Reviewed by: Ken
The hike was one of the highlights of my trip. I loved the river crossings even though the river made all of my clothes really wet and went up to my chest, since I am only 4'11". Keola taught us many Hawaiian words including freshwater, wai, saltwater, Kai, and Life, Keola. He was very knowledgable about the history of the island and the Kamehameha family. The best part was probably talking with our fellow hikers and the small lake where we ate lunch. We will definitely do one of the other tours as well.
- Ken M.
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| Packages: | Huaka'i Iki [The Little Hiking Adventure] 50% Discount Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2016/01/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/12/29 |
Reviewed by: McDougalls
We had a wonderful day with AC as our guide. He was very knowledgeable, pointing out local sites and giving history along the way. He bent over backwards to accommodate everyone on the tour, taking each group to their favorite locations, running back and forth moving us around from hot spot to hotspot as we each finished our excursions. He was very professional at all times. We would hIghly recommend him as a tour guide. We had a blast! He even went out of his way to go back and find a lost article for us- which fell out of the van at a previous stop.
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| Packages: | [From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2015/12/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/12/21 |
Reviewed by: Mr Ed
We had an excellent day out and learnt a lot of interesting facts about Hawai'i, and the shrimps were fantastic
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| Packages: | Standard |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/12/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/11/14 |
Reviewed by: Carol
Paul our driver was very informative and told us many stories about the island and showed us so many beautiful places. Shrimp lunch was yummy.
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| Packages: | Standard |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/11/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/11/17 |
Reviewed by: Eric
This was one of the most enjoyable and informative tours I have been on, Tiffany was an excellent and knowledgeable host this tour offers more than the tour description indicates and includes detailed interesting natural fauna information. I can highly recomend this very enjoyable tour and is excellent value for money the shrimp meal was enjoyable. Well done Tiffany for making our day day an enjoyable one.
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| Packages: | Standard |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/10/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/10/13 |
Reviewed by: Laura
Great day at the north beach. We chose the waterfall hike as our activity in the morning. You could have done snorkelling or bike rides if preferred. We then had free time on waimea bay beach. In the afternoon we had a free lunch instead of doing another activity such as kayaking. Saw sea turtles at a beach on the way home
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| Packages: | [From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/09/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/09/25 |
Reviewed by: Bill
Rained most of day, so sopping wet weather in water or not. Confusion all day about activities etc.
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| Packages: | [From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/09/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/09/11 |
Reviewed by: Dot
The tour guide was not that good, spoke in a soft voice and let the passengers talk too much so it was hard to concentrate on what she was saying.
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| Packages: | Prime Rib Dining, Premium Show Seating & Guided Park Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/09/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/09/05 |
Reviewed by: Eleanor
Our guide was very knowledgeable about history of Hawaii and some of the plants and trees we came across on the hike. I enjoyed tasting the fruits we picked along the way. He also was very accommodating and kind since it was our first time to hike in the area. Though our guide did a great job, I expected more out of the hike. Yes, the hike was challenging in the sense that we walk along the edge and on rocky terrain;however it was not scenic and it felt like the hike was too short. The swimming hole was not a swimming hole to me. It look like a little creek and the water was not clear as I expected. I also expected to see a waterfall along the way, but didn't get to see any. I had more fun hiking on our own when we went to Maui, the road to Hana, because of the scenic view on top of the great work out we got from it. In short, not memorable and it was like something was missing.
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| Packages: | Huaka'i Nui [The Big Hiking Adventure] 50% Discount Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/08/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/07/25 |
Reviewed by: Bonnie
We had an excellent experience! Will definitely recommend to others
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| Packages: | Alii Luau Dinner Buffet Package & All Day Admission (Self-Guided) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/08/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/07/31 |
Reviewed by: Family Trips
Overall it was a family friendly, enjoyable and relaxing experience. We all had a wonderful time.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | [From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2015/07/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/26 |
Reviewed by: AndiV
This hike was single-handedly only of the best moments of my entire trip/the best hike I have ever been on! The tour guide was knowledgeable and fun, which made the trip very exciting!
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| Packages: | The Big Adventure (3.5-Mile Hike) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/07/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/07/04 |
Reviewed by: Karel May 2015
The trip around the island was great I would highly recommend Veltra tours. The trip was made even better by our guide Bethany who was an endless wealth of knowledge, we did this trip2 years ago with another company and I can honestly say that we learnt 10 times more with your tour.
