When it comes to Hawaii cruises, American Safari is the best kept secret sailing the islands. The small ship has just completed its first season here in Hawaii, but will be returning in the fall. After finishing my week on board, I say it’s well worth the extra cost to savor the most unbelievable water-based, authentic Hawaii experience. Also perfect for anyone like me who is tired of traditional cruising.

Let me start by saying, I had a complete blast. And I was not alone in that feeling. The adventures, amazing crew, and incredible passengers all made for an unforgettable life experience .

Billed the “un-cruise,” our 36 passenger yacht, the Safari Explorer, left from Lanai and dipped into coves and remote areas the big ships can’t touch. Our jam packed adventure week also included Molokai, Maui and the Big Island.

Flexibility: nature dictates our 7-night itinerary making American Safari the ultimate Hawaii adventure.

After late season humpback whales were spotted off Maui, we altered course to watch them. When a pod of 6 humpbacks later appeared, we jumped into skiffs pictured below to follow them. Off the coast of Big Island we sailed near sea caves and unloaded kayaks from the ship to explore. Snorkeling was spontaneous too anytime we found secluded and otherwise unreachable areas teeming with fish. The 80 degree Pacific Ocean “pool” was always open for swimming.

Back on board there were gourmet meals, all the drinks we wanted, ocean view staterooms and the personalized services of 14 crew members. Even the bridge was open to talk story with Captain Scotty.

Unique Hawaii on a smaller scale yacht – starting at less than $1,500 more than large cruise ships.

There’s sticker shock at first because the price is 100% all-inclusive compared to the big ships’ A la carte fares. Everything possible during the week is included on American Safari expect gratuity. When I did a comparison, it worked out much cheaper than expected in spite of the $4,995 price.

Our Report Card  - A Cool, Sophisticated Vibe

Expedition Leaders and Ocean Activities: A+

All activities customized to each passenger’s comfort level. I asked for a prescription snorkeling mask and it was provided. Our two leaders, Jill and Karl, did a fantastic job. Lockers on the swim deck were assigned so I could store my gear for the week.

Cabin: B+

My master stateroom category comprised half the staterooms. Beautifully decorated with lots of storage space and ocean view. Only drawback was the smallish size and having to jump over the other person to get out of bed. Higher priced staterooms offer more room and even jacuzzi tubs.

Land Activities: A-

The Molokai pa`ina (Hawaiian feast) pictured below scored huge. So did the hike to Halawa falls. Picnic lunch at spectacular Papohaku Beach was fun. Some guests wanted less talk from local guides and more time to explore on their own. While all activities are included in your fare, your participation is optional.

Food: A-

Most passengers raved about the meat entrees while I ate fresh island fish nightly. As a connoisseur of Pacific Rim cuisine I think its interpretation might improve over time on board the Safari Explorer. Two entree options at every meal, half and half if you preferred to try both. Two different premium wines accompany meals. I did have to clarify my dining preferences several times to get it right. On the other hand, snacks and beverages were provided without asking after all activities and the crew quickly  learned what each of us liked. For example, one morning I asked for vegetarian sausage, and by the next day the chef had it prepared. Preferred drinks were always remembered and suggested. Cookies on the bed were de rigeur at night.

Service: A

Understated and elegant. Crew members knew everyone’s name after the first day and we were all on a first name basis. Room service twice daily.

Suggestions If You Go:

• Try something new -  your expedition leaders offer a safety net and provide thorough instruction on all activities.
• Bring some dressier sports clothes – while shorts and t-shirts are completely fine, most passengers dressed for evening meals.
• Take a yoga class beforehand if you plan to participate in the excellent daily classes. It helps to know basic postures. Yoga mats are always available if you’d like to practice on your own.
• Know how to swim – the more comfortable you are in the water, the more you’ll enjoy the myriad of ocean activities.
• Prepare your day pack the night before – so you’re ready to go after breakfast. It’s less hassle.

You’re A Good Fit for American Safari If:

• The norm is not for you, you’re looking for adventure, or you can’t see yourself on a traditional Hawaii cruise.
• You are seeking a week of world-class active adventures here in Hawaii.
• Gourmet food and drink is for you.
• You aren’t shy about being on a small ship where everyone gets to know one another.

