Itinerary

Welcome to Hawai’i! You’ll arrive at Kona International Airport on the island of Hawai’i and taken by private transfer to your hotel, so you’ll get immersed into the island’s natural beauty straight away.

These first 2 days are designed for you to relax and enjoy your time in paradise. Hawai’i is renowned for its laidback lifestyle, so make the most of the Big Island’s beautiful beaches, watch the incredible sunsets, head out to explore independently or join an optional excursion before you embark on your expedition cruise.

*Depending on your cruise dates, you may have a 3-night stay subject to availability.

Make the most of the morning before embarking on your cruise. You’ll transfer from your hotel to the hospitality area mid-afternoon where your expedition crew will be waiting to take you aboard the Safari Explorer. Meet the captain and team before settling in, then enjoy dinner aboard the vessel and a presentation about the week ahead.

You’ll be starting your journey at Kealakekua Cove, one of the premier snorkelling and kayaking destinations in the Hawaiian Islands, and the historic site of the Cook Monument, where Captain Cook met his end in 1779. 

Here, you will encounter vibrant marine life, including sea turtles, tropical fish and, if you’re lucky, dolphins. Spend the morning in this picturesque bay before setting off on a Marine Mammal Search in the remote South Point area after lunch. 

This morning, you’ll be taken on a hike up the cool, misty slopes of the Hualālai Volcano 6,500ft (2000 m) above the Kona coast with a naturalist guide. Learn how early 19th century lava flows reshaped Kona’s coastline. Enter a lava tube, walk through native dryland forest, pass pit craters and cross surreal scenes of black lava flows as you go.

Come evening, your crew will anchor at an offshore location to search for and night snorkel with Giant Pacific Manta Rays. This night-time excursion offers an opportunity to observe these majestic animals up close in their natural environment.

Today you’ll start with a snorkel in a known sea turtle habitat called “Turtle Town”. Here, you’ll witness Hawai’i’s beautiful sea turtles swimming along coral gardens teeming with underwater life.

Then later in the day, your vessel will pass through the Humpback National Marine Sanctuary situated between Maui, Moloka’i and Lāna’i, providing you with front-row seats as you search for whales, dolphins and other marine life.

Known as Hawai’i’s “private island”, owned in part by a private owner, Lāna’i has untouched beauty and diverse marine life just waiting to be discovered. You’ll start the morning with another snorkel, far away from any crowds along the coastline of Lāna’i where thousand-foot sea cliffs line the shore and ancient volcanic plugs sit both above and below the water’s surface.

In the afternoon, you can choose a hike or bike excursion, or head into town and explore the laid back Lāna’i City.

Today you’ll get to experience the Captain’s choice of the best locations between Maui, Moloka’i and Lāna’i. Your day could include a kayaking adventure along Maui’s hidden coves or Lāna’i’s exquisite coast, alternating between turquoise waters and lush greenery. You could take a skiff out to see Moloka’i’s dramatic northern cliffs, witnessing the awe-inspiring soaring precipices and the occasional friendly dolphin.

Alternatively, you could also stay on the ship and enjoy a signature drink from the top deck, while an expert naturalist guide details the rich marine life and bird species that call these waters home. 

You’ll spend your final day of the cruise on the island of Moloka’i, where a warm aloha spirit, strong local traditions and a distinct lack of both traffic lights and high-rises offers visitors an authentic look at the Hawai’i of old.

Meet locals and listen to legends and lore; see how the local tuber, taro, is cultivated and prepared; or hike to the towering waterfall in Hālawa’s verdant valley, one of Moloka’i’s most historic places.

Come evening, you’ll get to enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast, and revel in local musical styles with live Hawaiian music.

Indulge in one more Hawaiian-style breakfast before disembarking from your cruise on the island of Molokai. From here, you’ll take a transfer to an authentic Polynesian-style seaside hotel to spend the next 2 nights enjoying the island of Moloka’i.

You’ll be situated on the southern coast, nestled on Kamiloloa Beach right next to Hawai’i’s only barrier reef. Make the most of your charming location or engage in more traditional Hawaiian activities across the island.

Alternatively, choose to extend your stay in the Hawaiian Islands or at a destination of your choosing on the USA mainland before returning home.

Contact us for ideas and inspiration.