More UnCruise Adventures in Hawaii
By Ted Scull.
Summer small-ship adventure cruising amongst the Hawaiian Islands has been added to UnCruise’s long-established November to April sailings. Choose from six departures with a choice of four 7-nighters in July and two in August 2019. They depart from and return to Moloka’i and explore the land and waters of three additional islands — Lana’i, the Big Island of Hawai’i, and West Maui.
Your home away from home is the Safari Explorer, a 36-passenger mini cruiser that has called Hawaii home from the late fall to early spring months since 2011. Four cabins have a third berth, ideal for a family of three, adding up to a maximum of 40 souls — not 400 or 4,000 — so we are talking about true yacht size.
UnCruise Adventures in Hawaii aboard the 36-passenger Safari Explorer. * Photo: Uncruise
With Hawaii being a gorgeous sprawling archipelago, most visitors fly between the islands, having to pack and unpack multiple times. However, if you travel by sea between some of them, the transits are at night while you are sleeping, and you unpack once and enjoy the ride.
During daylight cruising, you may come upon whales and dolphins, the latter the spinning species. Green sea turtles may surface while you are kayaking or enjoying a ride in an inflatable skiff.
Kayaking through lava tubes! * Photo: UnCruise
While snorkeling, giant Pacific manta rays could glide by along with reef fish and seals. And when you want a respite from all the activity, beach yourself and look for crabs scooting across the sand or go paddle boarding.
Moloka’i is the departure and arrival port, and it allows opportunities to visit Hawaiian families in the lovely verdant Halawa Valley to experience the local culture, hear island lore and watch poi being made from taro roots that is then cooked and pounded into an eatable tasty paste. An evening pa’ina feast is accompanied by dancing to traditional Hawaiian music.
The 7-night Hawaii itinerary. * Photo: UnCruise
On Hawaii, the big island, explore the Kona Coast aided by hiking poles, visit the town of Kalua and climb up to WWII military forts, and then return to blue waters to kayak through lava tubes.
Making the adventure even more appetizing, much of the food aboard Safari Explorer is fresh local produce, meat and sustainable seafood from the island’s fisherfolk.
UnCruises’ Hawaii fares start at $5,195 per person, double occupancy and are inclusive of all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, planned activities and transfers at Moloka’i. Reap $600 early-booking discounts per couple that are good until March 29th.
Can’t beat Stand Up Paddle-boarding in Hawaii. * Photo: UnCruise
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HEIDI SARNA