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Note: Beat of Hawaii paid a travel industry rate.

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Three steps to getting a visitor library card:

1. Download the library card application or pick one up at any library in Hawaii.

2. Decide if you want a three month card for $10 or five year card for $25.

3. Bring photo ID, proof of permanent residence (a checkbook with your name and address will do), plus temporary address.

With your library card you can check out books, rent DVD’s for a dollar a week, select CD’s for your Discount Hawaii Rental Car and use library computers for up to an hour a day. Some libraries even have 15 minute express computers.

Libraries do not let Wi-Fi users charge their computers or print documents. You can, however, print from library computer stations for 15 cents a copy. That works great for printing your boarding pass.

If you have tips on where to find Internet access in Hawaii, let us know in the comment section. During my recent American Safari cruise of the Hawaiian islands with Inner Sea Discoveries – which you’ll be hearing about soon – the libraries on each island were a convenient air conditioned location for wireless internet in Hawaii.

Some of the contests below are ending soon, so check the dates, sign up, and please let us know if you’re one of the lucky winners. One of our readers, Sharon, won a contest she read about on Beat of Hawaii, and I can’t wait to hear which of you is next.

Pottery Barn Excape to the heart of Hawaii

Grand prize is a trip for four to Oahu. Includes airfare and five nights’ accommodation in a two bedroom oceanfront suite.

Open to US and Canadian residents 18 and older (except Quebec).

Enter by May 23, 2012.

Nabiscoworld – A trip to paradise

Grand prize is a trip for four to Oahu. Includes airfare, six nights’ accommodations and a rental car.

Open to US residents 13 and older.

Enter by August 2, 2012.

Microsoft – win a Hawaiian vacation

Grand prize is trip for four to Honolulu. Includes airfare, six nights’ accommodations, rental car allowance; $3,500 spending money, $5,600 that can be used to pay for taxes and more.

Open to US residents 18 and older.

Enter by May 31, 2012.

 Fandango’s the lucky one Hawaii sweepstakes

Grand prize is a trip for two to Honolulu. Includes airfare, and seven nights’ accomodations.

Open to US residents (other than Rhode Island) 21 and older

Enter by May 4, 2012.

Colgate freshness with a kick Hawaii sweepstakes

Grand prize is a trip for two to Hilo on the Big Island. Includes airfare and five nights’ accommodations, rental car and more.

Open to US residents 18 and older.

Enter by April 28, 2012.

Win a trip to Maui contest

Grand prize is a trip for two to Maui including CA$2,000 airfare allowance and five nights accommodation.

Open to Canada residents (except Quebec) who are over the age of majority.

Enter by October 31, 2012.

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First, the summer peak travel season is nearly upon us (wow, that came fast). Summer is stacking up to be a very busy time here in the islands. It’s a perfect opportunity for family vacations, when kids are out of school. For many of you who are looking for the best deal, however, summer is simply not an ideal time to visit Hawaii. But the fall is.

When Hawaii deals happen

Travel deals for the fall could start popping up as a part of fare wars at any time now. Otherwise, the first set of fall deals usually happen mid-summer. That’s the point when the airlines figure that if you’re going to come during the peak of summer, you’ve already made your plans. These are the deals to take advantage of when you want a Hawaii vacation to take place from mid-August through mid-October.

The sensational deals that many of you are waiting for however, usually come at a different point in time. As the economy has strengthened, and the airlines have achieved better control of their inventory through smaller planes, consolidation and better planning, the dates when these deals usually come out have gone later. I’m now looking to see the best deals of the year start to be announced in October. That means if you’re planning on an early fall vacation, this isn’t going to help. When these fares do arrive, however, they’ll be valid through early December, except typically for Thanksgiving break.

What are the best prices you can expect

The first wave of fall Hawaii deals is released during the summer; look for these in in July. When they occur, we’ll see a drop from summer airfares by up to 50%. West coast airfares that are running $400 or more each way for mid-June through mid-August will subside to the $200-$250 each way range.

