Day 1: Maui / Lana’i – Embarkation
Welcome to Hawaii! You’ll be transferred to our hospitality suite in Lahaina before traveling by ferry to Lana'i to board the awaiting Safari Explorer. Search for marine life during a sunset cruise before dropping anchor for the evening.
*Beginning in November 2012, fly directly to Lana'i, the Pineapple Island, where you will be transfered to our hospitality suite prior to boarding the Safari Explorer.
Day 2: Lana’i
On Lana’i, you’ll find coves lined by steep rock faces, white-sand beaches, and ancient volcanic plugs sitting both above and below the water surface. Gear up for a day of play. Activities may include hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and skiff exploration; or enjoy time on your own for exploring town or optional golf or diving. The Humpback National Marine Sanctuary—located between Lana’i, Moloka’i, and Maui—provides front-row seats in these productive marine breeding grounds.
Day 3: Moloka’i / Halawa Valley
From Kaunakakai Harbor, you’ll meet the people of Moloka’i and experience their land and traditions as few visitors ever do. Get some sand between your toes on one of Hawaii’s longest beaches. Hands-on activities await in the picture book Halawa Valley. Discover the history and culture of this ancient homeland at a local museum; learn to make lei’s at a Plumeria farm; and treat your taste buds with a stop for coffee at a plantation and a visit to an organic macadamia nut farm. Spend leisure time in the charming paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town of Kaunakakai. “Talk story” with locals and enjoy an evening pa’ina (feast), complete with a home-style Hawaiian music “jam” session.
Day 4: Moloka’i / Halawa Valley
Spend another exclusive day exploring Moloka'i.
Day 5: Olowalu / West Maui
In ancient times, Olowalu was considered a place of refuge. Today, you’ll have a treat of snorkeling among black rock and coral gardens teaming with underwater life. Later you’ll be underway in an authentic hand-carved voyaging canoe sailing as the early Polynesian warriors did. The Safari Explorer turns towards Hawaii, the Big Island, this evening for two days of exploring along its leeward coast.
Day 6: Kailua Kona
Head to Kealakekua Bay, where Captain Cook perished in 1779, for some of the island’s best snorkeling. At Kailua-Kona, rendezvous for a guided walking tour of the historic town of Kailua. This evening we’ll anchor at an offshore location to search for and night snorkel with Great Pacific Manta rays.
Day 7: Honomalino Bay / Opihihali
Fringed by coconut palms, Honomalino Bay offers a morning of snorkeling, paddle boarding, sailing, and kayaking. The bay reveals a diversity of colorful corals, sea turtles, sponges, and tropical fishes. And to fill out your last day of ultimate relaxation, more skiff tours and kayaking await in Opihihali—an area known to be favored by marine mammals.
Day 8: Hawaii, the Big Island – Disembark
As the Safari Explorer docks at Kawaihae Harbor, we’ll transfer you to the Kona Airport or to your American Safari Cruises hotel to begin your post-cruise extension.
*Due to the nature of our explorations, itineraries are guidelines and will change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.
