Over 4000 kilometres of the Pacific Ocean separate Alaska from Hawaii. With these expeditions you’ll discover what connects the two sides of the Pacific: icy tundra at the edge of the world and lush, tropical shores.

For Australians, it’s easy to forget that one end of the Pacific Ocean is bordered by mountain ranges and fjords draped in glaciers. Here, in Alaska, the waters are home to pods of orcas and bears roam the frostbitten wilderness.

Set your compass further south, and the Pacific coastline transforms into white sand in the shade of palm trees in Hawai‘i. The water here is clear, blue and glitters with the sun’s golden rays. The air smells of frangipani blossoms and the atmosphere is lush: think tropical fruits, volcanic landscapes and rich Polynesian culture.

The best way to stitch together the ocean’s two sides is with UnCruise. Itineraries are crafted to get away from the crowds and into the heart of travel; expect a small expedition into the wilderness with an expert guide and evenings spent connecting with locals.

Sailing with UnCruise

The UnCruise focus is on meaningful experiences, rather than mass tourism. That means each itinerary connects with culture on an intimate, small group tour – not via bustling ports and souvenir stores. Instead of the typical port-to-port style cruise, you’ll dock in remote areas inaccessible to larger boats and find yourself far, far away from crowds.

Each tour is all-inclusive, too, so you won’t spend your days signing up for additional inclusions on board. And you’ll dine on chef-prepared regional cuisine inspired by the place you’re experiencing; no buffets, just intimate, communal dining with locally sourced produce.

Fire: Hawaiְ‘i

If you’re chasing ethical, up-close marine wildlife encounters with some of the Pacific’s most majestic creatures, an adrenaline-pumping pace and genuine local connection while not losing out on creature comforts, you may be a ‘fire’ traveller.

UnCruise’s seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes journey is perfect if you seek cultural experiences paired with striking natural beauty. You’ll work your way from Kailua-Kona to the untouched ‘friendly isle’ of Moloka‘i; between points A and B, your days will be filled with experiences that feel a far cry from the regular tourist beat.

Each day you’ll explore hidden Hawaiian sea caves and secluded, vibrant snorkelling spots accessible only by small boat – like Kealakekua Bay, home to a pod of spinner dolphins and a dreamscape of corals. You’ll swim with turtles at the aptly named ‘Turtle Town’ and cruise through the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, where you can watch as the gentle giants burst through the swell (the whales make the journey from the deep, cool waters of Alaska to raise their young in the warm waters off Hawai‘i). Once the sun sets, you’ll snorkel with giant manta rays (hāhālua); each night, you’ll find them feasting on the plankton that swim in the lights of your boat.

Wake up and head to the volcanic mist-shrouded slopes of Hualālai to start your morning roughly two kilometres above the Kona coast. Hike through ancient lava fields and coastlines hundreds and thousands of years in the making. Discover the area’s critically endangered ecosystem – dry tropical rainforests – that developed thanks to the island’s location and winds.

Make the most of your smaller cruise and visit locations unspoiled by tourism – like Moloka‘i, one of Hawai‘i’s least visited islands. Here, there are no traffic lights, no high-rises and no freeways – just the soaring slopes of some of the world’s tallest cliffs rising from the sea. “Talk story" with locals to hear legends, learn the traditional lore and discover how the community tends to their taro and produces poi. You can also hike the island’s towering razorback cliffs. End the day with a pāʻina; it’s more intimate than a luau, with just you, the locals and their food, music and stories.

Ice: Alaska

If tropical warmth is less important to you than standing face-to-face with a towering glacier, ice is the itinerary for you. You’re the type who’s always up for an adventure but would never complain if the day ended in a real bed with a glass of wine. And you should consider an Alaska itinerary with UnCruise.

Alaska’s mountainous fjords can be difficult to navigate, but with UnCruise’s smaller vessels, you’ll be docking far from the crowds – and civilisation – to make the most of your journey into the wild. And forget zooming in on a glacier to get the shot from a crowded deck. With UnCruise, you’ll take the skiff to the shore and bushwhack your way to its face.

Paddle through floating icebergs in silent awe by kayak. Float through ‘bergie bits’ as you glide through remote Alaskan coves where you’ll often be outnumbered by the wildlife. Watch humpback whales animate the horizon from May to September. On land, join your expedition leader deep into bear territory to catch a glimpse of the elusive coastal brown bear. Cruise through their habitat in skiffs to marvel at them from the water.

Back on the ship, let the friendly crew whip you up a cocktail with glacial ice, or rejuvenate with mud masks made with glacial silt.

Alaska’s northern lights can occur 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For your best chance at spotting them, trust your expedition leader to guide you away from land for the most unfiltered views.

Visit uncruise.com to start planning your fire or ice adventure.