An unknown destination, dangerous & beautiful roads and a guide to take you on this Private journey of our lives. This was a perfect trip all due to Tom - who was our guide, photographer and probably the best jeep driver in the world!
Why this trip was perfect
1. No pressure trip - absolutely no pressure, go where you want, stop at whatever location you want to and how much ever time you need! it's your trip!
2. Perfect Itinerary - we not just covered what we had in our list of things to cover but went to offroad locations where we could not never visited because these locations are off road and only a skilled jeep driver can drive to these locations even if you were aware of them! . We were well aware that not all locations could be covered but want to visit some must see places like Waiʻānapanapa State Park which requires advance reservation which Tom had!. not to forget, a secret cave/cove which is easy to miss on this park which he informed us after we entered the park. we would have never dared to go inside the cove if we had come by ourselves!
3. Skilled driver - Road to Hana requires a good driver who is not only aware about the curvy, unpaved roads but also respects the locals and the roads. The drive was perfect, he was very careful and respectful of the roads, locals and the incoming traffic. we did this on our first day of trip and set the tone for us for rest of the trip on how we need to drive for rest of our vacation!.
Going to a local access on the Piilani highway which only a skilled offroad jeep ride can accomplish!
4. Food Spots - we got the best food for the entire trip. it started with breakfast stop at Grandma's coffee house for best veggie burger, French toast with the freshest fruits on the planet and an amazing coffee. we had a late lunch at Huli Huli chicken at Koki beach park!
5. Historical references, Trivia & Fun Facts - This was our first day on the island and our first trip! we got a good historical details on how the island was formed from Volcanoes (we went to Rice park where he explained us!), we also learnt about the king & his conquests. and not too mention other places on the island where we can get good food, places to visit etc!
6. Photographer - there are guides who will take your photographers at whatever location, position you want to! but you will never find one like Tom who will take pictures on his own about the tourist locations and even our pics while we are not aware! we have some beautiful pics of us having conversations on the beach unaware that Tom was taking our pic!
7. Dj - have you ever had a guide who has an good collection of songs for a 12 hour trip! when we reached near Wailua Valley Lookout , he even played out Jurassic park movie theme song as this place is where Jurassic park initial sequence was shot!!!
What could be better!
None! yes, have seen the reviews that this is an expensive trip but when you spend thousands of dollars to come to Hawaii; this trip is well worth it!
we had other trips planned else would have booked the volcanoes trip and other trips with Tom. some other day! we will be back to ride with Tom!
Thank you Tom, Hoaloha adventures for all the memories!