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Wild Hawaiian Coasts: Kona to Moloka'i

United States Pacific Ocean

Cruise differently in Hawaii. Four islands, manta ray night snorkels, volcano hikes and authentic cultural encounters. This is the Hawaii that most visitors never reach.

Most people come to Hawaii for the beach. This cruise goes considerably further. Over 7 nights sailing from Kona to Moloka'i, you'll explore four islands: the Big Island, Maui, Lana'i and Moloka'i at the unhurried pace that only a small ship makes possible. Hike the ancient lava fields and tubes of Hualālai Volcano, snorkel coral gardens thick with sea turtles and spend a day in Moloka'i's historic Halawa Valley, where local families share a way of life that tourist Hawaii rarely shows you. And then there's the night snorkel with Giant Pacific manta ray; massive, graceful and utterly otherworldly in the darkness of the open ocean. Ridge hikes with sweeping Pacific views fill the gaps between.

Built on genuine respect for Hawaii's extraordinary ecosystems, our expedition partner sources local food, serves only sustainable seafood and follows Leave No Trace practices throughout—while expert naturalist guides bring you closer to the local communities and wild places. This is cruising reimagined.


About this UnTour Cruise

Itinerary Highlights

  • Spend a day learning about Hawaiian culture from locals in Moloka‘i's historic Halawa Valley
  • Night snorkel with Giant Pacific manta rays
  • Hike around Hualālai Volcano and explore lava tubes
  • Snorkel among colorful coral gardens and sea-turtle habitat
  • Hike along ridges with sweeping views of the Pacific

What's included

  • Group transfers and baggage handling between the airport/vessel on embark/disembark day
  • Entry fees to national parks & reserves
  • Limited Wi-Fi connectivity on board (not available in preserved areas)
  • From-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment
  • Exclusive activities and shore visits
  • All meals aboard the vessel
  • Premium wine, beer, liquor, and craft cocktails (excludes super-premium wines)
  • Non-alcoholic beverages
  • Wellness amenities
  • Onboard expedition guides and guest experts
  • Port fess

Itinerary

Day 1 - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – Embarkation

Welcome to Hawaii. You will be transferred to our hospitality area in Kailua-Kona. Later, the captain and crew greet you with smiles and Champagne as you board the Safari Explorer. Settle in and enjoy dinner aboard the ship, followed by a presentation about the week ahead.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 - Big Island – Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Paddle

Kealakekua Bay is a premier snorkeling and kayaking destination and the historic site of the Captain Cook Monument. Encounter vibrant marine life including tropical fish, sea turtles, and possibly dolphins. Enjoy your time in this picturesque bay before departing after lunch. In the afternoon, set off on a marine-mammal search that may take you to the remote South Point area.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 - Big Island – Volcano Hike and Manta-Ray Snorkel

This morning, hike the cool, misty slopes of Hualālai Volcano at approximately 6,500 feet above the Kona coast. Follow a private trail across black lava flows, past pit craters, and through native dryland forest. Explore a lava tube and learn how early 19th-century lava flows reshaped the coastline below. In the evening, anchor at an offshore location to search for and snorkel with Giant Pacific manta rays under the night sky (conditions permitting). Strict guidelines are followed to minimize disturbance to these graceful animals.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 - Maui – Humpback Whale Sanctuary, Turtle Snorkel, and Kayak

Snorkel among coral gardens teeming with fish in a known sea-turtle habitat called “Turtle Town.” Cruise through the Humpback National Marine Sanctuary, located between Lana‘i, Molokai, and Maui, for front-row seats for dolphins, whales, and other marine life. Keep your eyes on the water and the horizon for action above and below the surface.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 - Lana‘i – City Visit, Shark Fin Snorkel, Biking, and Hikes

Gear up for a full day on the “Private Island” of Lana‘i. Snorkel along a dramatic coastline where thousand-foot sea cliffs and ancient volcanic plugs host a wide diversity of marine life. Later, choose how to explore: stroll Lana‘i City, take UTV to hike forest trails, opt for an e-bike excursion or even spend the day playing at a cat sanctuary.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 - Captain’s Choice – Kayak, Snorkel, and Skiff Tours

Your day may include kayaking along Maui's hidden coves, paddling in turquoise water, and exploring Lana‘i’s rugged coastline or Molokai’s towering sea cliffs. Cruise for marine life from the top deck while naturalist guides introduce you to Hawaii’s rich bird and sea life. Each experience adds another brushstroke to the larger seascape of your Hawaiian adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 - Molokai – Halawa Valley Culture and Pa‘ina