The big sale we all wait for comes in the second wave of fall deals that can be expected to occur in October. Those will bring the sub-$200 each way fares from up and down the west coast and sometimes even from more distant cities.

There could be surprises ahead

This year Hawaii is thrilled to have a brand new high value, low fare oriented player, Allegiant Air. They’ve only made the first round of announcements for their Hawaii offerings. Those routes are Fresno to Honolulu and Las Vegas to Honolulu. But Allegiant has a fleet of planes acquired for Hawaii service. Expect to see more announcements from them, together with great deals for which they are known.

Southwest postponed the possibility of Hawaii service for the time being, so we probably won’t hear anything from them.

I do expect Alaska Air to continue to dominate new mainland routes to and from Hawaii as they’ve done in the past few years. More service from Southern California is very likely. When that happens, it will rekindle the now dormant LA to Hawaii deal market. A lot of us, including me, are waiting for that.

Photo: Sea cliffs of Molokai

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If you’re among those who are anxious to try out Aulani, but are not quite as excited about their equally impressive $399 starting price, here’s a way to get in for a little less. AAA members can get a starting rate of $359 when you include one other amenity with your booking package. While not our typical Hawaii travel deal, that about as good as it gets for Aulani right now.

Congratulations to today’s VIP Alerts winner. Linda Kersten just won one year’s free alerts from the mainland city of her choice. 

We’re giving away free alerts every day this week, so you too can win. VIP Alerts are advance deal notifications via text or email for just your city. If you’re not already a Facebook fan, here’s a good reason to give it a try. 

Join us on Facebook for a chance to win.

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Today’s VIP Alerts winner is Elaine Jacobs.

Spring Deals

Last week we had many Spring Hawaii travel deals as Jeff had been expecting. We don’t think we’ve heard the last of these so stay tuned for more deals that can get you to Hawaii for less money.

Photo Description: Near Hamoa Beach on Maui – captured on a beautiful spring day in Hawaii. 

An easy drive up – slow down and take your time

Don’t be intimidated by the drive. Just slow down and enjoy. Once I turned up Crater Drive it took about 45 minutes to reach the summit. The views and scenery along the way are fantastic. You’ll find the road in pristine condition from when it leaves Olinda, all the way to the 10,000 foot peak.

Once near the top, there’s a visitor center (closes at 3pm) and a short hike. That’s not the end of the road, however, there’s more to see at the top where you’ll find an enclosed observation deck (always open) and surreal views over the crater to the ocean beyond. I also saw the two summits of the Big Island in the distance.

The well maintained national park is vast, encompassing far more than the famous volcanic summit. It starts at the ocean at the Kipahulu area, which is accessed just beyond Hana. That’s home to O’Heo gulch, also knows as Seven Sacred Pools. Your $10 at either point buys you a three day entrance, as it is just too much park (and too much driving) to be done in one day.

Activities

There are an unlimited number of things to do, including sightseeing, walks, organized downhill bike rides and even horseback. You can also do a walk or hike conducted by the National Park Service. Naturalists will enjoy unique Hawaii flora and fauna. Star watching is unequaled, being above one third of the earth’s atmosphere. This is also the home to Hawaii’s first astronomical research observatory.  If you’d like to stay on, and plan ahead, there are cabins for rent in the park.

Weather

You can expect the weather to be extreme within the park. At 5pm the temperature at the summit was a very brisk 45 degrees and sunny. Last week, flash floods and hail pelleted the park all the way down to sea level. I wore all the clothes that I had with me, and was still cold.

More information

The National Park Service has more on their Haleakala website.

Where you’ll find us

Beat of Hawaii is on Maui this week. You’ll also find us reporting from Molokai, Lanai and the Big Island in the weeks ahead. That in addition to our normal beats of Kauai and Oahu. So expect to hear a lot more from each island.

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When I drive around in the islands, it’s easy for me to think that there isn’t much chance of such things happening here. Yet from this and other accidents I’ve seen and known of, nothing could be further from the truth.

This weekend’s accidents.

