First, the operator didn’t have our reservation through Trip Advisor because “they never called us” to let them know it was booked - really? That’s how it works now? Fortunately, we called in advance and discovered the problem and after some drama they were able to “work us in” despite being sold out for weeks. Tour started an hour late. Parking is just off the road, but virtually unmarked and no indication that you’re at the right place. Shortly after the scheduled departure time someone drove by on an ATV and said they’d be back in 5 minutes to get us. 15 minutes later they showed up and had us drive up the road then turn onto a dirt road. Do not do this in a low riding car! Up the road to a remote shack next to an area with horses, presumably for horse tours. We loitered around for another half hour while they were preparing machines, sort of filling out paperwork, etc. Turns out, another couple’s reservation was messed up, too, and they didn’t have enough machines to accommodate them. They had to double up instead. All this while it was pouring out and we were standing in slippery mud. To their credit, they gave us thin plastic ponchos to wear. Eventually, we got going, parent, 22 yo daughter, and 16 yo son (with license - so he could operate one alone). The tour is basically the mechanized version of a horse tour. In other words, you go slowly along a trail, evenly spaced out, single file the whole way. Mostly between 5-10 MPH. Ironically, the rain made it a little more adventurous since you slipped around a bit. The trail basically goes from about 1,000’ up to about 2,500’ where you stop and look across at a beautiful view of a mountain and waterfall, and down into a valley. Then you go back down, pass through the departure point, and down to sea level where you stop and look over the ocean. Then retrace the trail back to the start, with a short section (about 20 seconds) where they let you open it up if you want. Overall it was enjoyable, just temper your expectations about the experience and the operation. You aren’t flying around, which seemed fine for a lot of less adventurous participants. Also, be sure to check your reservations in advance!
Одговор домаћина
Jan 2022
Yes this is a scenic guided tour and not a race track. We offer beautiful scenery, history and some adventure. You are on a mountainside with some drop offs and we pace our speed according to the terrain. For those more advanced riders that follow the safety rules we do have several areas where you are allowed to pick up speed and go as fast as you are comfortable. When a reservation is made thru a third party agency we have no control whether they overlooked confirming the reservation with Maui Mountain Activities or not especially during such a busy time. Once we realized Viator's error we contacted the customer immediately and gave them several options of extra ride times I could offer them or they could keep the same time but do a mixture of single ATVs and 2-seater side-by-sides which they chose. We tried to accommodate them every way possible. There is a half hour in which we allot for signing waivers, using restrooms, getting everyone fitted for helmets and googles and individual briefings on your ATVs. As far as the other party, they showed up a day early and rather then have then return again the next day we offered them vehicles that were available so they do the activity a day early. Safety may not be most important for some, but for Maui Mountain Activities safety is Number 1. We want our customers to take home some amazing memories without any injuries.