Discover Hidden Hawaii on an UnCruise Hawaii Adventure
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The mammoth rays glide up from the inky depths, one by one.
With black wings flapping like Dracula’s cape and cavernous mouths wide open, they rise to within inches of my snorkel mask.
“Don’t move,” I will myself on this night adventure on our UnCruise Hawaii trip.
My brain registers – the rays won’t hit me.
Sure enough, with precision timing, they arc backwards at the last moment in a graceful backflip, showing off their creamy white bellies, before swooping back down.
Spoiler alert! Contents of our UnCruise Hawaii review
Snorkeling with manta rays in Hawaii
Hawaiian Seascapes Adventures itinerary
UnCruise Hawaii adventures
Snorkeling with manta rays is a fitting finale to our one-week Hawaiian cruise (or more accurately, our “uncruise”) aboard the Safari Explorer.
The antithesis of a traditional cruise on a large ship, this 36-guest yacht takes us on an off-the-beaten-path exploration of Hawaii.
The Safari Explorer is operated by UnCruise Adventures.
The enigmatic Captain Dan Blanchard runs the company, which has a number of small vessels in its fleet. They offer adventure cruises to remote places in Costa Rica, Panama, the Pacific Northwest (Columbia and Snake Rivers), Mexico’s Sea of Cortez and elsewhere.
I’ve cruised with the line before on another one of their “ships” – on a wilderness UnCruise trip in Alaska with George. This time I’m cruising with my adventurous mother.
On our UnCruise Hawaii itinerary aboard the practical little Safari Explorer, we visit secluded bays off the Big Island of Hawaii, Lanai, Maui and the less-traveled island of Molokai.
Snorkeling with manta rays in Hawaii
Snorkeling at night with mantas is probably the most “touristy” of our excursions (as it’s a popular activity on the Big Island).
We’re in aptly-named Manta Heaven in Kona on the Big Island. And the Big Island of Hawaii’s famous night snorkel-and-dive is a surreal experience.
But who the performers are in this underwater manta ballet, I can’t tell.
“They have names like Rachel Ray and Sugar Ray and Stevie Ray,” our snorkel guide with Kona Diving Company, Katie Gaab, had told us earlier.
“You can identify them by the black tattoo-like markings on their underbellies.”
XRay, for example, has a big black “X” on her chest. But I’m too gob-smacked by the whole cast to scrutinize individual tattoos.
What sticks in my mind is Katie saying: “They have no stingers.”
And I can see they also have no teeth – just rows of harmless, internal, radiator-like gills sucking in clouds of twinkling plankton.
Divers sit 40 feet beneath the water’s surface, shining up flashlights.
Snorkelers float on top, hanging onto surfboard-like contraptions with spotlights shining down.
The light attracts plankton, which attracts the manta rays – who put on a swirling, twirling, whirling show of a lifetime as they feed. Silver swarms of darting Hawaiian flagtail fish add to the dream-like scene.
Water activities on your Hawaii UnCruise
Safety is top-of-mind on these small ship cruises in Hawaii.
Crew members expertly help guests from their 30s to their 80s clamber from the ship into the motorized rubber inflatable boats used to go ashore or for water activities.
We’re in or on the water a lot.
The ship carries kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for our complimentary use whenever we’re at anchor.
On the Big Island, our UnCruise Adventures Hawaii itinerary also sees us snorkeling the coral gardens of Kealakekua Bay and ogling sea caves and lava tubes on a high-speed Zodiac ride along the volcanic Kona coast.
In Maui, we delight in snorkeling with Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Talk story with colorful Hawaiians
When we’re ashore, tours connect us with the culture of Hawaii and its people.
“You’re going to meet some colorful characters,” winks expedition leader Brock Munson.
Auntie Snookie is one of them.
On Molokai – where almost every woman is called “auntie” – she greets us with a solemn chime by blowing into her conch shell.
A spiritual elder with spiky grey hair, she’s decked out in a green grass headband, oversize sunglasses and a cell phone clipped onto her pareo.
We “talk story” with her, learning that the moon goddess Hina gave birth to the island.
Lei making in Molokai
We also make leis at Molokai Plumerias farm.
