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Cruising Through Hawaii—In An Untraditional Way

Uncruise takes travelers to the parts of Hawaii that are under the radar. Uncruise Most people experience Hawaii by land or, when by sea, aboard a mega cruise ship that sails from port to port, rarely veering off the set itinerary. But for those looking for something more immersive, intimate, and adventurous, UnCruise Adventures offers a completely different kind of Hawaiian journey—one that gets you off the boat and deep into the heart of the islands. Onboard the Safari Explorer, a 36-passenger expedition vessel that sails from November to April in Hawaii, the vibe is more floating wilderness lodge than traditional cruise. Think daily nature talks, kayaking beside sea cliffs, snorkeling with manta rays, hiking through lava fields—and yes, daily cookie hour before happy hour. 'UnCruise—the name really says it all,' says Tiffany McKeirnan, one of UnCruise's eight captains and one of three women in that role across the fleet. 'People think 'cruise' and imagine these massive ships or quick day boats. What we do is completely different—it's an expedition. You're not just looking at Hawaii from a distance. You're in it.' McKeirnan, who has captained in Hawaii for Uncruise for four years and grew up on the islands, emphasizes that UnCruise is the only expedition ship operating in these waters. 'The currents and winds here are no joke, but the company has been doing it for 12 years. Plus, we do it with respect toward the native Hawaiian culture and people and that's why the locals embrace us.' Hikes are offered on different islands in Hawaii. Uncruise UnCruise's Hawaiian itinerary runs between Moloka'i and the Big Island, with stops at Lana'i and Maui along the way. There are no big port terminals or long lines. In fact, you'll rarely even dock. Most days begin by slipping into a quiet cove at sunrise, where you'll launch kayaks, paddleboards, or skiffs to explore pristine waters and shoreline that are inaccessible to larger ships or land-based visitors. Here's a taste of what the weeklong itinerary might include: The exact itinerary for the Hawaii cruise is fluid—by design. 'We adapt constantly,' says Jeremy Saenz, Expedition Leader and 20-year UnCruise veteran. 'Wind, whales, and whimsy—that guides our day. One week we may kayak a hidden coastline, the next we might pivot to watch spinner dolphins or humpback whale mommas traveling with their calves.' Activities on Uncruise include skiff tours. Uncruise Days are structured around multiple excursions, typically offered in both 'soft adventure' and more rugged formats. You might start your morning with sunrise yoga or coffee on the sun deck, then head out for a kayak paddle, snorkel or a hike. Lunch and dinner are back on the ship unless you're on the full-day hike in which you pack a picnic lunch. Everything is included (food, drinks, excursions), and everything is optional. If you want to spend a day with a book on the bow while your partner snorkels that's okay too. Each adventure is led by one of the ship's naturalists, like Mareth Griffith, one Uncruise's Lead Expedition Guides. 'We don't do frills; we do wilderness. We don't do rushed; we do immersive,' she says. 'People come away not just having seen Hawaii, but having felt it.' Passengers and crew quickly become friends, because the group size is so small. Griffith believes the open-bridge policy—where passengers can pop into the captain's chair to chat or learn about navigation—adds to the transparency and trust onboard. 'It's rare in the industry, but it's part of our philosophy. It's all about connection—to place, to people, to purpose.' Don't expect Broadway shows or casinos. But do expect comfort, excellent food, and sincere hospitality. Cabins are cozy but well-equipped, and the public spaces are relaxed and communal. The food, however, is a highlight. 'There's so much love in the food here,' says Toric Vieira, the Safari Explorer's pastry chef. 'Everything is made from scratch—breads, muffins, croissants, plated desserts, and of course, our famous Cookie Hour before happy hour.' Vieira notes that dietary needs are fully accommodated. 'We have gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, keto—you name it. We make it all work.' And the crew? They feel like family. 'You get to know everyone,' says CJ Leone, Hotel Manager. 'We're not behind the curtain. We chat with you and we adventure with you. Even the most introverted guests open up by the second day.' A big part of Uncruise is seeing wildlife up close. Uncruise UnCruise is especially beloved by adventurous couples, solo travelers, and multigenerational families. Certain designated 'Kids in Nature' sailings in summer, are designed with young explorers in mind. They have kid handlers that works like camp counselors to keep the young ones interested by offering kid-friendly kayaking, hiking, and mocktail parties while parents enjoy grown-up adventures. Kids can also travel on regular sailings, as well. Prefer a quiet adult escape? Adults-only departures are also available throughout the year. 'If your goal is to truly experience Hawaii—not just see it from a balcony—this is the way to do it,' says Saenz. 'Because it's different. Because it's real. Because it gets you to places big ships can't even approach—both physically and emotionally.' 'It starts at the top,' says Captain McKeirnan. 'Dan, our CEO, is full of personality and life. That energy trickles down to all of us. This company has changed names over the years, but what hasn't changed is the passion for what we do.' Not surprisingly, Uncruise has one of the highest repeat visitor rates in the industry. It's not uncommon for couples or families to meet other like-minded people on their first Uncruise and then start traveling together. After nine cruises, the tenth one is free. For some travelers, that's not a hard goal to achieve.