Our tour started at 7:55 and until 11:20, we made three bathroom breaks and they were the only reason for the stops. We were on our way to Manawainui Lookout but halfway there, Janel learned there was a flood. From that time on, our first main stop was to have lunch at 12:40. So all that time was spent on numerous curvy roads. By the time we headed to our second stop at 1:20, I just wanted to go to bed and rest.
We stopped at:
Kailan Flower Farm (1 hour for lunch)
Black sand beach (1 hour)
Pua State park (20 mins)
Hana refreshment park for banana bread (15-20mins allotted and you have to make the line)
Ke’anae (15 mins to make up for Wailea Falls)
The stops we missed:
Mianawainui Lookout
Wailea Falls
I’ve been in tours were the rides are long like in Iceland and to the Scottish Highlands. The guide always made short stops along the way, allowing time for stretching, actually seeing these spots live, and take pictures, not just point them out. On this tour, most of the pictures could only be taken on the bus for practical safety reasons. Also, you had to be quick to take a decent pic. Or try a second time on the way back.
My father and I are highly disappointed with the tour. We were exhausted from the ride more than being out there exploring. I even dreaded the way back cause I couldn’t imagine being back on that bus again. These tours are expensive and what we wanted, in addition to learning a bit of history, to actually experience beautiful spots instead of passing by them. There was nothing that could be done about the flood but it seems like the set up of the tour is not what my father and I were looking for. Either rent a car, that way you have more control on where you stop and for how long. I made the mistake of thinking that we would be making short stops to many of the places listed. Rookie mistake, at least in Hawaii. Or check out AirBnb experiences. They tend to be a bit more accommodating.
Pro:
Janela is an affable and great storyteller. She had plenty of information to share. When I got motion sickness, she was very helpful providing a Dramamine, offering to seat me in the front, and ginger candy.