E Komo Mai! (Welcome!)

Throughout your journey, you’ll go up-close to the natural wonders and culture of the Hawaiian Islands—some
of the most treasured islands in the world. Our enthusiastic crew will enrich you with knowledge and immerse
you in fun.

Below, you’ll find important travel information and details about your cruise that will help with
your trip preparation. At any time during your adventure, direct questions to your captain or expedition leader.

Identification: Submit indentification & emergency contact information for each traveler to our office via the online guest forms available here: https://guests.un-cruise.net/customers/login.

Passports/Visas: All guests need legal government-issued photo ID or a valid passport to board the vessel. Passport and visa requirements are dependent on your travel destinations and nationality. Most countries require that your passport be valid 6 months beyond your arrival into that country. It is your responsibility to
verify entry requirements. Failure to do so could result in denial of entry into that country.
U.S. Citizens or permanent residents: If traveling exclusively inside U.S. borders, a passport or visa is not required.
Other Nationalities: Passports are required to enter the U.S. Check with your local embassy or your travel destination’s consulate to confirm visa requirements and obtain the proper visa.

Homeland Security: Laws and procedures in effect for all passengers boarding SOLAS vessels (Safety of Life at Sea) are:
- No one is allowed on board the vessels without prior permission or checking-in with the captain.
- Untagged luggage will be searched; any luggage is subject to search. Please properly tag all luggage and carry-on bags.

Boarding Vouchers: We pride ourselves on being intimate and small enough to make your trip as easy and worry-free as possible. Therefore, vouchers for services are not necessary. Your name will appear on transfer
and boarding manifests.

Delays & Emergency Contacts: In case of travel delays to the ship, contact our Seattle office during business hours (7:00-5:00 PT/Monday-Friday; 7:00-3:00 PT/Saturday) at 888-862-8881. After hours, call: 206-536-2016.
Family/friends can use these numbers for emergencies requiring you to be contacted during your voyage. Our Seattle staff will relay a message to the ship or our land operators.

Medical: If you have a physical disability, require on-going or frequent medical attention, or take special medications complete the medical needs section of your online guest forms: https://guests.un-cruise.net/customers/login.

While crew members are trained in first aid, there isn’t a doctor on board. Your ship is equipped with emergency first-aid supplies. Any emergency beyond the capability of the crew will be handled by motoring and/or air services to the nearest medical facility. Any costs for emergency evacuations or service are the responsibility of the traveler.

Seasickness: In the event of high winds or some open passageway crossings, you may experience seasickness. Seasickness medication is provided on board but is not recommended for children.

Luggage: It is your responsibility to check directly with your airline and departing airports for current regulations concerning prohibited items, luggage allowances, overweight baggage and other airline charges.

UnCruise Adventures representatives will handle and transfer your luggage once you arrive for embarkation. However, baggage handling services may be unavailable within restricted areas of airports, so it is a good rule
not to pack more than you can carry or wheel yourself.

Tranfers: Roundtrip group transfers between airport/hospitality area/ship are included on embarkation and disembarkation days.

Recommendations: Make photocopies of important documents, including passports, or save photos of documents on your smartphone/camera. Keep copies separate from originals. Keep essential items with you in your carry-on bags while traveling.

Cruising Philosophy: Our intimate size gives us access to secluded passages, coves, and wilderness areas—allowing for spontaneity and the ability to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. A day's schedule may change when wildlife or adventure opportunities present themselves. Your captain and expedition leader will keep you informed throughout the cruise.

Activities: Throughout your voyage, activities such as naturalist led hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and small skiff excursions are available at activity levels ranging from beginner to intermediate. You should be able to comfortably walk distances of at least 1/2-mile at a time. A certain amount of agility is necessary when boarding your ship, kayaks, motorized skiffs, or hiking over exposed vegetation and rocks on trails. All activity equipment is provided.

Gratuities: Recommended gratuities for exceptional service are $315 per guest, per week or 7-10% of charter fare for private full vessel charters. Gratuities will be settled along with your boat tab toward the end of your cruise. Personal checks, traveler’s checks, cash, or credit cards are accepted. Shipboard credit cannot be used toward gratuities. Gratuities to shoreside tour guides and drivers are not included and are at your discretion.

Meals & Drinks: Meals and premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included at no additional charge. Charges apply only for super premium wines and spirits. Legal drinking age aboard is 21 years. Specific mealtimes and daily entrée choices will be announced on board. If you have any food allergies or special diets, complete the dietary needs section of your online guest forms: https://guests.un-cruise.net/customers/login.

Photography: Crew members photograph guests, activities, and wildlife during the cruise. Some images may later be used in marketing materials. Guests who prefer their image not be used should notify the Expedition Leader on board at the beginning of the cruise. Guests who give images to our on board team are thereby giving. UnCruise Adventures permission to use such images for promotional purposes.

