Hawaiian Seascapes: Waterfalls & Lava Fields - Safari Explorer
Leave the tourists far behind and explore the deep nature side of Hawaii from a small expedition vessel.
SPECIAL OFFER
7.8*
ECO SCORE
36
PASSENGERS
8
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Hawaii: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Safari Explorer
Whales and dolphins alongside the boat are just the beginning of your Hawaii cruise adventure. Snorkeling in Hawaii means warm water, coral gardens, and neon-colored fish. And you'll remember snorkeling with sea turtles long after you’ve taken off your flippers. Water play, waterfalls, lava fields, and talking story with locals—you’ve never lived aloha quite like this. Learn about local tradition and Hawaiian culture from a kupuna. Discover Hawaii’s remarkable culture, history, and natural treasures all from aboard your 36-passenger yacht.
- • Evening pa‘ina (feast) and Hawaiian jam session with Molokai locals.
• Talk with a local Kahuna in Molokai’s ancient Halawa Valley.
• Explore remote islands and beaches most tourists never see.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Food
Serve only sustainable seafood and partner with Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program
Community
Partner with local communities for cultural tours & presentations
Waste
Reusable water bottles in each cabin for guest use
Itinerary
Day 1: Molokai – Embarkation
Welcome to Hawaii! You’ll be transferred to our hospitality area on Molokai. Later, the captain and crew greet you with smiles and champagne as you board the awaiting Safari Explorer. This evening, settle in and enjoy dinner aboard the yacht, before a presentation about your week ahead.
Day 2: Molokai
A warm aloha spirit gives you a sense of Hawaii long ago. No stop lights, no high-rises, just a welcome slower pace. “Talk story” with locals and experience their land and traditions as few visitors do. You’ll hear legends and lore, then take in a cultural lesson in taro patches and poi making, or hike to a towering waterfall in Halawa’s cathedral valley—one of the island’s most historic places. At the Molokai Museum, discover the history of this ancient homeland as you enjoy an evening pa‘ina (feast), complete with a home-style Hawaiian jam session.
Day 3: Lana‘i
Gear up for a day of play on the “Private Island.” Thousand foot sea cliffs line the shore and ancient volcanic plugs sit both above and below the water’s surface as host to a wide diversity of marine life. Grab a snorkel, paddle board, or kayak and get in it. Take a stroll to view Sweetheart Rock, a sea stack jutting 80 feet above the crashing surf, and discover the legend of the princess Puu Pehe. Learn about the islands’ plantation days with a visit to the quaint Lana’i Culture and Heritage Center.
Day 4: Maui
Snorkel among coral gardens teeming with underwater life and a known sea turtle habitat. The Humpback National Marine Sanctuary located between Lana’i, Molokai, and Maui provides front-row seats as you cruise through these productive breeding grounds searching for dolphins, whales, and other marine life. Look beneath the surface from your kayak or paddle board. Then stretch your legs in Lahaina for an afternoon amble through this historic town. Or, take a leisurely beach stroll.
Day 5: Captain’s Choice Exploration
Leave it to your captain and crew to seek out and unveil the best opportunities the islands hold in store today. Dramatic volcanic backdrops, marine life sightings, and chances for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding are all possible!
Day 6: Kona Coast
Fringed by coconut palms, Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park offers a morning of snorkeling filled with corals, sponges, tropical fishes. From the tiniest fish to the widest stretch of coral, it’s all spectacular. Or, explore the rugged coastline on a skiff ride. Follow the lure of the ukulele and round out your day at Koloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. Visit with the ranger (and become a Hawaii Junior Ranger if you choose), hike the trail to petroglyphs, or check out the Kaloko fish pond and remnants of the Aiopio fish trap. Bird watch or relax on the white coral sand beach—you may spot a green sea turtle.
Day 7: Puu Waawaa State Wildlife Sanctuary
You’re off to Puu Waawaa State Wildlife Sanctuary where you and a local naturalist climb the trails above the Kona coast. How will you adventure? Head 6,000 feet up Hualalai Volcano on a long hike up the cool and misty slopes, complete with natural history interpretation. Hike through dryland native forest and past lava tubes, and peer into a pit crater from its edge (if you’re up for it, you can even go inside a lava tube). A shorter option boasts views of craters, fissures, and lava tubes. Recharge and fuel up with lunch at a coffee plantation on the mountain. For your final afternoon, relax onboard or go for one last dip.
This evening celebrate with the Captain’s Dinner and photographic recap of your adventure.
Day 8: Kawaihae Harbor
As the Safari Explorer docks at Kawaihae Harbor, you’ll be transferred to the Kona Airport or to your extended hotel stay.
Activity Level: We understand that not everybody wants the same level of physical activity and we have designed our cruises for a variety of fitness levels. Whether you’re a hard charger, prefer to take it easy, or fall somewhere in between, there’s enough happening on board and ashore for everyone’s enjoyment.
Please Note: Passport required (non-USA citizens). Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur to maximize your experience.
Safari Explorer
The 36-guest Safari Explorer is designed for upscale comfort in the pursuit of adventure. Aboard this boutique yacht, three public decks provide room for mingling, relaxing, and enjoying the fresh air—with exploration in the spotlight. This high-end SUV of a ship is nimble, strong, and loving. Her performance-built, rugged construction means access to faraway regions. But it’s what’s on the inside that makes this yacht the prize of the fleet. And with only 36 guests on board, the feel is decidedly exclusive. Lovingly called “the Bulldog,” she’s poised, her interior is a pearl, and the general mood is down-to-earth. A protective spirit is infused in every part of the ship, and within the crew. She’s made for adventures after all and with them comes inevitable fun and folly.
• Capacity: 36 guests
• Cabins: 18 cabins
• Specialists: Expert Naturalists, 15 Crew
ACHIEVEMENTS
"Best Adventure Cruise Line 2021" Condé Nast Gold List
"2021: Best Adventure Cruise Line" USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards
"2020: The Top 10 Small-ship Ocean Cruise Lines" Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards
"The 36-passenger size of this ship makes for a voyage with warm friendships and much laughter, yet enough space to do your own thing. The cabin and public areas are spacious and comfortable, and the cuisine will make sure you leave your diet at home (unless your diet includes special requests which are easily accommodated.) A fantastic ship for off-the-beaten- track adventures!"
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
I've always thought this was a brilliant way to experience Hawaii. If you're looking to get off the tourist track and enjoy Hawaii's deep nature, this ship trip is for you.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Group transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day, entry fees to national parks/preserves,
From-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment, exclusive activities and shore visits, all meals aboard the vessel, premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines), non-alcoholic beverages, wellness amenities, onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts, refer to your final guest documents for any additional inclusions specific to your itinerary and vessel.
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare to and from your home city, discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew, travel protection, optional excursions and land tours, port taxes/fees.
