Hawaii by Small-Ship

Please note: each expedition sails one-way, either from Maui to the Big Island or from the Big Island to Maui, depending on the departure date.

Day 1: Arrive in Lana'i / Embarkation
Welcome to Hawaii! You’ll be transferred to the quaint 19th-century whaling village of Lahaina. Enjoy a drink on deck of the Safari Explorer and watch for marine life while we experience our first Hawaiian sunset onboard. (D)

Day 2: Lana'i
Gear up for a day of play in Lana’i, where you can participate in water activities, including snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, and skiff exploration. There will also be plenty of time to relax and admire the coves lined by steep rock faces, white-sand beaches, and the ancient volcanic plugs sitting both above and below the water surface. The Humpback National Marine Sanctuary, located between Lana’i, Moloka’i, and Maui, provides front-row seats to marine breeding grounds. (B,L,D)

Day 3 & 4: Moloka'i / Halawa Valley
After pulling into Kaunakakai Harbor, Moloka’i is yours to explore. You will be able to meet the people of Moloka’i and experience their land and traditions with a visit to the Moloka'i Plumeria Farm, the world’s largest plumeria producer; and a tour and taste at an organic Macadamia Nut Farm. Other activities await in Halawa Valley: discover the history and culture of this ancient homeland at a local museum and treat your taste buds at a coffee plantation. After a day full of activity, spend the evening “talking story” with the locals and partaking in a traditional pa’ina while enjoying Hawaiian music and hula. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Olowalu / West Maui
Today brings the treat of snorkeling in Olowalu, containing some of the most extensive “spur and groove” reef formations on Maui. Take your time exploring the black rock and coral gardens that are teeming with underwater life. Later, sail like an early Polynesian warrior in an authentic hand-carved voyaging canoe. Tonight, sit back with a tropical drink while the Safari Explorer turns toward Hawaii, the Big Island, for two days of exciting Kona coast exploration. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Big Island Historical Sites
This morning we set sail for Kealakekua Bay, one of the island’s best snorkeling areas.
At Kailua-Kona, we will rendezvous for a guided historic walking tour of the sunny seaside town of Kailua. In the evening, we will anchor at an offshore location with an unforgettable opportunity to night snorkel with gentle Pacific Manta Rays. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Big Island Coastal Adventures
Fringed by coconut palms, Honomalino Bay offers a morning of snorkeling, paddle boarding, sailing, and kayaking. The bay is strewn with colorful corals, sea turtles, sponges, and tropical fish. For your last day of Hawaiian adventure, enjoy more skiff tours and kayaking in Opihihali — an area known for its diverse marine wildlife. Take this evening to enjoy one last delicious dinner and Hawaiian sunset on board. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Disembark
Aloha! As the Safari Explorer docks north of Kailua-Kona, we’ll transfer you to the Kona Airport or to your hotel to begin your post cruise extension. (B)