During this week-long Hawaii yacht cruise, you will see and experience the Maui County group of islands (Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i) and the Big Island from a different perspective than that of a high-end resort or a big cruise ship. Explore remote coves and shoreline by foot, kayak, paddle boarding, sailboat, mountain bike and motor launch. The warm, shallow waters provide one of the world’s most important habitats for humpback whales — two-thirds of the North Pacific population migrate to Hawaii each winter for breeding, calving and nursing.

Our flexible itinerary focuses on dipping into hideaway coves and inlets, mostly staying on the leeward side of the eastern-most Hawaiian Islands chain (sheltered from the northerly winds and waves). Along the way, experience traditional Hawaiian culture with opportunities to meet the locals on their land and in their homes. Each evening, the yacht sets anchor in a different sheltered harbor or inlet. Our itineraries and small guest contingent have little impact on the islands, and our all-American crew includes Hawaii residents, especially Captains and Expedition Leaders/Naturalists who have personal knowledge of the islands.

This is a small ship capable of nimble exploration through nature’s most dramatic hideaways. The shallow draft and hull design allow easy access to Hawaii shores and serve as an ideal “launching pad” for an exciting array of daily adventure excursions. A fully-equipped fishing boat also travels with the small ship. The interior spaces offer contemporary colors and brushed metals that complement the wilderness outside and both the public and private spaces are loaded with special amenities.

Highlights:

• Humpback National Marine Sanctuary
• Molokini Crater
• View remote waterfalls
• Traditional Hawaiian Pa'ina (luau)
• Hiking
• Beach Relaxation
• Snorkeling
• Kayaking
• Whale Watching
• Sailing
• Paddle boarding
• Biking
• Night snorkeling and diving (optional) with manta rays and sharks
• Complimentary Massage

Our small ship is exquisitely appointed with new design features such as an intimate Wine Library and spa area including a large hot tub, sauna, fitness equipment, yoga classes and complimentary massage.

All staterooms feature heated tile floors in the bathroom, Tempur-Pedic® memory foam mattresses, Flat-screen TV/DVD, and an iPod docking station. All staterooms have view windows (no portholes).

• Length: 145
• Beam: 36
• Draft: 8.5
• Cruise Speed: 10
• Year Built: 1998
• Year Renovated: 2008
• Staterooms: 18
• Guest Max: 40
• Crew Complement: 15
• Builder: Freeport Shipbuilding
• Routes: Alaska, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Hawaii

Naturalists and Crew

Rod Dufor, Captain

• A native Californian, Captain Rod is not only a licensed Captain, but also an avid surfer, a First Aid instructor and a scuba instructor, specializing in the handicapped. He has operated research vessels, charter boats and tugboats all along the Pacific. He has also worked with Jean-Michael Cousteau and for National Geographic. If that’s not enough, he can whip up a mean omelet as well.

Kevin Martin, Expedition Leader

• Kevin, a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), has traveled all over North America's west coast as an Expedition Leader. He likes to get a feeling for an area’s geology, being able to read the landscape like a book, and then study the biology and botany, with an emphasis on history, commerce, economics and sociology as well.

Craig White, Executive Chef

• A graduate of Seattle Community College culinary arts program with an additional year specializing in pastry, Craig’s joy is to prepare fresh seafood and pastry. Prior to joining American Safari Cruises, he spent 12 years in Bristol Bay. He too has worked as a chef and mate on private yachts along the east coast of the US. In his spare time, Craig enjoys collecting antiques and camping.