Andrew Harper recently returned from Hawaii, where he opted to experience the islands aboard Un-Cruise’s 36-passenger Safari Explorer. His seven-night journey from the Big Island to Molokai, with short layovers in Maui and Lanai, proved memorable in every way.
Like its Inside Passage expedition in Alaska, the Un-Cruise Adventures Hawaiian itinerary includes ports of call inaccessible to larger vessels — notably Molokai, which is forbidden to other cruise ships — so it allows guests to experience adventures they might not otherwise have access to: night snorkeling with giant manta rays, exploration of coral reefs and a sea turtle habitat, a feast and jam session with locals, cultural lessons and hiking amid historic places.
Our itineraries are for your inspiration. Please contact a travel advisor to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.
Welcome to Hawaii! You’ll be transferred to a hospitality area on Molokai. Later, the captain and crew will greet you with Champagne as you board the awaiting 36-passenger Safari Explorer. This evening, settle in and enjoy dinner aboard the yacht, before a presentation about the week to come.
A warm aloha spirit in Molokai gives you a sense of Hawaii long ago. No stoplights, no high-rises, just a welcome slower pace. “Talk story” with locals and experience their land and traditions as few visitors ever do. You’ll hear legends and lore, then take in a cultural lesson about 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 paʻina (feast), complete with a home-style Hawaiian jam session.
Gear up for a day of play on the 90,000-acre “Pineapple Isle.” 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. Snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, explore by skiff or stretch your legs on a hike — whichever activities suit your fancy. Take a stroll to Sweetheart Rock, a sea stack jutting 80 feet above the crashing surf, and discover the legend of the princess Puu Pehe. Learn about the island's plantation days with a visit to the quaint Lanai Culture and Heritage Center.
In ancient times, Olowalu was considered a place of refuge. Today, it delivers a treat of snorkeling among coral gardens teeming with underwater life and a known sea turtle habitat. The Humpback National Marine Sanctuary, located between Lanai, Molokai and Maui, provides front-row seats as you cruise through these productive marine breeding grounds searching for dolphins, whales and other marine life.
Leave it to your captain and crew to seek out and unveil the best that the islands have in store today. Dramatic volcanic backdrops, marine life sightings and chances for snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding are all possible!
Fringed by coconut palms, the morning in Honomalino Bay offers snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking. The bay reveals a diversity of colorful corals, sponges and tropical fish. Lava tubes, kayaking and skiff tours fill out your day of adventure in an area known to be favored by marine mammals. This evening you’ll anchor at an offshore location for a thrilling night snorkel with giant Pacific manta rays.
For some of the island’s best snorkeling, skiff to Kealakekua Bay, known as the place Captain Cook was slain in 1779. At Kailua-Kona, stroll through town at your own pace and uncover the charm of this historic town. This evening, celebrate with the Captain’s Dinner and photographic recap of your adventure.
As the Safari Explorer docks at Kawaihae Harbor, you'll be transferred to the Kona Airport or to your extended Un-Cruise hotel stay.
Contact a travel advisor to book your custom itinerary. Fill out the form or call (630) 734-4610.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
Open M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM CT