Aloha Karel,
We are so happy you had a great time. Our goal is conservation through education, So anytime we can share our enthusiasm and knowledge of our beautiful island we consider that a great success! We appreciate you taking the time to share your review here and hope we can take you on another adventure during your next visit to Oahu.
Mahalo,
Oahu Nature Tours Management
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| Packages: | Standard |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/06/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/05/28 |
Reviewed by: webstersway
We met Keola Nui at the North Shore Market Place, he introduced himself and let us know we would be the only ones on the hike that day. We could not have asked for a better guide. Nui was very knowledgeable about the land we were going to be hiking on, letting us know about the different farms along the road to the trail. He explained the history behind the current lay out of the farms. When we arrived at the trailhead, there was a light mist falling as Nui offered a prayer to the land in the native tongue to reassure it that we were there on peaceful terms. The trail itself was unbelievably beautiful. There were moments where we were complete enclosed in the jungle, then, it would open up to expose the sky and the mountain stream below. Again, Nui was very knowledgable about the flora and fauna, explaining the difference between the native and invasive plants. We encountered a few berries along the trail that we were able to sample, they tasted very much like raspberries. We hiked in for a couple of hours and ended up having lunch on some rocks in the middle of the stream, very cool!!! We then headed back, though there was much more to be seen, we were on a schedule and did not have the time to hike any further. When we had packed away our gear, Nui drove us the the Boy Scout Camp nearby to an absolutely incredible overlook...we did not want to leave!!! This is definitely a hike everyone should try, you'll learn so much about Oahu. Thank you Nui for a truly outstanding experience!!!
Thanks so much for your kind words! We're so happy you all enjoyed your hike!
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| Packages: | Huaka'i Nui [The Big Hiking Adventure] 50% Discount Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2015/06/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/06/04 |
Reviewed by: Stoner
If your family is into the outdoors and adventure that is totally off the beat and path, book this tour. It is exclusive as the park is not accessible to the public. So you know, our family age ranges from 13 to 51. It was breathtaking- literally - not only from the views, but from the hiking. We hiked up the mountain trails crossing streams.
Our guides, Nui and Holly we very knowledgeable not only with the history but the plants and trees of the land.
The treat was to hike to a secluded pond and jump into the cool waters! Wow!
A bit of advice, wear comfortable shoes and water shoes are a must! Crossing the streams can be a bit challenging, as are some areas during the hike. Definitely grab a walking stick. It is about a 6 mile hike, 3 up and 3 back. All was about 6 hours.
Lunch is provided and we packed extra water. Nui and Holly were hands on assisting the entire hike. Awesome people! Mahalo!
Thanks so much Stoner family for joining Nui and I, it was great meeting you folks! I'm so glad you all had fun, we hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip!
Thanks again!
Holly :)
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| Packages: | Huaka'i Nui [The Big Hiking Adventure] 50% Discount Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2015/06/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/06/11 |
Reviewed by: Ashley
I live here on the island and do a good amount of hiking. I thought this hike was pretty cool! Our guide, Nui, was extremely knowledgeable about the Hawaiian culture and plants in the area. The trail has TONS of strawberry guava and mountain apple trees along it. He pointed out plants that were native. He also pointed out the invasive plants, the problems they cause, and how or why they were brought here. It was very interesting! What made this hike special for me was is that we were hiing deep into the mountains where there aren't any houses or sign of urban development in view. This is quite rare for me. Most of the hikes I've done, known or less known, have some area that shows a city or buildings or concrete structures. Nui also stopped at a campsite to let us get some beautiful scenic pictures. This was my favorite part of the trip. The view of rows of ridges and the valley that we were hiking in was breathtaking.
Aloha Ashley,
Mahalo nui for your thoughtful and much appreciated review.
We are glad that you had a wonderful time, and you have taken great pictures of all the fun that you could have on our hike. We look forward to seeing out on our other tours as well!
Mahalo Nui Loa
Reid Oshiro
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| Packages: | Huaka'i Nui [The Big Hiking Adventure] 50% Discount Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2015/06/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/06/04 |
Reviewed by: John A
My wife and I were staying in Waikiki for a week and everyone said we need to make a trip to the North Shore when on Oahu. We scoured Trip Advisor, Yelp and other Hawaii Adventure sites and this one looked appealing. Turns out to be a great deal if you are looking for transportation to the North Shore and a variety of options to choose from once you get there. We chose to snorkel in the mornng at Sharks Cove then spend an hour at Waimea Bay, then in the afternoon we did the SUP down the river in Halewia.
