Hawaii Island-Hopping Adventure

Skill Level — Easy

The cruise has been designed to accommodate a variety of fitness levels. Whether you are looking to take it easy or are up for a challenge, there is something for everyone. Unless the boat is cruising part of the day, there are active adventure options scheduled most mornings and afternoons. Your onboard guides will advise what activities are offered daily and will work to include everyone. Kayaking excursions take the form of guided paddles that can last 1-4 hours and open paddling at your own pace. Hiking ranges from rigorous treks over rugged terrain for the fit to easy strolls along the beach. Inflatable skiff rides require you to sit back and relax, with little to no effort needed. Paddleboarding and snorkeling (if offered) are your own pace. Morning yoga classes cater to all levels and relaxing in the hot tub is as for well everyone.

Airport Info

Fly into/out Molokai Airport (MKK) or Kona International Airport (KOA) located on Hawaii, the Big Island, depending on your tour direction.

Molokai to Hawai’i
On embarkation day (Day 1) your flight into Molokai should arrive no later than 2:00 pm. On disembarkation day (Day 8) your flight from Hawai’i The Big Island (Kona) should leave no earlier than 12:00 pm.

Hawai’i to Molokai
On embarkation day (Day 1) your flight into Hawai’i The Big Island should arrive no later than 2:00 pm. On disembarkation day (Day 8) your flight from Molokai should leave no earlier than 12:00 pm."

Local Travel

Transfers to/from Molokai/Kona Airports are included in the tour price.

Climate

A tropical climate ensures that Hawaii is a year-round holiday destination. Trade winds from the north-east keep temperatures and humidity moderate. As a gauge, the average winter temperature is around 79F (26C) with summer around 85F (29C). The biggest variables are rain and surf conditions. Water is warm enough to swim in all year round, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkeling. The hot season (called kau in Hawaiian) runs from June to October and the relatively cool season (hooilo) from December to March. The ‘green’ or wet season is typically from November to March, with the dry season from April through to October. In terms of wildlife viewing, the green season brings back Humpback Whales and Hawaii’s state bird, the Nene. There is a better chance of seeing Giant Pacific Manta Rays from February through April, with dolphins, whale sharks, and Green Sea Turtles a common occurrence all year round.

Day of Rest

Any day can be a day of rest!

Recommended

Wetsuits:
As the average ocean temperatures are typically mid-70-80 °F during the fall/winter months, we do not have wetsuits on board. However, you are welcome to bring your own. Wetsuits are provided by a local vendor only for our night snorkel with Giant Pacific Manta Rays.

Dress code:
The dress code is very casual throughout the entire cruise. Since there are a variety of water sports available, it is fine to wear your swimsuit in the dining room with an appropriate cover-up. No formal wear is required at any time.

Seasickness:
We will be cruising on the leeward (west and south) side of the islands where it is generally calmer (trade winds and rougher water tends to be on the windward - east and north - sides of each island). Seasickness medication is kept onboard all of our boats, however, it is not recommended for children. If you are prone to seasickness or traveling with children, you should consult your physician prior to your departure. The captain will update you when there might be extra motion so you can take the medication in time to be effective.

Mosquitoes:
Can be more prevalent during the wet, winter months in dense, wooded areas. It won’t be a problem while on the boat. However, insect repellent is recommended prior to hiking on some of the islands.

Charters:
If you have a large group and would like to charter an entire boat, please contact us for available dates and boats. In addition to the scheduled dates listed (please see pricing), further dates may be available on request. All dates are subject to availability at the time of booking. Itineraries can be customized to suit your individual needs and as safety and operational constraints allow. Please send us your preferred destination, dates, boat, and the number of people (adults and children under 13) in your party, and we will work on providing you with the best available options! The relevant charter terms and conditions will apply.

Remarks

A variety of activities are included in this tour.

Hiking:
A range of hikes - of varying difficulty and terrain - are available throughout your tour. Ranging from easy strolls to rugged climbs. On Lana’i, walk-on sea cliffs near Sweetheart Rock - a sea stack high above the crashing surf, or take a two-and-a-half-mile track through a lush valley to a waterfall. A good pair of hiking boots is recommended. Hiking poles are available.

Kayaking and paddleboarding:
The small ship is stocked with paddleboards and tandem sea kayaks. Open paddle at your own pace or join a short guided paddle to a planned destination lasting one to four hours. It is a great way to get up close to wildlife and explore the area.

Skiff rides:
Take a small inflatable boat ride and discover the surrounding area. Your skiff captains are pros and offer insights into the history, geology, and ecology of the islands as they show you volcanic plugs, sea stacks, and lava tubes. Minimal effort is required.
Learning about Hawaiin culture: Members of the Solatorio family welcome you to the ancient Halawa Valley, where they live, farm, hunt, and fish. “Talk story” with them, then pound fresh taro into poi, or hike to a climactic waterfall in one of Molokai’s most historic places. Round out the day with an evening pa‘ina (feast) and a Hawaiian jam session.

Snorkel:
Gear up with a snorkel and flippers, and duck below the surface to discover coral gardens teeming with underwater life. Spot yellow tangs and butterflyfish in sheltered volcanic bays. Along the coast of Olowalu, mingle with friendly green sea turtles getting their shells cleaned by local fish nibbling away at built-up algae. Snorkel and flippers are available on board

Visit wildlife sanctuaries and national parks:
Hawaii’s public lands (and waters) protect a wild array of fascinating places and creatures. Hike the misty slopes of a volcano, walk to centuries-old petroglyphs carved into lava rock, and scan the horizon for humpbacks in one of the world’s most important whale habitats.

Important to know

Travel Documents

It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit.  This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements, and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.

For US citizens, documents for travel to/from Hawaii are the same for any other U.S. state. 

For Non-U.S. citizens a passport is required. Please research documentation and visas needed to enter the United States of America.

Tour Operator