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Featured: Hawaii astronomy, volcanoes and marine biology cruise, US

16 April 2026 – 10 days from £6,495 per person

This unique astronomy experience combines the beauty of the night sky with the serene setting of the ocean. Cruise around the beautiful and fascinating islands of Hawaii aboard a rugged expedition yacht – the Safari Explorer – that is small enough to venture where larger ships can’t accompanied by astronomy expert, Stuart Clark. 

Begin on Hawaii's Big Island, which is home to some of the world's most advanced astronomical observatories, largely due to its geographic advantages. The state’s volcanic mountains, particularly Mauna Kea on the Big Island, provide high-altitude sites with stable atmospheric conditions ideal for observing the cosmos. Mauna Kea, standing 4200 metres above sea level, offers astronomers clear skies, minimal light pollution and low humidity, making it one of the best places for astronomical research.

From here, you'll set sail on the Safari Explorer, accommodating just 36 guests in 18 cabins. Join guided nature hikes ashore, snorkel among coral gardens and keep watch for whales, dolphins and other marine life from the deck and on day 5 enjoy a thrilling adventure where you will take part in a nighttime snorkel with giant oceanic manta rays. By cruising on a smaller vessel, you can enjoy a more flexible and intimate experience, travelling with like-minded fellow passengers in search of wildlife and natural wonders.

You will be accompanied throughout by astronomy journalist Stuart Clark, who has devoted his career to presenting the complex world of astronomy to the general public. Stuart holds a first class honours degree and a PhD in astrophysics. He is a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a former vice chair of the Association of British Science Writers. He will be on hand to offer insight through a series of talks and walking seminars throughout the cruise in addition to the on-board crew who will offer insights into Hawaii's geology and marine biology.

Hawaii’s geographic location allows for excellent visibility of both northern and southern hemisphere stars, providing a broader view of the night sky compared with other locations. In addition to stargazing, you will learn about Hawaiian navigational traditions, focusing on how ancient Polynesians used the stars to explore and settle vast areas of the Pacific Ocean. 

In partnership with Latin Routes. 

DAY 1: ARRIVE ON THE BIG ISLAND AND MEET THE GROUP

You will be met and transferred to the Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona for a day at leisure. Referred to both as "Kailua" and "Kona" by local people, it is where the Hualālai volcano meets the ocean. For an insight into Kona's interesting history, visit sites such as Hulihe‘e Palace or Mokuaikaua Church.

Enjoy a welcome meeting with the group and Stuart Clark, at the hotel. Dinner will be independantly. 

DAY 2: EXPLORE THE BIG ISLAND, VISIT HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, IMILOA ASTRONOMY CENTER AND MAUNA KEA 

In the morning, you will meet your driver and guide for today's tour, which will also be accompanied by Stuart. Drive to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, which offers a breathtaking journey through diverse volcanic landscapes and is home to two of the world’s most remarkable volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Visit the Kīlauea visitor centre to learn about the park’s unique volcanic landscapes.

After a picnic-style lunch, continue to Halema‘uma‘u crater, nestled within the summit of Kīlauea, steeped in Hawaiian legend and renowned for its dynamic displays of molten lava and geothermal activity. From here, travel to Uēkahuna, also known as the Kīlauea Caldera Overlook, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the expansive caldera. Visit the nearby Nāhuku lava tube, which was formed by ancient lava flows, providing a glimpse into the island's fiery past. Continue to Wahinekapu, or the "Steam Vents", where you can witness geothermal energy firsthand as warm vapour rises from cracks in the Earth, a reminder of the powerful volcanic activity beneath your feet.

Continue to the Imiloa Astronomy Center located in Hilo. The centre has interactive exhibits about space science and the importance of the Mauna Kea volcano to both modern astronomy and ancient Polynesian navigation. It features a state-of-the-art planetarium where you can enjoy an immersive show about the stars and planets visible in the Hawaiian night sky.

After dinner, travel to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS). It provides exhibits about the astronomy and geology of the area and offers information about the observatories near the summit. Watch the sunset from here, with Stuart on hand to point out the visible constellations. Return to the hotel around 9pm.  

DAY 3: MORNING AT LEISURE AND THEN BOARD THE SHIP

After a busy day yesterday, you will have the morning and afternoon at leisure before travelling to Honokohau habour, located near the town of Kailua-Kona to board your ship, the Safari Explorer, at around 5pm.