The delicate “Aloha” flower buds must be hand-picked off the rows of gnarled plumeria trees in the morning, assembled into leis then shipped in refrigerated coolers, so they can be worn before the buds die two days later.
It takes about 50 blossoms for a classic lei, and we each take turns painstakingly poking white, yellow and coral buds with a long needle and threading them together.
We also learn we can take fresh flower leis home – they make beautiful Hawaiian gifts for friends and family!
Visiting Kalaupapa, Molokai
Proudly wearing our floral necklaces, we’re walking advertisements for a perfume factory when we later stop at the Kalaupapa Peninsula look-out.
The site overlooks the remote finger of land where one of the more tragic chapters in Hawaii’s history unfolded. More than 8,000 sufferers of Hansen’s disease (leprosy) were banished here between 1866 and 1969.
In the early years, they lived without shelter or clean drinking water until Father Damien, a Catholic missionary priest from Belgium, arrived to minister to them and build a hospital.
Sadly, he too succumbed to the disease after 16 years of selfless service.
Today, Kalaupapa is still home to some of the last remaining patients who chose to continue living here. Once a year, a barge drops off supplies, and there’s a small airstrip also used for bringing in food.
As an optional day-tour, guests of the Safari Explorer can visit the former mission.
But the only way to get from the top of the world’s highest sea cliffs (on which we’re standing) to the flat peninsula below is by a guided mule ride or hike – down 26 very steep switchbacks.
Outrigger canoeing in Maui
We experience more Hawaiiana on Maui.
The plan? Venture out in a large, old, outrigger war canoe, built with a traditional crab claw sail.
But nature scuttles that arrangement – there’s not enough wind to power the vessel.
So, instead, we tour the 62-foot Mo’okiha O Pi’ilani being hand-built by the Maui Voyaging Society.
Under construction for 17 years (a labor of love, funded by donation), the double-hulled vessel is a replica of an ancient transoceanic voyaging canoe used by early Polynesians to journey to Hawaii.
The hardy crew will navigate by the stars and sleep on deck, like their ancestors, when they eventually sail it to Tahiti.
Of course, we can’t just look at an outrigger canoe.
Sure enough, we’re invited to jump into smaller outriggers for a paddle out at sea.
We’re given “tourist” paddles with a large hole to make it easier for us. Even then, with a guide in front and a guide in back, it’s hard work, especially when we have to paddle furiously to get through the surf.
A wave washes right up into our canoe and soaks us from our waists down.
I end up as the designated bailer, but it’s a losing battle – great fun, but I’d rather sail on the Safari Explorer ship.
Onboard the Safari Explorer in Hawaii
On our cruise of the Hawaiian islands, we’re welcomed back from our adventures with a cocktail-of-the-day, like spiked lemonade with fresh mint.
Though snug, our cabins are comfy.
We sit down at communal tables for delicious, healthy, made-to-order meals.
We might tuck into warm-from-the-oven cinnamon buns for an early riser’s breakfast. (Okay, maybe that’s not so healthy. But all the Hawaiian fruits we eat on the ship are!)
And for dinner? Perhaps freshly-caught, simply grilled fish for dinner. Or lamb chops for meat lovers.
A young, enthusiastic, all-American crew works tirelessly to make our cruise as enjoyable as possible. (Read any of the UnCruise Hawaii reviews out there, and you’ll see guests give top marks to the friendly and oh-so-helpful expedition guides and crew.)
We even get treated to a free massage each.
Authentic experiences on small ship cruises in Hawaii
More activities are offered too on this Safari Explorer Hawaii cruise.
But whether it’s the private luau just for us (hosted by Auntie Noelani) or hiking to a waterfall in Molokai’s lush Halawa Valley, the experiences are authentic and show us a slice of Hawaii that many visitors don’t see.
Molokai, for example, is so undeveloped it doesn’t even possess a traffic light.
Still, the manta snorkel gets my vote as the highlight.
If I’m ever lucky enough to watch an encore, I may even figure out who Lefty and Big Bertha and Vicky Ray actually are.
“Hawaiian Seascapes” 7-day cruises (itinerary and dates)
UnCruise is the only small ship company to offer Hawaii island cruises.
The Safari Explorer sails around the Hawaiian islands most months year-round.
