2012 Prices: Twin Cabin from $4,995 per person double occupancy. Safari Explorer.
2012 Dates: Feb 29*: Mar 8#,16*,24#: Apr 1*9,17*,25: May 3*
* Indicates reverse itinerary (Big Island Maui)
# Indicates "Kids in Nature" Family departure.
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: 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 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.
Day 3-4: Moloka'i – The Traditional Isle
Breakfast brings us to the Kaunakakai dock for a second enriching day to meet the people of Moloka'i and experience their land and traditions as few visitors ever do. Today’s destination is the picture book Halawa Valley. Several hands-on activities await: hike with Lawrence through his land to a private towering waterfall, listening to traditional wisdom along the way; learn about the history and archaeology of this ancient homeland on a guided walk; join Uncle Anakala and his ‘ohana to restore taro terraces and pause for a refreshing brunch; help ready poi for tonight’s Pa’ina (local feast); spend leisure time back in Kaunakakai. Early evening venture to Uncle Herb’s to watch or lend a hand to net fish with an old-style Hawaiian net by wading waist-high through age-old fishponds. Your catch will be a highlight on tonight’s menu at the festive Pa’ina (luau.) Afterwards, listen to or join in a homestyle Hawaiian music “jam” session. This is genuine Hawaii!
Day 5: Maui/Molokini
A rare sunrise treat takes you ashore to Maui’s Haleakala National park – an elevation of 10,000 feet. By midday it’s time to be on deck for whale watching as we sail to Molokini for drift snorkeling at this almost submerged crater off the coast of Maui. There’ll be time in the late afternoon for swimming, skiffing, or napping before dinner. Later this evening the Safari Explorer turns towards Hawaii, the Big Island for two days of exploring along the leeward coast.
Day 6: Coastal Adventures; the Big Island
This morning we approach the Big Island’s southern coast. En route we search for dolphins, whales and even the elusive whale shark. At the edge around Ka Lae (southernmost tip of the United States), we stop at Black Sands Beach. If conditions allow, we’ll look for active lava flows into the ocean. We hug the coast northward, passing by the sacred Place of Refuge, a National Historic Park that once was a sanctuary of Hawaii’s past and now a safe haven for all of the native wildlife living there. Our next stop is Kealakekua Bay. Once anchored, we’ll enjoy a snorkeling excursion in the bay that reveals a diversity of colorful corals, sponges and tropical fishes. Go ashore at the very place where Captain Cook died in battle. Green sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and large barracuda are often found in this area.
Day 7: 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 sights 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 8: Disembarkation Kona, the Big Island
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.
Inclusions
- Educational programming = interpretive lectures, guest speakers, narrative
- Exclusive shore excursions
- Premium wine, beer, liquor
- All meals aboard the yachts
- Kayaking and small boat exploration
- Onboard Expedition Leader/ Naturalist
- Airport transfers
- All taxes, port charges and fees
Not included
- Airfare to and from your home city
- Super-premium wine, beer and liquor
- Discretionary gratuities to vessel's crew, typically 5-10% of fare
- Travel insurance
- Optional pre- or post-night
