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Discover Hawaii’s Old Traditions in a Unique New Way via small yacht adventures in America's very own paradise, the Hawaiian Islands. This unique five-island itinerary allows you to discover Hawaii's rich traditions and spectacular natural wonders in a brand new way.

From your base aboard the 39-guest Safari Explorer, you'll watch for whales off Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. Explore the naturally pristine areas of Hawaii that can only be accessed by sea. Descend on muleback to Father Damien's famed sanctuary at Kalaupapa on Molokai. Experience traditional Hawaiian history and culture on this unique itinerary as you explore the islands with an intimate group of like minded travelers.

This is a very active vacation, immersed in a maritime tropical wonderland. Scuba dive or snorkel at the tiny crescent-shaped crater at Molokini. Stroll the 19th century whaling village of Lahaina on Maui. Travelers can also choose to Golf at some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the world on this active luxury yacht cruise. Optional Golf is offered on 2 days of this exciting island exploration.

Each evening, we'll slip into a different sheltered harbor or inlet for exploration. Plus enjoy a splendid dinner on board, as the sun sets, a fragrant breeze emerges, and the coconut palms sway on the nearby shore . . .

Our unique yacht itinerary hugs as much as possible the lee of the compact group of sheltered Hawaiian Islands east of Kauai.

Day 1 – Arrive in Maui

Welcome to Hawaii! You’ll be transferred to the quaint 19-century whaling village of Lahaina. After dinner onboard the Safari Explorer stroll the town’s unique shops and art galleries. Our evening anchorage is in Lahaina

Accommodations: Safari Explorer
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 – Explorers’ Moloka’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 life. If opportunity presents itself, we’ll drop the skiffs and kayaks for a closer view! We’ll step ashore to experience the scenic wonders of the island’s Kalaupapa Peninsula, now a national historic park. Here the tallest sea cliffs in the world as recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records, measuring 3,600 to 3,900 feet, are located. For the adventurous, we descend from 1,700 feet down a steep 2.9-mile switch-back trail by foot or mule (optional) to the historic town of Kalaupapa, one of the most remote settlements in Hawaii. This special community was once home to Belgian missionary, Father Damien’s 19-century isolated colony. Beginning in 1873, this selfless priest gave hope to Hansen’s disease victims, who were exiled to this isolated peninsula by developing a village where they could live out their lives. For those who do not wish to descend the trail to the settlement, you can view Kalaupapa Peninsula from the 1,000-foot elevation of Palaau State Park. This 34-acre recreation area offers winding trails among eucalyptus and ironwood trees as well as breathtaking views of Molokai’s north coast.

Accommodations: Safari Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 – Moloka’i – The Traditional Isle

We depart for Lono Harbor for an authentic Hawaiian day and evening with Hawaiian families who have lived on Moloka’i for generations: visiting fish ponds, wading waist-high to catch fish with an old-style Hawaiian net and hiking to a private towering waterfall, listening to traditional wisdom along the way. The scenic Halawa Valley on the island’s north coast features many archeological sites that are only accessible via a winding two-lane paved road. The scenic valley is spectacularly revealed from turnouts ── a sheltered cove, gray sand beach and grasslands bisected by the slow curve of the Halawa Stream, while further up lush greenery covers the valley floor and lower slopes, and at its end two spectacular waterfalls plunge from its rim. The cultural resources found in the valley represent a more complete picture of the early Hawaiian culture and a classic example of wetland agricultural adaptation. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity exists to help restore ancient terracing taro fields, a mainstay of old Hawaii livelihood and unique heritage. These taro farms represent so much stirring history and guests are welcomed to work with their hands to help restore the ancient fields to their former manicured and productive state. In the evening, a real Hawaiian luau takes place - unlike more commercial presentations for large groups at hotels on the other islands. Here the fish that was caught in the ponds earlier in the day is cooked on the luau fire and served. Afterwards, an informal music jam session spontaneously breaks out. This is genuine Hawaii; "talk story" Hawaii.

Accommodations: Safari Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 – Lana’i – The Private Island

On Lana’i, steep rock faces line many protected coves. We’ll cruise by white-sand beaches and view a long-abandoned relic perched high along Shipwreck Beach. At Nanahoa Beach we’ll enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, motor launch exploration and other water activities. Or perhaps, enjoy a bike ride on the old roads that criss-cross through what was once a pineapple plantation. Along the route, be on the lookout for deer grazing in the in the fields. Underway again, your yacht cruises to the Manele Bay area for more activities such as sailing, swimming and hiking.

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.

