This was not just a sightseeing tour, it was a journey into the heart of the Hawaiian people. Our guide, Kolaa, please forgive if I misspelled was young and at first impression far too practiced. But as we traversed the primal Hawaiian landscape, he unveiled with unexpected wisdom, and a depth of passion only found when one is connected to the land as he is, secrets of the Hawaiian culture and heritage. We truly had no expectations other than to see a few island landscapes not ventured on previous trips, but this was an adventure extraordinaire with this interesting savant as our interpreter. Do not expect to be taken on drive-bys of purged and plumaged tourista attractions. Instead, try to empathize with a history of cultural and ecological interference and dominance, all related without malice but rather as historical fact. Not only were we enlightened to these waves of ways in which the Islands have changed, but we were treated to the stories, the myths, and the rich heritage of the Hawaiian culture. He also treated us to demonstrations of useful and medicinal plants and explained how, with careful planning, one could live completely self-sufficiently on this beautiful, mysterious and volatile rock. I could see how our young guide lived the Hawaiian way his reference to his family was always so tender and sincere. I would especially recommend our guide and this adventure to those who have an interest in anything ecologically related to the Islands. He has a depth of knowledge that you will find challenging and insightful.
Beautiful and enjoyable, with the opportunity to see the rain forest side of Hawaii. The only problem we had was the expectation that people sit in the far rear seats on the right and left over the wheel wells of your vans. No way should anyone be expected to sit with their knees crunched up in their chest for this 8 hour tour. Suggest you NOT book the trip so full that anyone would be expected to sit in these rear right and left seats. Had the front seat not been available, we would not have gone on the tour and insisted our money be refunded.
Fun trip, good guide with lots of good information during or rides to the various locations. An easy way to see the Northeast side of the island.