Hike the misty slopes of Hualālai Volcano, snorkel with Giant Pacific Manta Rays off the Kona Coast, and swim with sea turtles among Maui’s vibrant coral gardens. Each day brings a new discovery—kayaking Maui’s coastline, biking on the secluded island of Lanai, or immersing yourself in local culture on Molokai.
During COVID, I whiled away many an hour developing itineraries for adventuresome ‘ukulele players. The most promising, at the time was an exploration of Maui Nui, including the Islands of Maui, Lana’i, and Moloka’i. Using the existing ferry system to move from island to island, staying in quaint, historic lodging–this was looking very nice, indeed. That plan was dashed, however…as were so many lives…when the devastating fires of 2023 destroyed most of Lahaina, including the historic Pioneer Inn which was going to be our “headquarters” for this epic trip.
As Maui rebuilds it turns out that Uncruise (my favorite “not-your-typical-cruise” supplier) is offering a very similar experience to the one I envisioned, including a side trip into the sacred Halawa Valley on Molokai aboard the wonderful Safari Explorer!
…..with only 36 guests on board, the feel is decidedly exclusive. Lovingly called “the Bulldog,” she’s poised, her interior is a pearl, and the general mood is down-to-earth. In the winter, she bops around the islands of Hawaii soaking up the laid-back aloha spirit—weaving through the islands, ready for bow-riding dolphins. In the summer, she follows the Humpbacks north to Alaska, navigating the inside passage and taking in The Great Land.
Molokai, Lanai, Hawai’i Island and points in between!
Whether you start on Moloka’i or Hawai’i Island, this itinerary will knock your flip-flops off! Each day brings a new discovery: kayaking Maui’s coastline, biking on Lanai, or immersing yourself in local culture on Molokai. (Don’t forget your ‘ukulele! our evening pa‘ina (feast) will be topped off with a home-style Hawaiian jam session.) You’ll have the opportunity to hike the misty slopes of Hualālai Volcano, snorkel with Giant Pacific Manta Rays off the Kona Coast, and swim with sea turtles among Maui’s vibrant coral gardens and so much more.
Spend the day learning about Hawaiian culture from locals in Molokai’s ancient Halawa Valley
Night snorkel with Giant Pacific Manta Rays
Hike around Hualalai Volcano, venturing inside lava tubes
Snorkel among colorful coral gardens and a sea turtle habitat
Hike along ridges and take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean
And the best thing is…everything is included! No nickel and diming. Once you are onboard you never have to reach into your pocket to pay for anything else until it is time to tip the crew. This is about you having the best Hawaiian experience possible.
But, to take advantage of this great offer, you must act fast. Cabins are still available for some February and all March departures but most of April is already fully booked.
Dates
Cabin Class: Cmp/Nav
Cabin Class: Trailblazer
Cabin Class: Admiral
Cabin Class: Jr. Cmdr
Cabin Class: Commodor
Feb 22, Mar 1, Mar 8
$6,120*
$6,715*
$7,905*
$8,585*
$10,115*
Mar 15, Mar 22, Mar 29, Apr 5
$5,525*
$6,120*
$7,140*
$7,735*
$9,180*
* Note: The prices quoted above include the 15% discount and are per person.
Compass Cabin (CMP) comes with one queen bed. Navigator Cabins come with a fixed queen or two twin beds. Trailblazer Cabins come with either two twin beds or one king bed. Admiral Cabins come with sleeping space for two guests or two adults and one child, or three adults. The Jr. Commodore Suite comes with a single sofa sleeper and the option of two twin beds or one king bed. It also includes a Jacuzzi and shower, view window, and sitting area. The Commodore Suites include a double sofa sleeper and the option of two twin beds or one king bed. They also have a private balcony, Jacuzzi and shower, view window, and sitting area.
All cabins include an en-suite bathroom, TV, DVD player, a view window, and ample storage space. Amenities include a hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, water bottles, binoculars, and bathrobes.
Ready to Book?
First let’s make sure the cabin class and bed configuration you are interested in are still available for the dates you’d like. Please contact me with your Name, email address, phone number. I’ll also need to know how many are in your party; your first, second, and third choice for date(s); and what cabin class you would prefer. We will get back to you ASAP. But remember, time is short and cabins are booking quickly.
A Great Read
If you haven’t already, you should read Hampton Sides’ epic account of Captain James Cook’s third, and final, South Pacific Voyage, The Wide, Wide Sea. It was on this voyage that Cook first encountered Hawai’i. But when Cook returned after mapping the coast of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, his exploitative treatment of the Hawaiians led to the fatal encounter that cost him his life. It’s a fascinating and enlightening read.
And Don’t Forget Alaska!
If you can’t move quite fast enough to get yourself to Hawai’i this Spring, we still have a few cabins available for our other Uncruise offering: Great Alaska ‘Ukulele Adventure along with a $200 discount! Please Contact Me if you’re interested.
Want to Get in the Mood?
In the meantime, there’s no one quite like the late Dennis Kamakahi and Wahine ‘Ilikea to get you in the mood for a trip to Hawai’i. (I had the pleasure of attending a number of workshops with Uncle Dennis, so I may be a little prejudiced.)
