Overview
This 7-night itinerary explores four Hawaiian Islands: Molokai, Lana‘i, Maui, and the Big Island. Step away from the crowds and immerse yourself in the nature and culture of Hawaii through unique excursions, including manta-ray night snorkeling, volcano hikes, village visits, and time with local families.
Included Highlights
- Spend a day learning about Hawaiian culture from locals in Moloka‘i's historic Halawa Valley.
- Night snorkel with Giant Pacific manta rays.
- Hike around Hualālai Volcano and explore lava tubes.
- Snorkel among colorful coral gardens and sea-turtle habitat.
- Hike along ridges with sweeping views of the Pacific.
Day-by-day Details
Day 1: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – Embarkation
Welcome to Hawaii. You will be transferred to our hospitality area in Kailua-Kona. Later, the captain and crew greet you with smiles and Champagne as you board the Safari Explorer. Settle in and enjoy dinner aboard the ship, followed by a presentation about the week ahead.
Day 2 : Big Island – Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Paddle
Kealakekua Bay is a premier snorkeling and kayaking destination and the historic site of the Captain Cook Monument. Encounter vibrant marine life including tropical fish, sea turtles, and possibly dolphins. Enjoy your time in this picturesque bay before departing after lunch. In the afternoon, set off on a marine-mammal search that may take you to the remote South Point area.
Day 3: Big Island – Volcano Hike and Manta-Ray Snorkel
This morning, hike the cool, misty slopes of Hualālai Volcano at approximately 6,500 feet above the Kona coast. Follow a private trail across black lava flows, past pit craters, and through native dryland forest. Explore a lava tube and learn how early 19th-century lava flows reshaped the coastline below. In the evening, anchor at an offshore location to search for and snorkel with Giant Pacific manta rays under the night sky (conditions permitting). Strict guidelines are followed to minimize disturbance to these graceful animals.
Day 4: Maui – Humpback Whale Sanctuary, Turtle Snorkel, and Kayak
Snorkel among coral gardens teeming with fish in a known sea-turtle habitat called “Turtle Town.” Cruise through the Humpback National Marine Sanctuary, located between Lana‘i, Molokai, and Maui, for front-row seats for dolphins, whales, and other marine life. Keep your eyes on the water and the horizon for action above and below the surface.
Day 5: Lana‘i – City Visit, Shark Fin Snorkel, Biking, and Hikes
Gear up for a full day on the “Private Island” of Lana‘i. Snorkel along a dramatic coastline where thousand-foot sea cliffs and ancient volcanic plugs host a wide diversity of marine life. Later, choose how to explore: stroll Lana‘i City, take UTV to hike forest trails, opt for an e-bike excursion or even spend the day playing at a cat sanctuary.
Day 6: Captain’s Choice – Kayak, Snorkel, and Skiff Tours
Your day may include kayaking along Maui's hidden coves, paddling in turquoise water, and exploring Lana‘i’s rugged coastline or Molokai’s towering sea cliffs. Cruise for marine life from the top deck while naturalist guides introduce you to Hawaii’s rich bird and sea life. Each experience adds another brushstroke to the larger seascape of your Hawaiian adventure.
Day 7: Molokai – Halawa Valley Culture and Pa‘ina
A warm aloha spirit gives you a glimpse of Hawaii as it once was. On Molokai, there are no stoplights or high rises, only a slow pace. “Talk story” with locals and experience their land and traditions as few visitors do. Hear legends and lore, learn about taro patches and poi making, or hike to a waterfall in Halawa’s cathedral-like valley, one of the island’s most historic places. In the evening, attend a pa‘ina. This gathering differs from a luau in its scale and setting, offering a relaxed, community-hosted evening with Hawaiian locals, food, music, and stories.
Day 8: Molokai, Hawaii – Disembarkation
After one more Hawaiian-style breakfast, transfer to the Molokai Airport or your optional post-cruise hotel stay.
Welcome to Hawaii. You will be transferred to our hospitality area in Kailua-Kona. Later, the captain and crew greet you with smiles and Champagne as you board the Safari Explorer. Settle in and enjoy dinner aboard the ship, followed by a presentation about the week ahead.
Day 2 : Big Island – Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Paddle
Kealakekua Bay is a premier snorkeling and kayaking destination and the historic site of the Captain Cook Monument. Encounter vibrant marine life including tropical fish, sea turtles, and possibly dolphins. Enjoy your time in this picturesque bay before departing after lunch. In the afternoon, set off on a marine-mammal search that may take you to the remote South Point area.
Day 3: Big Island – Volcano Hike and Manta-Ray Snorkel
This morning, hike the cool, misty slopes of Hualālai Volcano at approximately 6,500 feet above the Kona coast. Follow a private trail across black lava flows, past pit craters, and through native dryland forest. Explore a lava tube and learn how early 19th-century lava flows reshaped the coastline below. In the evening, anchor at an offshore location to search for and snorkel with Giant Pacific manta rays under the night sky (conditions permitting). Strict guidelines are followed to minimize disturbance to these graceful animals.
Day 4: Maui – Humpback Whale Sanctuary, Turtle Snorkel, and Kayak
Snorkel among coral gardens teeming with fish in a known sea-turtle habitat called “Turtle Town.” Cruise through the Humpback National Marine Sanctuary, located between Lana‘i, Molokai, and Maui, for front-row seats for dolphins, whales, and other marine life. Keep your eyes on the water and the horizon for action above and below the surface.
Day 5: Lana‘i – City Visit, Shark Fin Snorkel, Biking, and Hikes
Gear up for a full day on the “Private Island” of Lana‘i. Snorkel along a dramatic coastline where thousand-foot sea cliffs and ancient volcanic plugs host a wide diversity of marine life. Later, choose how to explore: stroll Lana‘i City, take UTV to hike forest trails, opt for an e-bike excursion or even spend the day playing at a cat sanctuary.
Day 6: Captain’s Choice – Kayak, Snorkel, and Skiff Tours
Your day may include kayaking along Maui's hidden coves, paddling in turquoise water, and exploring Lana‘i’s rugged coastline or Molokai’s towering sea cliffs. Cruise for marine life from the top deck while naturalist guides introduce you to Hawaii’s rich bird and sea life. Each experience adds another brushstroke to the larger seascape of your Hawaiian adventure.
Day 7: Molokai – Halawa Valley Culture and Pa‘ina
A warm aloha spirit gives you a glimpse of Hawaii as it once was. On Molokai, there are no stoplights or high rises, only a slow pace. “Talk story” with locals and experience their land and traditions as few visitors do. Hear legends and lore, learn about taro patches and poi making, or hike to a waterfall in Halawa’s cathedral-like valley, one of the island’s most historic places. In the evening, attend a pa‘ina. This gathering differs from a luau in its scale and setting, offering a relaxed, community-hosted evening with Hawaiian locals, food, music, and stories.
Day 8: Molokai, Hawaii – Disembarkation
After one more Hawaiian-style breakfast, transfer to the Molokai Airport or your optional post-cruise hotel stay.