Accommodations: Safari Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 – Marine Wildlife; Molokini – Underwater Paradise

Your Captain will search for whales and marine mammals and deliver you to leeward bays and beaches, most of which are inaccessible to highway or other travelers. At Kihei on Maui’s south shore there is opportunity for beach activities, hiking, or a round of golf (optional). Later, we’ll moor off Molokini, an almost submerged crater off the coast of Maui. This 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 snorkel, Scuba diving (optional) 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.

Accommodations: Safari Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 – Coastal Adventures; The Big Island

This morning we approach The Big Island’s southern coast. En route we search for dolphins, whales and sharks. At the edge around Ka Lae (southernmost tip of the United States), we cruise by Black Sands Beach and look for active lava flows going into the ocean. We hug the coast northward, passing by the sacred Place of Refuge, a National Historic Park that once was a sanctuary of Hawaii’s past and now a safe haven for all of the native wildlife living there. Our next stop is Kealakekua Bay. Once anchored, we’ll enjoy a snorkeling excursion in the bay that reveals a diversity of colorful corals, sponges and tropical fishes. Green sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and large barracuda are often found in this area.

Accommodations: Safari Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 – The Big Island – Historical Sights

We 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 sights including extensive petroglyph fields. At Kona-Kailua there is opportunity to visit the historic village shops or 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 Kilauea’s caldera. Back onboard the Safari Explorer, we are underway for Mano Point on the island’s northern peninsula. Here we’ll enjoy a real treat of snorkeling at night with 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 day’s experiences with your fellow travelers.

Accommodations: Safari Explorer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 – Disembark

Aloha! As the Safari Explorer docks at 9 a.m. north of Kailua-Kona, we’ll transfer you to the Kona International Airport or to your hotel to begin your post cruise extension.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Reverse Itinerary

Day 1: Kailua-Kona - Big Island
Day 2: Historical Sites - Big Island
Day 3: Coastal Adventures - Big Island
Day 4: Marine Wildlife, Molokini
Day 5: Private Island - Lanai
Day 6: The Traditional Isle - Molokai
Day 7: Explorer's Molokai
Day 8: Maui

Optional Golf Information

Challenge at Manele Bay - Carved out of the rugged coast, the Challenge at Manele sprawls across ancient lava fields, with 180-degree ocean panoramas from every hole. A theater of color unfolds: red cliffs plunging down to blue sea, green fairways engulfing white sand traps, and blossoms from fissures in the black lava rock. This was the palette of designer Jack Nicklaus, who shaped the 7,039–yard, par 72 championship course, carefully protecting and preserving the archaeological ruins within its borders.

Teeing off from the cliffs at Hulopoe Bay with the Pacific surging below, you face perhaps the world's most unforgiving water hazard. The twelfth hole is nothing short of a leap of faith, with 200 yards of churning waves to cross. Other holes demand shots over yawning ravines. Fortunately, the five-tee concept - with courses of shorter yardage mapped in red, white, blue, gold and "Nicklaus" - allows golfers of all levels to emerge unscathed.

The Experience at Koele - Chiseled from the mountains, the front nine holes of the Experience at Koele run through old pineapple fields and deep valley gorges laced with kiawe trees and rare, regal koa. The back nine wind past pine cathedrals and thickets of eucalyptus, with untrammeled views of neighboring Maui and Moloka’i rising from the sea, and deliver a staggering finish: a 250-foot drop from the signature seventeenth hole to the deepest ravine on Lana'i.

In designing the 7,014-yard, par 72 championship course, Greg Norman and Ted Robinson sought to conserve as many native plants as possible while creating a battlefield worthy of golf aficionados. As legions of discerning golfers have discovered, playing a round

Makena Golf - Enjoy a peaceful 18-holes of championship golf at the North Course – designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and opened in 1993. In fact, to make it feel more like a nature walk and less like a golf course, even cart paths on the North Course are tucked away and hidden from view. You will have some obstacles to overcome, however. And as an added bonus to save golfers some time looking for lost balls, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed most fairways so that everything slides back towards the center.


Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of Hawaii small ship cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Any cabin may be booked as a single for 175% of the double rate.

Land Cost Includes: Meet and greet services and transfers, exclusive shore excursions, all meals aboard, premium wine, beer and liquor, kayaking and small boat explorations, onboard professional naturalist or escort, all taxes, port charges and fees.

Not Included: Airfare to Hawaii, excess baggage charges, super premium wine, beer and liquor, discretionary gratuities to vessel's crew - typically 10-15% of fare and insurance of any kind.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of $1500 per traveler is due at the time of booking. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Qualifications: This trip is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of extending your trip.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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