There were some definite pros and cons to this trip...Pros: great, comfortable seating captain chairs visit to cave was good and not offered by other tour companies lunch was excellent swimming at waterfall site was wonderful...now for cons: driver had an attitude i.e. my way or the highway a store bought pastry like a hostess made, pre-wrapped danish one would get at a convenience store or gas station isn't a continental breakfast in my book, no coke or pepsi product soda to me includes diet coke or a pepsi, not just a cheap mango something can of juice, not offered cheap danish until well over 2 hours into trip, didn't spend a lot of time at black sand beach, not many photo ops, price was about 50 per person over other Road to Hana tours and they take you to the 7 pools, as well as all the way on the road not just halfway and stopping only as far as Hana - so too expensive for what you get. Even though we were the only passengers on our trip, it was painfully clear we really had no say in the day's activities or how long we were going to stop at each spot. While the driver was very informative, he was not very accommodating, clearly didn't appreciate diverting from his agenda even to the point of getting irritated if interrupted from his spiel. We accidentally left phone in restroom and while he did take us back about a mile to retrieve it, he made it crystal facial expressions / tone he was displeased. Will never take this tour again we much prefer other tour companies like Valley Isle. Seat comfort is not worth extra expense and driver attitude - not a very good trip.
Gayle was a very safe driver with a great love for the Hana Highway. Her enthusiasm showed the whole day. She was knowledgable about many of the plants we saw and knew the best places for pictures. The Lava Tube was interesting and the black sand beach was amazing! We had a great day. I highly recommend this tour.