You will have time to settle in to your cabin before sitting down this evening to your first dinner aboard the yacht. The guides will give a presentation full of information about the week ahead.

DAY 4: KEALAKEKUA BAY

Sail to Kealakekua Cove and from here explore the waters around Ka'awaloa Cove, known as a premier snorkelling and kayaking destination in the Hawaiian Islands. Here, you can encounter vibrant marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles and possibly dolphins. The bay is also the historic site of the Cook Monument, marking where Captain James Cook met his end in February 1779. 

In the afternoon, we set off on a marine mammal search, potentially taking us to the remote South Point area.

DAY 5: HUALĀLAI VOLCANO HIKE AND EVENING GIANT MANTA RAY NIGHT SNORKEL

This morning, you will take a rocky hike up the cool and misty slopes of Hualālai volcano. Explore our private trail at 2000 metres above the Kona coast with your own naturalist guide. Cross surreal scenes of black lava flows, pass pit craters and stroll through native dryland forest. You will discover a lava tube and learn how lava flows from the early 19th century reshaped the coastline below you. This evening, the Safari Explorer will anchor at an offshore location for a thrilling nighttime snorkelling adventure with giant oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris), the largest species of ray in the world. This award-winning excursion offers snorkellers the opportunity to observe these majestic animals up close and personal. Marine life is often within inches, offering a unique experience with wild animals in their environment. Strict guidelines are followed to lessen any disturbance of these beautiful creatures.

You may also be able to see the smaller reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi), which are the second largest species of ray in the world and can have a wingspan of 5.5 metres. The reef manta rays in Hawaii don't migrate and spend their lives in the coastal waters around the islands.

During the manta ray night snorkel, you will spend your time in the water holding onto a floating board. A bright light attached to this board shines down into the water, attracting plankton. The manta rays feed on this plankton and come very close to the water surface while feeding. It is a mesmerising experience.

DAY 6: COMMUNITY OF OLOWALU VISIT

In ancient times, the community of Olowalu on the west side of the island of Maui was known throughout the Hawaiian Islands as a place of sanctuary. However, it also has a turbulent and poignant history. Today, the community of Olowalu is home to one of the most unique ocean reef systems in all the Hawaiian Islands, known locally as Turtle Reef. Snorkel in this sea turtle habitat among 100-year-old coral gardens that are swarming with an abundance of tropical marine life. Sail through the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, a designated expanse of shallow warm waters that surround the main Hawaiian Islands, and learn from the guides about one of the world's most important protected marine habitats. From the decks, search for humpback whales, spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals and reef fish.

DAY 7: LANAI

Wake up to views of the tranquil island of Lanai, the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, and prepare for a full day of water and land-based excursions. Enormous sea cliffs line the coastline and ancient volcanic plugs protrude above the surface of the ocean. You can explore these calm waters by floating atop the surf with a snorkel or by heading out on a paddle board or in a small boat. Ask the on-board guides about the offshore wreck of a second world war tanker that rests off the coast of Shipwreck Beach.

On land, hike to Puu Pehe (also known as Sweetheart Rock), an ocean rock formation steeped in folklore that rises majestically 25 metres out of the sea and towers above the crashing surf. Learn about the history of Lanai and its historical plantation days, when it produced 75 per cent of the world's pineapples. It will also be possible to visit the Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center to absorb the history and traditional culture of what is colloquially known as "Pineapple Island".

DAY 8: CAPTAIN'S CHOICE EXPLORATION

Today, the captain will navigate to a site that uncovers more of what the Hawaiian Islands have to offer. Dramatic volcanic backdrops, marine life sightings and opportunities to embark on kayak explorations are all possibilities.      

DAY 9: MOLOKA‘I

Spend the day on Moloka‘i meeting locals and learning about the traditions of the Hawaiian people. In the evening, enjoy one of Hawaii's cultural treasures, a pa'ina (feast) held at the Molokai Museum. Discover the history of this ancient homeland as you experience singing, dancing, traditional cuisine and Hawaiian decor.

DAY 10: DISEMBARK FOR YOUR HOMEWARD JOURNEY

You will disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for onwards travel.

You will have the opportunity to add a tailormade pre or post-sailing tour extension.