The tour is setup where they pick you up on a ~20 person bus from multiple Waikiki hotels, then up a narrated drive up to the North Shore which took about 1 1/2 hours all together. Sam was our host for the day and is awesome at his job. Very knowledgable, humourous and makes the tour a good time. Once you are there, you get to see the options for the day such as hanging at the beach of Waimea Bay, surfing, snorkeling, beach bike cruise, Waimea Botanical Gardens, stand up paddle boarding and probably a few others options that I am missing. There is no additional cost to do these unless you want to do more than two. If there was one draw back for the day, it was that we could have enjoyed a few more hours on the beach and shopping at the local surf shops there.
Overall, great trip and glad we did it!
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| Packages: | [From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/04/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/04/24 |
Reviewed by: Dan and Denise
Me and and my girlfriend both liked the young guides who picked us up at the North Shore Marketplace parking lot. It was just us two so we felt very privilidged. The Hawaiian guide drove for about 20 min through many farms and got to know much abut them and who owned them, unfortunately much of the land were rented by Monsantos. Part of the drive was very bumpy but became much better when we got unto the military roads. The hike was not that hard mostly because the water wasn´t that high this time. It was partly slippery but our sneekers was enough to manage it. There were some very niice sceneries and crossig over the river and the mountain pool swim at the summit was very pleasent and just what we needed after a 2.5 hours hike. We got to use helmets but just for a very short time. The lunch was two wraps each and was more than enough for us.
The hawaiian native guide told us much about the the hawaiian culture and the problems hawaiians have had keeping their language alive. We also got to know about much about the different plants and trees, and the tight bond to nature hawaiina have had, he also made a hawaiian chant to the forrest when we just started the hike which was very nice to hear. We would recommend this hike to all our friends.
Thanks so much for the kind words... we're so glad you two enjoyed yourselves!
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| Packages: | Huaka'i Nui [The Big Hiking Adventure] 50% Discount Review Rebate Special |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/04/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/04/25 |
Reviewed by: Maria A
The best part is the knowledge and friendliness of your tour guide Bethany.
Aloha Maria,
Thank you so much for your kind words. We are glad you had a great time, and hope the rest of your vacation was full of aloha as well.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Oahu Nature Tours Management
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| Packages: | Standard |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2015/04/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/03/28 |
Reviewed by: Stella Martin YT Cda
Our tour of the island was very enjoyable. Very happy to see the Pineapples growing, and the lay of the land. The guides were prompt and the guide at the Centre, was especially polite. (Congrats to them, too, for indicating they do not except tips.) We visited three villages but I've done these without a guide and on my own, saw all six villages in the time he took us to three. I know time is spent gathering people and passing out leis and explaining procedures, but this did detract from what we could experience. I would suggest that at the Center, folks are given the option to go with the guide or go on their own. The luau and HA - Breath of Life show are phenomenal!! We had half a house for the audience and I was so impressed with the quality of singing and dancing, of the performers, that I started the standing ovation. Those students really deserve our appreciation!!
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| Packages: | Ambassador Luau - Premium Show Seating & Guided Group Park Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/04/05 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/03/19 |
Reviewed by: JDJones
The PCC, dinner, luau, and show were fantastic. The Island Tour itself was the sad part. Our driver was late and then we had to rush through all the sites, having barely time for a picture or look before having to reload.
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| Packages: | Alii Luau Dinner Buffet Package & All Day Admission (Self-Guided) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/03/31 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/03/26 |
Reviewed by: ----------RHO----
I have hiked many of the popular attractions here on Oahu like Diamond Head, Manoa Falls, and Koko Head, but they have nothing as elegant as what the Huakai Iki hike has. We booked our tour, and was informed that the check in location is at the Aloha General Store. We were greeted by our wonderful guides Keola and Holly. We started venturing off on the private roads owned by Kamehameha Schools, Bishop Estate. We had excellent views of the agricultural land, the coastline of Haleiwa, the mountain ranges of both the Ko'olaus and Waianae! We had learned so much Hawaiian historical facts, such as endemic versus native species of plants and animals, special trees and plants such as the Koa tree, ohia lehua, and the strawberry guava tree. Keola and Holly are excellent guides! The one thing that I highly valued is that you can ask them anything! They will tell you if they know about it, and if they don't they will either call you or email me and give you the answer! Many other tour guides on other hikes, tend to come up with excuses, or falsified facts. But not Keola or Holly. We had great views of the swimming pools (water ponds), nice high clouds, and wonderful native plants. This is the best hiking tour that I have been on by far. I will definitely go out with north Shore Eco Tours again, for their Huakai Nui Hike! Mahalo Keola & Holly!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2015/03/26 |
Reviewed by: MeSoHappy
I learned a lot about the history of the North Shore on this tour and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Our guides Keola and Holly were knowledgeable in Hawaiian history and culture. They have exclusive access to this trail and I highly recommend going on this tour as you will not get the chance to see the North Shore like this with anyone else. It was a real treat for me. I appreciated that Keola asked for permission to enter the hiking trail in a traditional way.The hike itself was wonderful. We saw a lovely lehua blossom on the trail! The area is home to a number of rare native trees that I will leave to you to figure the name of. This hike is not for people who are out of shape. You will get a workout on the hike! If you appreciate learning about Hawaiian culture with legitimate information shared, the natural beauty of the North Shore, and to spend a day of your vacation in nature, this hike is for you. Way better than a luau!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2015/03/25 |
Reviewed by: R Studley
The concept is great. Transport is reliable, clean and on time. The tour guide, Harry, was entertaining and very friendly. The only thing we would suggest is that surfing be offered as one of the activities - it is after all what the area is best known for!
