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From: £6695
Life aboard the Safari Explorer is a unique and intimate spin on traditional cruising. With only 18 cabins accommodating a mere 36 guests and a crew of 15 this unique holiday is all about you. The ship is alive with Aloha spirit and provides the most authentic Polynesian experience you'll ever have. After a few days of rest and relaxation on legendary Waikiki Beach you'll embark on a seven day voyage through the tropical islands of Molokai, Lanai, Big Island and Maui with the focus on cultural connections, wildlife encounters and true Polynesian adventures.
Legendary Waikiki Beach on the tropical island of Oahu is your starting point for your Hawaiian adventure.
Start with an included four hour tour of the island with visits to Kokohead Crater, Diamond Head, Hanuama Bay and the scenic Windward Coast. When you're not relaxing on the golden sands of Waikiki Beach, you may also want to visit Pearl Harbor, try your hand at hula lessons or visit Iolani Palace, the only Royal Palace on US soil.
It's a short flight today to the island of Molokai. The fifth largest of the Hawaiian islands, it's referred to as the Friendly Isle, and was once the location of an isolated leper colony! At only 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point, it is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world and the longest continuous fringing reef. With many of the population being of Native Hawaiian ancestry the simple, rural life style still exists here today.
Say 'Aloha' to paradise today as you board the Safari Explorer and receive a warm welcome from your captain and crew. You'll set sail early evening, champagne in hand as you cruise into the sunset along Molokai’s stunning, untouched coast.
Today is known as Captain's Choice Day. Due to weather conditions on the actual day it's up to the Captain which direction he'll sail. Snorkel among coral gardens and tropical fish, kayak or paddle board in palm tree-lined bays, or meet the locals. Whatever the Captain unveils, you won't be disappointed. Think of it as a mystery day at sea!
Welcome to Lanai, the sixth-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and the smallest publicly accessible inhabited island in the chain. This island was purchased by James Dole in 1922 for use as a pineapple plantation. Known for its quiet beauty, the Pineapple Island, as it's referred to still today offers you a glimpse back in time as far back as the 14th century when the island was one of the biggest exporters of the pineapple on the planet.
Guides will take you to a secluded beach for gentle kayaking past a dramatic volcanic landscape. At Sweetheart Rock, a sea stack jutting 80 feet above the surf, you'll discover the tragic legend of Princess Puu Pehe and her warrior captive. Back on board, after dinner and cocktails, you'll enjoy a presentation on Hawaii's marine life.
With the largest volcano in the world, Mauna Loa, on one side and deep verdant valleys on the other, Hawaii’s Big Island is a beautiful example of habitat diversity and an awesome backdrop to weigh anchor beside for two days. On land, start with an easy stroll through Kailua-Kona town dotted with historic buildings between beaches and lava-lined coves. On water, snorkel through a rainbow of colourful corals, spongers, tropical fish and friendly dolphins. Want to explore the coast close up? Grab a paddle board or kayak and set off on your own mini-adventure.
Back on board relax with a cold beverage, learn about the culture of the islands from your expedition guides, or curl up with a book in a quiet corner of the ship.
On the first evening, you’re in for a treat....a night snorkel with Giant Pacific Manta Rays. The Big Island is one of only a handful of places on earth that you can snorkel with these gentle giants.
Set sail for Maui! With its lush, dramatic valleys created by thousands of years of erosion, this, the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, is known for its stunning natural beauty and some of the best beaches in the world.
Off the west coast of Maui, cruise to Olowalu Reef known as Sea Turtle Reef, the waters are home to sea turtle feeding stations where schools of brightly coloured fish feed off the plankton attached to the back of the turtles. Olowalu Reef is one of Hawaii’s most unique ocean reef systems and a great location for ocean activities. Hundreds of years old large coral heads, an abundance of tropical marine life, a rare manta ray cleaning station and a black tip reef shark nursery all to explore.
There are hundreds of valleys in the Hawaiian Islands but none can compare to the cultural history of Halawa Valley. It's believed ancient Polynesians settled in this lush valley as early as 650 AD.
As your guide takes you on the trail through this sacred part of Molokini you'll feel the lore of the past as you hike alongside spectacular waterfalls. You'll also have the opportunity to meet the ancestors of these early settlers, listen to their chant, songs and stories from a local family who have inhabited this land for over 13 generations. Your day on land comes to an end with a delicious Pa'ina (feast) paired with a home-style Hawaiian jam session. Back on board, end the evening with a photographic recap, ukulele music and cocktails under the starry skies.
Today, it's time to leave these tropical islands behind and head back to the UK.
Want to extend your time in Hawaii? Perhaps, take a short flight to Kauai, or longer in Oahu? Would a mainland stopover be of interest on your return journey in San Francisco, New York or Chicago? All Bon Voyage holiday are tailor-made, please call our team of experts on (0800) 316 3012 to discuss the options available to you.