Both of these tragedies took place on rural roads. The first, on Kauai, happened Saturday afternoon on Poipu Road, in a 25 mph zone, when a vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head on. One of the occupants involved is in critical condition.

Just hours later, and 150 miles away on Maui, five were killed and four injured when another vehicle crossed the center line and collided head on. Drugs and speeding are considered possible factors in this incident.

Takeaway.

Please drive safely in Hawaii. Don’t become complacent and think that deadly accidents can’t happen here. With all of nature’s beauty as distractions, let’s all keep up our guard.

Read 10 safe driving tips for Hawaii visitors.

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Beat of Hawaii does not represent any of these companies or have any influence on the outcome of the sweepstakes.

1. Pediped Win a trip for four to Kauai.

Open to: US residents, age 21+.
Enter by: March 30.
Grand Prize: Trip for four including round trip air and 7 night stay at the Sheraton Kauai Resort

2. Delta/Outrigger Win 1 of 2 remaining vacations to the Hawaiian Islands

Open to: US residents, age 18+.

Enter by March 30. Final drawings are March 23 and 30.

Grand prizes: Roundtrip airfare for two, 5-night hotel stays at Outrigger Hotels, and a rental car. March 23 winner is to Kauai and March 30 is to Maui.

3. Journey to Aulani sweepstakes.

Open to: US residents, age 13+.

Enter by March 23.

Grand prize round trip air and 4 night stay for four at Disney Aulani Resort on Oahu plus a $500 room credit.

4. Lucky Magazine win a free trip to Kauai.

Open to: US residents, age 18+

Enter by: April 30.

Grand prize: Round trip airfare plus five nights at The St. Regis Princeville Resort on Kauai. Includes a personal butler (room value is $1,800/night), plus massage and facial, use of a private beach side cabana, daily breakfast, and airport transfers.

5. Embassy Suites Hawaii sweepstakes.

Open to US and Canadian residents, age 18+. Must be a Hilton Honors (free) member.

Enter by: May 15.

Grand prize: 5-night trip for the winner and up to four guests to stay at the Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk Resort.  Also includes round trip air, plus $500 gift certificate.

6. Marriott Vacation Club sweepstakes.

Open to US residents, age 18+.

Enter by: November 7, 2012 for final drawing.

Grand prize: A 13-night stay of your choice (Maui, Kauai or Oahu) in a two-bedroom villa (six person occupancy), one million HawaiianMiles, and a $10,000 Visa gift card.

7. Bloomspot Hawaii getaway – Four Seasons Maui

Open to US residents age 21+.

Enter by May 1, 2012.

One grand prize consisting of airfare for two and five nights at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. Also includes dinner and spa day at the Grand Wailea and a snorkeling excursion.

8. Live with Kelly fresh air sweepstakes.

Open to: US residents age 18+ and residents of Canada.

Enter by: March 30.

Grand prize:  Choice of vacations including a Kailua-Kona, Hawaii vacation with round-trip airfare for winner and up to five guests five nights hotel (up to three rooms, ground transportation in Hawaii; a customized tour of the Kailua-Kona and surrounding national park plus $2500 cash.

9. Rachel Ray aisle to isle sweepstakes.

Open to: US residents age 21+.

Enter by: March 31.

Grand prize: A five night Maui vacation for two including airfare plus accommodations at Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.

Free VIP Alerts Facebook drawings every week.  

Win a year’s worth of instant deal notifications for just your city. If you’re not already a Facebook fan, here’s a good reason to give it a try.

This is the lowest price we’ve ever seen for Budget Travel. It is a one day sale so act right away to take advantage of it.

Today’s Hawaii travel deal

Title: Budget Travel Magazine

Cost: From $2.29/year (4 year subscription), up to $2.99/year (1 year subscription)

Source: Discount Mags, courtesy of Brads Deals

Note: Use discount code BRADSDEALS after you add magazine selection to cart in order to reveal discounted price

Two more free VIP Alerts giveaways this week, so sign up to win in 30 seconds or less.

It’s not a free trip to Hawaii, but VIP Alerts will sure help you get here for less money.