This was our second road to hana tour and the first one was much better in my opinion. We had gone with a different company previously, but they didnt have any tours available to our knowledge (Skyline?!). Anyway, to start with, on the website it appeared that we would be picked up from our hotel (Hyatt Regency), which I would say is on the main hotel strip, but that was not the case. Stardust claims that they tried to reach us multiple times via email or otherwise, but we only got a phone call less than 24 hours ahead of time about having to drive to the departure point. We had to drive to a park and ride about 30 min away from the hotel, which could’ve been worse, but wasn't ideal. We were picked up at 7:15 and dropped off at 4ish in the afternoon (an hour earlier than what was supposed to be the 5 pm end to tour). We stopped multiple times in the first 2-3 hours of the tour, but then for the rest of the time, I think we only made 2 stops. There were definitely some missed opportunities for photos around the little grand canyon area for example (where we had stopped on our other tour). This area on the more desert-like part of the island was my favorite spot that we stopped at on our previous tour, but we never stopped there this time unfortunately. Also, we stopped at the waterfalls (where you could swim) for only 15-20 min, which doesnt give you much time to do anything. Lunch was a regular half sandwich, chips and some fresh pineapple. The pineapple was amazing, but the chips and sandwich were run of the mill ordinary items that were likely from Costco (Kirkland brand water tipped it off). The lunch on the other tour was much more authentic and unique. I’m not sure how much control the guide had over the amount of time to stop at each place, the places we stopped, etc. So, I would probably be more critical of the company than the guide. The guide was very knowledgeable about the island and shared a lot of interesting factoids with us, but all in all, we made some short stops on the front end, hardly any stops for the last 2/3 of the tour, and had a mediocre lunch. Whereas the first tour was unforgettable, this one was kind of lack-luster.
Réponse de l'hôte
May 2021
We very much appreciate your feedback. We messaged you in advance through Viator that the pickup point will be at the meeting spot with no response back from you. We also called you the day before to reconfirm it and you were fine with it. Not once did you express any concern. Regarding the length of the tour, if we would be picking/dropping you off at your hotel, you would be starting at 6 am and returning after 5 pm and of course the tour would be much longer. By meeting us at the meeting spot, we actually saved you from sitting on the bus and driving around to other hotels with the rest of the guests, unless you like to do so. We make around 8 stops on our tour, and there are plenty of opportunities for taking photos and swimming. As a matter of fact, we stop in multiple locations for swimming. Regarding lunch, we used to go to a local food joint in Hana before covid, but nowadays the majority of places in Hana are still closed or not fully operating yet. That is why we bring freshly made whole sandwiches (not halves like you mentioned) from a local deli and Hawaiian juice (not water only). We plan on stopping for lunch in Hana again, once the restaurants are fully open. I don't think it's realistic to expect to go on the exact same tour with two different companies. Aloha