A warm aloha spirit gives you a glimpse of Hawaii as it once was. On Molokai, there are no stoplights or high rises, only a slow pace. “Talk story” with locals and experience their land and traditions as few visitors do. Hear legends and lore, learn about taro patches and poi making, or hike to a waterfall in Halawa’s cathedral-like valley, one of the island’s most historic places. In the evening, attend a pa‘ina. This gathering differs from a luau in its scale and setting, offering a relaxed, community-hosted evening with Hawaiian locals, food, music, and stories.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 - Molokai, Hawaii – Disembarkation

After one more Hawaiian-style breakfast, transfer to the Molokai Airport or your optional post-cruise hotel stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Variations in itinerary, ship, and order of days may occur to maximize your experience. This cruise also operates in the reverse direction.

Arrival/departure Airports:

  • Hawaii, the Big Island (KOA)
  • Molokai (MKK)

The Island-Hop Experience

Your flight to/from Molokai will likely be aboard a small aircraft, typically a nine-seat Cessna. Seat assignments are based on passenger weight to help the pilot properly balance the plane. It’s a quick, scenic journey where you'll fly low enough to see the coastline, ocean waves, and nearby islands; it's like a mini "flight-seeing" tour!


Excursions

All excursions are included, as outlined in the itinerary above.


Ship

Safari Explorer

The Safari Explorer combines upscale comfort with true small-ship adventure. Carrying just 36 guests, this intimate expedition yacht is designed to access remote places that larger ships simply can’t reach, creating a more personal and immersive experience both in Alaska and Hawaii.

On board, you’ll find a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with comfortable lounges, spacious outdoor decks, an open bridge, and thoughtfully designed cabins and suites. Enjoy open-seating meals, unlimited beverages including wine and spirits, and a crew dedicated to making the experience feel both adventurous and easygoing. Whether spotting wildlife from the deck or exploring secluded waterways, the Safari Explorer offers an authentic and comfortable way to experience the natural beauty of these destinations.

Specifications:

Decks: 3

Length: 145'

Beam: 36'

Guests: 36

Cabins: 18

Crew: Guest-to-crew ratio - 2:1

Onboard Amenities

Kayaks, paddle boards, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles, snorkel gear. Fitness equipment and yoga mats, rubber boots, reusable water bottles, movie and book library, and a full-beam swim step for loading and offloading.

Cabin Categories:

Navigator Cabin - Cabin Deck (10)

Trailblazer Cabin - Cabin Deck (2)

Admiral Cabin - Cabin and Main Deck (3)

Jr Commodore - Cabin Deck (1)

Commodore Suite - Bridge Deck (2)


Disclaimer

Our staff have inspected this cruise and the above description and photographs reflect what they saw at that time. It is possible that the supplier has made changes to the cruise without our knowledge. While we do our best to keep up with any changes or improvements made to our cruises, we cannot guarantee that everything in the above description will be accurate.

Starting at $8700
Departure Dates

Nov 14, 2026 to Nov 21, 2026
Nov 21, 2026 to Nov 28, 2026
Nov 28, 2026 to Dec 5, 2026
Dec 5, 2026 to Dec 12, 2026
Dec 12, 2026 to Dec 19, 2026
Dec 19, 2026 to Dec 26, 2026
Jan 2, 2027 to Jan 9, 2027
Jan 9, 2027 to Jan 16, 2027
Jan 16, 2027 to Jan 23, 2027
Jan 23, 2027 to Jan 30, 2027
Jan 30, 2027 to Feb 6, 2027
Feb 6, 2027 to Feb 13, 2027
Feb 13, 2027 to Feb 20, 2027
Feb 20, 2027 to Feb 27, 2027
Feb 27, 2027 to Mar 6, 2027
Mar 6, 2027 to Mar 13, 2027
Mar 13, 2027 to Mar 20, 2027
Mar 20, 2027 to Mar 27, 2027
Mar 27, 2027 to Apr 3, 2027
Apr 3, 2027 to Apr 10, 2027
Apr 10, 2027 to Apr 17, 2027
Apr 17, 2027 to Apr 24, 2027

Package includes

  • Private cabin
  • All onboard meals
  • Shore excursions
  • Port taxes & fees
  • Transportation to/from the vessel

Not Included

  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Transportation outside of cruise dates
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Internet Access (not available on board)