TimeSpaceAdventurer
Aug 2019
I don't write many negative reviews. I want to support small businesses. However when the owner of the company (Joe) belittles and bullies you, especially when they are suppose to have the aloha spirit, you have to warn other people. I booked a 7 person paddling/canoeing experience (even TripAdvisor splits the reviews between canoeing and sailing) and when I arrived they asked 5 of us to go into a paddling canoe, and 2 of us to go into a separate sail boat with another party. I'm on a group bachelor party with 7 guys who want to have a fun once in a lifetime experience together. Together being the key word.
I'm ok with having 3 guys in one paddling canoe and 4 guys in another paddling canoe, but how does it make sense to have 2 guys sit in a sailboat with strangers while 5 of the others are paddling? I called them the morning of and they didn't mention any changes whatsoever. I even asked them how likely it would be a private experience for us, and they said that it was very likely since they probably wouldn't have anyone book the last 3 spots on the paddling canoe. When I called to inquire about what happened, Joe the owner said that they could do whatever they wanted. Then hung up on me!
If they had told me that one of the guides was injured that day or if one of the boats was getting repaired it would have been understandable. What probably happened was that they didn't want to have two separate tour guides for our group of 7 since they would have needed two separate paddling canoes. Instead they were able to save money by sticking 2 people into someone else's sailboat and try to pass it off as if it was the same experience. I can guarantee you it is not the same experience. The owner even said "Did I get you from point A to point B. And back from point B to point A? Then this conversation is over and I delivered everything I promised."
I think you should treat everyone with respect and professionalism regardless if they are native Hawaiians, local residents, or tourists that are visiting.
The one star is for the guide for the paddling canoe. He was knowledgable and enthusiastic. If I could just book with him directly in the future I would. Do not go through Joe and Kailua Ocean Adventures. Maybe he just had a bad day, but maybe he doesn't understand that when you order steak at a restaurant and get chicken, it's not the same thing.