Her Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary covers cruising from the Big Island of Hawaii to Molokai (or the reverse) – calling in at the beautiful islands of Maui and Lanai.
Details in a nutshell
Operated by UnCruise Adventures, the 36-guest Safari Explorer offers small ship adventure cruises in Hawaii. The focus is on your island adventures (unlike large ship cruise lines, where there’s more emphasis on the ship itself).
What you can expect:
- 18 Smallish wood-paneled rooms on the ship (most with outside doors), featuring bathrooms with a toilet and shower (the sink is in your room)
- A sun-deck with hot tub (unfortunately seldom used, as it lacks sufficient shade and carries the kayaks)
- No WiFi, mini-bars or swimming pool
- A very friendly atmosphere (everyone meets for drinks and appies before dinner inside in the one-room library/lounge/dining room)
- A casual dress code (shorts and flip-flops are fine for dinner)
- 14 to 15 crew who multi-task
- An open ship and bridge policy, so it feels like you’ve chartered a yacht with friends
- Inclusive fares – for the one-week cruise, they include premium wines and liquor, along with skiff rides and most excursions (air fare is extra)
That’s a wrap for our review of UnCruise Hawaii!
If you like experiential adventures, expedition-style cruising and an intimate small ship feel – and aren’t too fussed whether there’s a pool for lounging on deck or not – then UnCruise offers the best Hawaii cruises for you.
For a true Hawaiian adventure, we think there’s no better way to “cruise” the Aloha state than on an UnCruise trip.
More information and to book: See UnCruise Adventures’ Hawaii webpage.
See other UnCruise travel articles
- Costa Rica UnCruise Immerses You in Nature’s Awe
- Alaska UnCruise Review: Small Ship Cruises for Adventurers
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→ Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
→ Car rental: Renting a car can be a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies for the lowest rates.
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A version of this story was published as “Hawaii Un-Cruising” in Cruise & Travel Lifestyles magazine. It won a Finalist award in the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) Travel Writing Competition!
Photo credits: 3, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | 1, 2, 6, 11, 13, 15 to 17, 19 UnCruise Adventures
About the authors
It’s so coincidental that I came across your article on Facebook and linked to this version! I am considering an Un-Cruise Adventures cruise later this year or next, either this itinerary or the Sea of Cortes. It was nice to read of your adventures in Hawaii. I think Stephen and I would love either trip, so now…hmm…decisions, decisions.
Glad you found our Hawaii un-cruise story! Whatever you choose, you and Stephen are sure to love it :-).
This looks like a great adventure! I love the stingray without stinger :)
I’ve never thought of going on a cruise, I’m not sure why but I always thought it isn’t my ideal kind of trip. I have to admit that this one seems awesome and I’d definitely join it if I have the chance, thanks for sharing! :)
There are all sorts of cruises – ranging from the traditional big ships to small luxury sailing boats and power yachts, expedition adventure cruises and river cruisers. You might not like one type of cruise, but really enjoy another :-).
What an adventure! I long to see Manta Rays, I’m a keen scuba diver and have dived in some great spots but have never seen such a beautiful sight!
This sounds like it has the intimacy of a river cruise and none of the big ship vibe–very compelling, if I only had some spare change floating around!
We just returned from the Hawaii un-cruise and you summed the voyage up beautifully!
Thank you so much for commenting :-). Glad we captured the essence of this cruise.
Looks like a lovely way to explore~
I’ve never been on a cruise but this is the type of cruise I’d hop on no questions asked. It definitely seems worth your money and I’ve always wanted to visit the lesser known islands of Hawaii, especially Molokai. The manta ray diving must have been amazing!
Cruising on small ships with a more intimate feel – and being able to nose into hidden bays and/or dock at tiny villages – is our preferred way of cruising too :-).
You’ve definitely convinced me. This is my kind of cruising. I like that there are only 36 guests….and lots of activities. The food looks pretty good, too. Thanks for telling us about un-cruising.
We cruised with Un-Cruise Adventures through the islands of British Columbia and loved everything about it. We were a little unsure about whether we would like such a small ship but it was so comfortable and homey, we completely relaxed. We are hoping to do Alaska with them in the summer.
If you liked British Columbia, you’ll love Alaska! See our post on cruising with their more adventurous, less luxurious UnCruise brand in Alaska.