Stardust and Guide Rich did a great job and worth the price. My pickup time was 5:55 and they arrived early but I was ready. We passed by all the things on the itinerary and stopped at all the pre-destined stops except the longest waterfall due to parking and the group voting not to stop and wait. I was dropped off around 4pm so a 10 hour day.
Plan on swimming some? Probably best to have your suit on with a coverup until after the black sands beach. Then change if you want dry clothes. I definitely recommend water-shoes and a pair of sandals so you’re not in wet feet for the rest of the ride. I did swim by the waterfalls (didn’t jump off the cliff but one brave girl did) and didn’t use my towel but I recommend bringing one.
Pros:
Ran on time, knowledgeable guide, air-conditioned van, mostly comfortable seats with places for a phone and beverage.
FOOD: Almost exactly as described. Lots of Lays chips, nature valley granola bar, water bottles, Hawaiian canned juice mixes, cut pineapple in baggies, and simple whole-wheat sandwiches of turkey, ham, veggie with cheese (havarti on my ham I think).
STOPS: A good amount of time at the stops and well-placed along the route. You can wander a little away from the others and see and take pictures.
GUIDE: Rich was friendly, bantered and answered question, told some facts and info and apparently “knows” a lot of people on the island and could point out some celebrity dwellings just as well as major parts of the island. He was a good sport when people asked silly questions like are those mountains (on the makai) still Haleakala? And why are there all these Great Britain flags, sigh…his driving was safe too!
Cons:
SEATING: I sat up front since we had 9 and only 9 open seats because the back row was taped off. The seat wouldn’t adjust and my back ached that afternoon and next day.
FOOD: These were sliced muffins (like little pieces of bread) and not a whole muffin which was disappointing based on description. I’d personally have liked more fruit and less chips/granola as other options. I think the guide could offer beverages more often.
GUIDE: Rich was great and took pictures at Ke’anae Point but then seemed to stay with the van at stops after that. It would be cool if he helped with pictures at times as some other tour guides were. But not a deal-breaker. I felt more cultural and myths should have been included. He either was unsure or did not feel like going into some of the history of the islands.
KE’ANAE POINT: Is this labeled wrong? There’s two listed. We did NOT stop at the Halfway to Hana stop so no shave ice, snacks, or other banana bread. KE’ANAE PARK We did stop at the park down from Aunt Sandys but that was the only place you could make a purchase from and that was very limited.
RICE PARK: this is a toilet stop. It can be improved by stopping by the food stands nearby and telling individuals to walk over if they need to use the bathroom. Only ONE stall by the way so you spend most of the time waiting in line.
Response from Host
Aug 2022
Mahalo for your feedback. 1. If you sat upfront, you had most definitely the best seat as it offers the best views and most room and the back reclines. It like flying a business class. 2. We actually slice the pastries for easy handling and less waste as most guests cannot even finish the full size. However there is always plenty of servings for each guest. 3. Your tour guide is a driver. His main responsibility is to safely get you from on place to another, to provide narration of the tour. He is not required to walk around the sites with the guests. It is your choice to explore each stops on your own. Our drivers are required to stay near the van to assist guests which stay on board or return early. 4. We stop at Keanae point to see Peninsula lookout and then Keanae banana stand. 5. Rice park is not only a toilet stop but also a great area to experience cooler climate of Haleakala slopes and upcountry fresh air with the most amazing bicoastal views.