Capturing the Moment

  The road winds down the edge of the cliff as you get closer to Halawa Valley. A waterfall can be seen at the far back of the valley, and rainforest jungle covers the rest. Today I explored the East End of Molokai Island, here in Hawaii. This part of the island offers a more serene and authentic Hawaiian experience, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of more tourist-heavy spots. The landscape is stunning, with lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and dramatic cliffs. We ventured into Halawa Valley, known for its cascading waterfalls and rich cultural history, and spent time learning about the true Hawaii from a family still living the traditional Hawaiian way. We hiked past ancient walls, toppled by tsunamis and reclaimed by the rainforest. We stopped to learn about a huge, seven tiered temple, dedicated to the agricultural god, Lono. And we swam under a sacred waterfall, enjoying having it all to ourselves. What ...

  Kayaking with the erosional sea stacks behind and beautiful colors of the sunrise off the coast of Lana'i Island.     When I'm working as an expedition leader onboard expedition cruises,  I try to take our intrepid guests to places they wouldn't normally be able to go, or even know about. Our ship, the Safari Explorer, is made for this kind of travel and exploration. We carry sea kayaks, stand up paddle boards, snorkel gear, and small boats, which we use to immerse ourselves in beautiful, but off-the-beaten-path places, in incredible destinations. During the winter we run trips among the Hawaiian Islands. And I like to think that we provide a very unique experience, that no one else really knows about. Check out these photos from our day, and see if you agree.     We spent the day exploring the rugged West coast of the little visited island of Lana'i. The west side of the island has steep lava rock cliffs that plunge down into the water below. There is on...