enjoy a real treat of snorkeling at night with Great Pacific Manta rays! Before calling it a day, enjoy a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail in the salon or Wine Library and share your day’s experiences with your fellow travelers. After your Captain’s Farewell Dinner, retire to the main salon area for a photographic recap of your week’s adventure.

Day 11: Disembarkation

Aloha! As the Safari Explorer docks in the morning north of Kailua-Kona, we’ll transfer you to the Kona International Airport or to your hotel to begin your post cruise extension.

Rates and Dates

All rates are shown in US dollars, per person, double occupancy. Any stateroom (except Single stateroom) may be sold as a single for 175% of double occupancy rate.

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