Drones: The use of drones is not allowed from our vessels. We travel in National Parks and remote, protected areas where the use of a drone is prohibited and/or not appropriate.

Smoking/Marijuana: Smoking or vaping is prohibited inside the vessels and is not permitted during shore excursions or on nature trails. Smoking or vaping tobacco products is only allowed on outside aft decks away from doors and windows. Smoking materials are not sold on board and should not be thrown overboard. While marijuana is legal in many U.S. states for medical or recreational use, federal law supersedes state law. Since marijuana is still a federally controlled substance, it is prohibited aboard all of our vessels, in all destinations. (Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (MDLEA) 46 U.S.C. 70501-70507, prohibiting the illegal transportation of controlled substances by a vessel).

Cabins: All cabins are well-appointed, comfortable, and keyless. The small size and intimate nature of our ships make it possible to avoid the inconvenience of keys. You can always lock your cabin from within. Cabins offer full bathroom facilities featuring either a Jacuzzi tub/shower or shower configuration. A collection of eco-friendly bath toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash), two terry robes, towels, hair dryer, and TV/DVD player is provided. Tap water is potable; we provide refillable bottles and water stations. On our vessels we use marine style toilets. These toilets are designed to receive, retain, and treat sewage. Important to know - the only thing that should go down the marine head is human waste and toilet paper - with no exceptions. Anything other than human waste and toilet paper can cause severe plumbing issues throughout the ship. Only use the toilet paper provided. Standard 110v electrical outlets can accommodate electric shavers, travel irons, cell phones, laptops, and camera battery chargers. Check all of your equipment to ensure that
you have the required chargers, adapters and converters for safe operation at 110v. Please note that at this time internet access is not available on board.

Communications: The Safari Explorer is equipped with a modern navigation and communications system including a Global Positioning System (GPS), satellite phone, marine radio, and cellular phone. Guests may make or receive emergency calls on the satellite phone at a rate of $10.00 per minute—times are rounded up to the next minute and charges must be paid prior to disembarkation. Please be aware that service is often unavailable when using any cell phone or the yacht’s satellite phone.

Equipment: The Safari Explorer carries inflatable skiffs used for transfers to/from shore. Tandem sea kayaks and paddle boards are available with instruction provided by the crew. An exercise bike, stair stepper or elliptical machine is also available.

Laundry: There are no guest laundry facilities on board.

Public Areas: Your ship has a main salon, dining area, library, sun lounge deck with covered patio, and an open bow for up-close viewing. An assortment of DVDs, magazines, books, and games are available for your use. The bridge is open to guests most of the time.

Special Events: We are happy to assist in celebrating a special event, such as a birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary. Please advise us as far in advance as possible by indicating your occasion on your online guest forms: https://guests.un-cruise.net/customers/login.

In an effort to ensure your flights/travel are arranged for your cruise at the correct time, please follow our guidance below. The times are for all itineraries. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

On embarkation day, your flight should arrive no later than:

Hawaii, the Big Island (KOA): 2:00 pm

Molokai (MKK): 3:30 pm

On disembarkation day, your flight should leave no earlier than:

Hawaii, the Big Island (KOA): 12:00 pm

Molokai (MKK): 10:00 am

The process of connecting from your mainland flight to Mokulele Airlines to get to Molokai is different than your usual connection. See our How-To on the connection.

The Hawaiian Islands are a collection of diverse micro-climates. With only 2 seasons—fall (Hooilo), November-April, and summer (Kau), May-October—temperatures and weather are fairly consistent year-round. Daytime temperatures average between 74° and 78° F in fall and between 80°and 85° F in summer—though temperatures are lower at higher elevations. Evenings only drop about 10° F. Please note that if you desire a wet suit for daily water activites to pack one with you. Wetsuits are not provided onboard in Hawaii, but are provided only for the manta ray snorkle by our partner.

Think practicality, active comfort, and layers. Weather and activities should be your guide for packing. Clothing made with sun protective fabric is recommended. Personal gear that serves you well on other outdoor adventures in warm climates will also work well for you in Hawaii. Please keep in mind that your storage space is limited, so pack efficiently.

Like all UnCruise adventures, the attire is very casual throughout the entire cruise. As there will be a variety of water sports available throughout the cruise, it is fine to wear your swimsuit in the dining room with an appropriate cover-up. No formal wear is required at any time.

