PAC-WHALE ECOADVENTURES

Pacwhale Eco-adventures is a great place to book a dolphin- or whale-watching adventure, world class snorkeling or a fabulous sunset dinner cruise. We went on a fascinating celestial cruise where our astronomer guide, Harriet Witt, provided a wealth of entertaining yet informative trivia on everything from how the Polynesians of yesteryear used the stars to find the Hawaiian islands to where Venus, Saturn and Mars situate in the night sky. The tour includes cocktails and delicious appetizers and since you are closer to the equator, the stars seem that much closer! It's an amazingly unique experience you won't soon forget. All profits raised support Pacific Whale Foundation’s education and conservation programs to protect dolphins, whales and our precious oceans.

MOLOKAI

The island is stunningly beautiful for one of the lesser traveled islands, but as far as amenities, there's only one market and very few restaurants, so plan your stay accordingly. We flew here from Maui on the only airline that flies to Molokai, Mokulele airlines. The planes are 6-8 seaters, but their safety record is flawless and the scenery from above was breathtaking. While on Molokai, Papohaku beach should be on your bucket list—it's 3 miles long and 100 yards wide of pristine, white sand beach and it's usually deserted, so you've got this whole oasis of coastline all to yourself. For dinner, check out Hiro's Ohana grill at the Hotel Molokai for surf and turf fare. We stayed at one of two Dunbar beachfront cottages and they were fantastic. You have your own private beach and the cottages are roomy with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. If you venture out into the backcountry of Molokai, you'll be rewarded with high elevations and great views of the Pacific!