Checked in told by the driver to wait on a bench, and then he promptly disappeared.
Chaos ensues with the last remaining representative, who then takes us over an hour after we had checked in.
Tour promises guests to " discover Rainbow Falls", we were given exactly 12 minutes and informed it is against this tour companies' policies to "allow"guests to access a clearly defined, signposted viewing point. The viewing point had secure handrails, and people of varying mobility were using it. We told the guide we would go to the viewing point at our own "risk," and he said he would drive off and leave us if we did . We had to endure a day with a driver who had threatened to leave us on our 2nd stop in a place we had never been to before. His advice was to return to Hilo if we wanted that view, kinda what we just paid you £500 for?
On our return to the van, after the specified 12 minutes, the driver decided we could go to the viewing point, if we ran and told the others on the tour, there was nothing to see. I have attached a picture of the "risky" viewing point and the beautiful view.
If you want to take in the full beauty of Rainbow Falls, I advise you to take a tour with another operator. Every other tour allowed their guest to visit the designated viewpoint!
Réponse de l'hôte
Mar 2025
Just noticed my response never got posted. I will apologize for the check-in that day. That is why we ask guests to let us know beforehand if they are traveling together with separately made reservations so that we don't have to scramble to rearrange last minute.
As far as the Rainbow falls stop...... Lets clear up some details. This stop was 20 min. We go directly in front of the viewing area for best photos. You had asked guide Paul to go up to the side viewing area. Although he recommended against it ( Due to past slips on the stairs..... and one passengers went to the emergency ) He stated if you do, you have 13 min until the vehicle departs. Stating this to you because you were late coming back to the vehicle on the prior stop. Due to this you requested to be fully refunded.....REALLY! This is a guided tour and we must stay on schedule for all guests.