Hawaii by Small Ship

Download the Hawaii by Small Ship Brochure

From $4,995, plus air and VAT, based on double occupancy.
Operated by Orbridge Travel.

Overview
Join alumni and friends on this deluxe cruise to the Hawaiian Islands, where you can experience the remote coves, hidden inlets, and secret beaches of this fabled tropical paradise. On board the 36-guest Safari Explorer, you will be able to enjoy flexible cruising along the leeward coasts of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island, and spend each night at rest in a different secluded anchorage. Here you will have the chance to see wildlife found nowhere else on earth, and learn about traditional Hawaiian culture with locals who will welcome you onto their lands and into their homes.

Itinerary (Subject to change - May operate in reverse)
Day 1: Arrive in Maui / Embarkation
Welcome to Hawaii! You’ll be transferred to the quaint 19th-century whaling village of Lahaina. After dinner on board the Safari Explorer, join us for a historic walking tour of Lahaina, site of our overnight anchorage.

Day 2: Molokai / Moomomi Preserve
Located in the middle of the Humpback National Marine Sanctuary between Molokai, Lanai and Maui, this maritime tropical wonderland offers front-row seats to the breeding grounds for humpback whales and other myriad marine wildlife. Early this morning we’ll anchor in Hale ‘o’ Lono Harbor to explore Molokai as you like: hike the 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 Moomomi 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 3: Molokai / Halawa Valley
Breakfast brings us to the Kaunakakai dock for a second day to meet the people of Molokai 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 hideaway waterfall; 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 Paina (local feast); spend leisure time back in Kaunakakai. Early evening, venture to Uncle Herb’s ancient fishpond. Watch or lend a hand to net fish for the shoreside Paina which is followed by a homestyle Hawaiian music “jam” session. This is genuine Hawaii.

Day 4: Lanai
On Lanai, steep rock faces line many protected coves. We’ll cruise by white-sand beaches to Nanahoa where we will anchor close to the ancient volcanic plugs sitting both above and below the water surface. Choose snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, motor launch exploration and other water activities. This afternoon we will be underway again to Manele Bay for more activities: hiking, a leisurely nature walk, and for golfers, a chance to play either The Challenge at Manele or The Experience at Koele (optional).

Day 5: Molokini
It’s time to be on deck for whale sightings in one of Hawaii’s prime humpback locations. Later we’ll go ashore and explore secluded beaches and bays. Hike on the Laparuse Trail (King’s Highway) to view ancient Hawaiian ruins. Keep your eyes on the water for dolphins. Golfers can play a round of golf (optional). Later, we’ll anchor off the back side of Molokini, an almost submerged crater off the coast of Maui. Here we’ll have the rare opportunity to experience night snorkeling and scuba diving (optional) to view multitudes of fish and harmless sharks.

Day 6: The Big Island
This morning we approach the Big Island’s southern coast. En route we search for dolphins, whales and 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 to Kealakekua Bay. A snorkeling excursion in the bay reveals a diversity of colorful corals,sea turtles, sponges and tropical fishes. Go ashore at the very place where Captain Cook died in battle.

Day 7: The Big Island / Kailua-Kona
We set sail this morning for the Kohala Coast. 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) heli-tour is available to view remote waterfalls and Kilauea’s caldera. Deep-sea fishing can be arranged. Early this evening we are underway to an offshore location where we’ll have the opportunity to swim with Great Pacific Manta rays.

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.

Activity Level:
This program offers a variety of activity levels, ranging from zodiac rides and hiking to kayaking and morning yoga. At a minimum, guests should be able to go up and down stairs easily (the ship does not have an elevator).

What’s Included:

• 7 nights aboard the deluxe Safari Explorer
• 7 breakfasts / 6 lunches / 7 dinners
• Guided kayaking, hiking, walking, and skiff excursions
• Onboard lecture program
• All of the equipment – and expertise – for kayaking, snorkeling and more
• The services of a premier Orbridge expedition leader, as well as ship's guides and naturalists, throughout the program.
• All onboard hand-crafted meals including a special Captain’s Farewell Dinner tastefully prepared with local flair by the Executive Chef.
• All premium wine, beer and spirits are included throughout the cruise.
• One complimentary massage treatment (per guest), as well as morning yoga classes led by the ship's Wellness Director.
• Transfers and baggage between airport/yachts, taxes and port fees, entry fees to parks/preserves

Program Highlights:

• Sail on the deluxe 36-guest Safari Explorer , a beautifully-designed vessel that affords guests the chance to experience the islands’ rich wildlife, secluded sandy beaches, and quiet coves in an unhurried fashion.
• Learn about the traditions, ecology, wildlife and geology of the Hawaiian islands from a team of expert naturalists, featuring a premier Orbridge Expedition Leader.
• Relax in spacious, all-outside staterooms with large windows that offer spectacular views of the passing scenery.
• Visit the 19th century whaling village of Lahaina on Maui and the Garden of the Gods on Lanai.
• Snorkel among beautiful coral reefs, sponges and tropical fish or scuba dive with sea turtles, manta rays and bar­racudas.
• Hike to the famous sanctuary of Father Damien, patron saint of “outcasts.”
• Experience the many advantages of a flexible itinerary, with daytime-only cruising.
• Enjoy the gourmet meals, fine wines, and thrilling excursions that are part of this all-inclusive program.