Welcome to Hawaii! Transfer to the hospitality area on Moloka’i. Later, the Captain and crew greet you with smiles and champagne as you board the awaiting Safari Explorer. This evening, settle in and enjoy dinner aboard the ship, before a presentation about your week ahead.

A warm Aloha spirit gives you a sense of Hawaii long ago. No stop lights, no high-rises, just a welcome slower pace. “Talk story” with locals and experience their land and traditions as few visitors ever do. Hear legends and lore, then take in cultural lessons in 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 Moloka’i Museum, discover the history of this ancient homeland as you enjoy an evening pa’ina (feast), complete with a home-style Hawaiian jam session.

Gear up for a day of play on the “private island.” 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. Grab a snorkel, paddle board, or kayak and get in it. 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 Lanaʻi Culture and Heritage Center.

Snorkel among coral gardens teeming with underwater life and a known sea turtle habitat. The marine sanctuary located between Lanaʻi, Molokai, and Maui provides front-row seats as you cruise through these productive breeding grounds searching for dolphins, whales, and other marine life. Look beneath the surface from your kayak or paddle board. Then stretch your legs in Lahaina for an afternoon amble through this historic town. Or take a leisurely beach stroll.

Leave it to your Captain and crew to seek out and unveil the best opportunities the islands hold in store today. Dramatic volcanic backdrops, marine life sightings, and chances for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding are all possible!

Fringed by coconut palms, Kealakekua (more commonly known as Captain Cook Bay, the fateful location of his unlucky demise) offers a morning filled with corals, sponges, and tropical fishes all set to the tune of the rich history of the Hawaiian Dynasty of Kings. From the tiniest fish to the widest stretch of coral, it’s all spectacular. Depending on weather and your mood, spend the day in the water or let us do the work, and explore the rugged coastline on a skiff ride
 

Choose your own adventure - you have two options this morning! Active adventure guests are off to Puu Waawaa State Wildlife Sanctuary where you and a local naturalist climb the trails above the Kona coast. Head up Hualalai Volcano, then set out on a long hike up the cool and misty slopes, complete with natural history interpretation. Hike through dryland native forest and past lava tubes, and peer into a pit crater from its edge (if you’re up for it, you can even go inside a lava tube). A shorter option boasts views of craters, fissures, and lava tubes.

More relaxed guests visit with a ranger (and become a Hawaii Junior Ranger if you choose), hike the trail to petroglyphs, or check out the Kaloko fishpond and remnants of the Aiopio fish trap. Bird watch or relax on the white coral sand beach—you may spot a green sea turtle.

For your final afternoon, relax onboard or go for one last dip. This evening celebrate with the Captain’s Dinner and photographic recap of your adventure. 

As the Safari Explorer docks at Kailua - Kona Pier, transfer to the Kona Airport or depart for your continued journey.