Clothing
 Sweater or sweatshirt for windy evenings on deck
 Lightweight long-sleeve shirts
 Short sleeve t-shirts, shirts, or blouses
 Lightweight or convertible hiking pants
 Jeans/khakis, shorts, skirts/dresses
 Bathing suit

Outerwear
 Light rain or wind jacket
 Fleece or hooded jacket/pullover
 Brimmed hat & sun hat that covers ears/neck
 Long sleeve rash guard/sun-shirt

Luggage
 Dry bag for camera, binoculars, snacks, etc.
 Collapsible or nesting luggage recommended to
  maximize cabin storage space
 Daypack for hiking and skiff rides

Footwear

  Day hikers or sturdy walking shoes
 Water socks or water shoes/sandals
 Comfortable deck shoes
 Socks

Optional Items
 Travel binoculars with safety strap
 Camera, memory cards, extra batteries/charger,
  safety lanyard
 Paddling / waterproof gloves
 Water bottle (also available on board)

    Snorkel vest or wet suit (if you foresee needing one and want a bit more warmth) wetsuits are not provided
 Travel binoculars with safety strap
 Sunglasses & retainer strap
 SPF-rated lip protection
 Insect repellent
 Adventurous spirit!

*Please note: if you are going on a pre- or post-cruise land tour, be sure to bring your own refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellant.

Your cabin comes complete with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly shampoo/conditioner, and body wash.

Provided On Board
 Adventure gear including mask/snorkel/fins & yoga mats

 Refillable water bottles
 Sunscreen & insect repellant
 Fun and adventure!

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 on board 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 enough time to be effective.

The Hawaiian Islands are more than 2,500 miles from any other landmass. Due in part to the islands’ remote location, there are no snakes in Hawaii and only two native mammals—the hoary bat and the Hawaiian monk seal. It’s more common to see wild birds and introduced mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Flowering plants, fruit-bearing trees, and banyans provide perches for songbirds; sunbaked lava rock offers hiding spots for geckos and lizards.

Of the world’s 88 species of cetaceans (whales and dolphins), 24 have been seen in Hawaii. Humpback whales travel 3,000 miles in less than two months, migrating from Alaska to breed and give birth in the islands’ warm and shallow waters. Many sea creatures, including several species of dolphin, can be seen in the archipelago all year long. Here are some of the tropical plants and animals you may encounter on an UnCruise Adventure through the Hawaiian Islands.

Animals and Birds

• Nene or “Hawaiian goose” (pictured)
• Hawaiian honeycreepers
• Pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl)
• Myna birds
• Ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt)
• Cardinals
• Egrets
• Feral pig
• Indian mongoose
• Bullfrogs and tree frogs
• Geckos
•  

Marine Life

• Hammerhead sharks
• Spinner, spotted, and bottlenose dolphins
• Humpback whale (pictured)
• Pilot, melon head, and false killer whales
• Green sea turtles
• Giant Pacific Manta rays
• Octopus
• Whale sharks
• Humuhumunukunukuapaua’a (the official Hawaii state fish, also called the rectangular triggerfish)
• Yellow tang, Moorish idols, butterflyfish, white-spotted toby, clown fish, wrasse, trumpetfish, needlefish, eels

These resources are suggested to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the history, unique culture, wilderness, and wildlife of Hawaii.

Natural World

By Wind, By Wave: An Introduction to Hawaii’s Natural History - David L. Eyre
Showcasing 17 specific animals, Eyre explores and explains the interwoven and complex ecosystem of Hawaii and how the environment has been changed.

Pele: Goddess of Hawaii’s Volcanoes - Herb Kawainui Kane
Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, is a fascinating character in the historic mythology and modern-day lives of Hawaiians. Discover the fiery and gentle sides of this most famous goddess, and a tip or two on how to stay on her good side while visiting her islands.

Voices of Wisdom: Hawaiian Elders Speak - M.J. Harden
Striking photos and phenomenal interviews with 24 leaders of Hawaiian culture today offer up wisdom of the elders seldom shared outside local Native circles.

Hawaiian Heritage Plants - Angela Kay Kepler
Through short essays, the stories of 32 native plants are told through their unique biology, cultural and spiritual significance, historical role, and place within the greater ecosystem.

Eddie Would Go - Stuart Holmes Coleman
This is a well-told tribute biography of Eddie Aikau, pioneer of big wave surfing, ambassador of Aloha, and beloved Hawaiian son who sacrificed his life to save his crew on a 1970s canoe voyage.

Mark Twain in Hawaii: Roughing it in the Sandwich Islands - Mark Twain

Sent on assignment to write about Hawaii in the 1860s, his adventure included socializing with Hawaiian Royals, trying to surf, witnessing volcanic flows, and experiencing vibrant island culture.

Moloka'i - Alan Brennert
A novel of historical fiction tells a colorfully imagined tale of a young girl sent to live in Hawaii’s leper colony and the life she discovers there.

No Footprints in the Sand: A Memoir of Kalaupapa - Henry Kalalahilimoku Nalaielua, Sally-Jo Keala-o-anuenue Bowman
At age 10, Nalaielua is diagnosed with Hansens disease—or leprosy—and sent away to live at a leprosy colony. Often cheerful, this is his memoir growing up exiled and isolated.