I am 65, a new traveler and still tend to be a bit nervous and anxious about the “unknown’s” in a new adventure. Someone very special to me arranged for us to share the full day trip to Hana, lead by our guide and new friend, Dustin.
Dustin’s excellent driving skills and enthusiasm about wanting us to have a great experience allowed me to fully relax and enjoy the ride.
Dustin was available and responsive to answering all pre and post trip questions. He energetically picked us from our hotel (on time) in a clean, well- maintained, comfortable car and helped us map out a loose (but completely flexible) schedule that included each and every stop we wanted to make along the way. Then, off we went for a full day of beautiful beaches, mountain tops, local history, fun food stops, and many more gems along the way. With Dustin’s careful instruction, assistance and kind (but not pushy) encouragement… I surprised myself by saying “yes” to taking a dip in a mountain waterfall! It was exhilarating!
The trip was GREATLY enhanced for me by knowing that we could BOTH sit back, relax, enjoy (and later share) the comfortable ride provided by an experienced driver, familiar with the terrain and local history. Deliciously missing from the experience was the feeling that we must BOTH watch the road to negotiate some of the quick, narrow, blind corner- turns or single-vehicle bridges, or wonder where to stop to eat, shop, see the best views, take the best photos or find the cleanest restrooms.
Thanks Dustin!
Your easy- going authenticity along with your confidence, experience and knowledge made me feel like an honored guest and friend, rather than just another tourist. Mahalo