Discover Hawaii’s Old Traditions in a Unique New Way
In our 10th Anniversary year, American Safari Cruises proudly introduces yacht adventures in America's very own paradise, the Hawaiian Islands. Our unique six-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. Soar by helicopter over the flowing lava of Kilauea in Volcanoes National Park. Descend on muleback to Father Damien's famed sanctuary at Kalaupapa on Molokai.
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. And visit the Garden of the Gods on Lanai.
Then 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. Kauai is available on all itineraries as a pre- or- post fly-in resort package.
Activities include full scuba diving equipment and expertise. Snorkeling. Explorations by kayak, sailboat, mountain bike and motor launch. Guided hikes led by our expert Expedition Leaders/Naturalists.
The Safari Explorer boasts a spa and fitness area with sauna and a private massage space - with complimentary massage treatments! Hot tubs on the top deck and yoga classes complete the luxurious relaxation and spa environment. Most staterooms have sliding glass doors, with some staterooms opening on to a private balcony. And of course the cuisine, service, and experienced all-American crew are fully up to the pampering standards our guests have come to expect.
As Hawaii celebrates its 50th anniversary of statehood, enjoy a unique yacht adventure in America's very own tropical isles. Hawaii's underwater seascape is as spectacular as the lofty and often active volcanoes high overhead. On this exploration you'll see five islands, plus one tiny islet, as you enjoy adventures both in the water and on land. And no worries about inter-island flights, packing, transfers! Each day's itinerary is flexible; whales, wildlife and whimsy all have a part to play. We are most definitely NOT just beelining from port to port or place to place.
Respecting Tradition
Throughout the experience, our yacht cruise will seek out an earlier Hawaii, of graceful cultural traditions and pristine natural beauty. We may invite local experts on board, to tell tales of Hawaiian royalty, or speak of the early navigators. We'll seek out private visits to farms, plantations, lush gardens.
Yacht Cruising in the Islands
The Safari Explorer provides a Hawaiian cruising experience which yachters term 'gunkholing,' popularized in the Pacific Northwest island chains, that focuses on dipping into hideaway coves and inlets, mostly staying in the lee of the eastern-most Hawaiian Islands chain (sheltered from the northerly wind and waves). We have not added Kauai to our standard itinerary because of the extended passage of the Kauai Channel required.
Extend your trip with pre-cruise or post-cruise stays on Kauai, the Big Island or Maui.
Hawaii Yacht Charter rates for the entire yacht are $174,995 - $209,995/week inclusive. A customary gratuity is not included, with 5-10% suggested.
The Safari Explorer cruises Alaska in the summer.
ITINERARY
Whether afloat or ashore, all these experiences are included in your yacht experience:
The Big Island – Volcanoes & Whales
We sail from Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii into prime whale-watching waters – sperm whales, pilot, beaked, melon-headed whales and more. We’ll circle the entire island, with a port call at Hilo, to visit Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls pouring down from Mauna Kea Volcano. A highlight: soaring by helicopter to the peaks of Volcanoes National Park. From the yacht you may even see, in the limpid tropical darkness, flowing ribbons of incandescent lava, high on the slopes of Kilauea.
Rarities – Kahoolawe & Molokini
Kahoolawe mayn’t be visited – military ordnance issues! – but we’ll hug the shoreline as closely as possible. Then we’ll drop anchor at Molokini, an almost submerged volcanic crater now designated as a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District. Its crescent shape provides protection for snorkelers and scuba divers, uncrowded and unforgettable. Molokini is one of the top ten dive sites in the world – visibility is up to 150 feet!
Maui – Haleakala & Lahaina
On Maui we’ll tie up at Lahaina, a historic town whose whaling heritage goes back to the 1800s – but also home of some of the very first Polynesian settlers over 1,000 years ago. An included excursion drives high into Haleakala National Park, with its famous volcanic crater. Atop Maui’s highest peak you’ll find an ‘island in the sky,’ where clouds spread out below you. The rare silversword plant hides up here. The waters off Maui also abound in humpback whales in the winter. If you’ve traveled with us to Alaska, these whales are the cousins of the ones you saw there – they migrate to and fro annually.
Lanai – The Garden of the Gods
Famous for its sparse population and exclusive resorts, the Pineapple Isle of Lanai is also home to the Garden of the Gods. We’ll explore the exotic lunar-like setting, with its awe-inspiring boulders, pinnacles and buttes. An island legend relates that the boulders were dropped from the sky, by the gods tending their gardens.
Molokai – Adventure by Muleback
On Molokai, another less-visited island, an all-day adventure by muleback winds down a scenically spectacular mountain ravine to Father Damien’s 19th century leper colony on the Kalaupapa Peninsula, now a National Historic Park. Not too sure about mules? We’ll offer alternatives, either in the water or throughout the Most Traditional Island.
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