Hawaiian Seascapes: Kailua-Kona, Big Island to Kahului, Maui

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Maui / Embark

Welcome to Hawaii! YouÂ’ll be transferred to the quaint 19th-century whaling village of Lahaina. After dinner onboard the Safari Explorer, enjoy a historic walking tour of Lahaina, site of your overnight anchorage.

Day 2: MolokaÂ’i - Halawa Valley

Breakfast brings you 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 on the island’s north coast. 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. Venture in the early evening 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.) The Pa’ina on Moloka’i authentically represents Hawaiian luaus since it is not a staged commercial production designed for large groups. Afterwards, listen to or join in a home-style Hawaiian music “jam” session. This is genuine Hawaii.

Day 3: ExplorersÂ’ MolokaÂ’i

Located in the middle of the Humpback National Marine Sanctuary between Moloka’i, Lana’i and Maui, this maritime tropical wonderland offers front-row seats to the breeding grounds for humpback whales and other myriad marine wildlife. Kalaupapa Peninsula, now a national historic park, boasts the tallest sea cliffs in the world as recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records, measuring 3,600 to 3,900 feet. This 34-acre recreation area offers winding trails among eucalyptus and ironwood trees as well as breathtaking views of the north coast of Moloka’i. Early this morning, anchor in Hale ‘o’ Lono Harbor to explore Moloka’i as you like: hike the 2.9 mile switchbacks of the Kalaupapa Trail or ride on a surefooted mule (optional); bike around the island; join a local guide for a hike in untouched Mo’omomi Preserve; kayak; and, end your day under the stars onboard the Safari Explorer for a relaxed time to “talk story” with an engaging local guest.

Day 4: Lana'i - The Private Island

On LanaÂ’i, steep rock faces line many protected coves. YouÂ’ll cruise by white-sand beaches to Nanahoa Beach where you will anchor close to the ancient volcanic plugs sitting both above and below the water surface. Choose from snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, motor launch exploration and other water activities. This afternoon you 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 5: Marine Wildlife; Molokini Underwater Paradise

It’s time to be on deck with your Captain and Expedition Leaders/Naturalists to join their trained eyes in searching for whales and marine mammals. This is one of Hawaii’s prime humpback whale locations. Later, as you ease along the leeward coast of Maui, you’ll go ashore and explore secluded beaches and bays – most of which are inaccessible to the highway or other travelers. Hike on the Laparuse Trail (King’s Highway) to view ancient Hawaiian ruins. Keep your eyes on the water for dolphins. Golfers can choose to play 18-holes of championship golf at the Makena North Course (optional). Toward the evening hours when dayboats have vacated the area, you’ll anchor off the back side of Molokini, an almost submerged crater off the coast of Maui. Here you’ll have the rare opportunity to experience night snorkeling and scuba diving (optional; for certified divers) to view multitudes of fish and even harmless sharks. Molokini, an uninhabited 23-acre island, is crescent-shaped which provides protection from the waves and ocean currents. The reef has a beautiful underwater sanctuary for more than 250 species of fish and other marine wildlife. With clear views to depths of 150 feet, the sanctuary offers one of the most breathtaking snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking experiences in the Hawaiian Islands. Doing these activities at night is even more spectacular as the lights from the yacht draw more marine life toward the surface. Back onboard the yacht, relax in the upper deck hot tub or sauna, or perhaps relieve sore muscles with a complimentary massage.

Day 6: Coastal Adventures; the Big Island

This morning you approach the Big IslandÂ’s southern coast. En route, search for dolphins, whales and even the elusive whale shark. At the edge around Ka Lae (southernmost tip of the United States), stop at Black Sands Beach. If conditions allow, look for active lava flows into the ocean. Hug the coast northward, passing by the sacred Place of Refuge, a National Historic Park that once was a sanctuary of HawaiiÂ’s past and now a safe haven for all of the native wildlife living there. Your next stop is Kealakekua Bay. Once anchored, youÂ’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 Sites

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 sites including extensive petro-glyph fields. At Kailua-Kona, there is an opportunity to join a 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 KilaueaÂ’s caldera. For fishermen, (optional) deep-sea fishing can be arranged. Back onboard the Safari Explorer, you are underway for Mano Point. Here youÂ’ll enjoy a real treat of snorkeling 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 dayÂ’s experiences with your fellow travelers. After your CaptainÂ’s Farewell Dinner, retire to the main salon area for a photographic recap of your weekÂ’s adventure.

Day 8: Kona / Disembark

Aloha! As the Safari Explorer docks in the morning north of Kailua-Kona, youÂ’ll transfer to the Kona International Airport or to your hotel.