I would recommend this for anyone who wants an active day.
Thank you for the great review, surfing is offered to those with prior experience with our basic package.For the unexperienced folks we require they book the package which includes the "SURF LESSON". We are sorry if that wasn't explained thoroughly by Harry and will have to talk to him about that.
Mahalo Justin
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | [From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/03/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/03/20 |
Reviewed by: The Lyons Lot
Our family of 6 adults from Brisbane Australia loved this whole day tour. Our driver / tour guide Sam picked us up from our hotel on time, & drove safely. He was so friendly and knowledgeable about Oahu, and explained all the sights on the way to the North Shore - he make the entire trip an awesome experience. He gave us a drive by & quick stop at each of the available activities before we chose them, then dropped us all to our chosen areas. 3 of us chose bike riding along the famous surfing beaches where we could stop and have beach time as we liked; the other 3 the walk through the beautiful gardens to the waterfall. Though a lovely walk, it is quite a long one, for anyone older. If you want a swim at the Falls, take cash for a compulsory life jacket hire! From there we walked back to Waimea Bay beach for a swim until our bus pick up. Our next activity for 4 of us was SUP (stand up paddle boarding) and 2 did kayaking. We LOVED this time on the water and would have liked to have a bit less time on the morning activities and more time for the afternoon ones! After, we walked through the town and sampled the Shaved Ice and some delicious lunch before boarding the bus completely satisfied with our day. We did several different tours while in Waikiki, and this was BY FAR the very best for the sightseeing, and activities on offer, plus the freedom to have our own time was fantastic. We were REALLY impressed with Sam the driver & happy to tip him well for his outstanding service - he contributed in a big way to making it the best tour during our time in Hawaii. Thank you Sam! I would highly recommend this tour, well worth it and we have great memories of our day.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | [From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2015/03/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/02/26 |
Reviewed by: LJB
This Circle Island tour was terrific. Our guide, Dai Mar, was very knowledgeable about Oahu, the islands in general, and the places we visited. We saw the North Shore and spent time at the Banzai Pipeline, we visited Waimea Falls after a nice stroll/hike with lots of info about the area and the flora/fauna, we ate at Fumi's Shrimp Truck, and we stopped at a Macadamia farm/shop. It was fun, relaxed, and I learned a lot, plus the views were fantastic!
Aloha,
Thank you for the great review. We are so happy we got to share these fantastic places on our island with you. We take great pride in the wonderfeul personalities and extensive knowledge of our guides. Your great review and kind words are always satisfying to hear. We hope you had a great time in Hawaii and come visit our paradise again soon.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Oahu Nature Tours
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2015/03/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/03/17 |
Reviewed by: Lalit Khullar
Best tour arrangements . Driver was very helpful and conciderate.He did his best to show us around as much as he could. Best service .
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Ambassador Luau - Premium Show Seating & Guided Group Park Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/03/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/02/28 |
Reviewed by: Chuck
Enjoyed the bus tour, but it gets you there 2 hours after it opens.
The center itself focuses too much on entertainment and not enough on education. It is run by the Morman education system, so one would think if we are supporting the students we in turn would be educated about the various Polynesian cultures around the pacific.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Ambassador Luau - Premium Show Seating & Guided Group Park Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2015/03/05 |
| Activity Date: | 2015/02/26 |
Reviewed by: Grace S
This was a truly awesome experience. We had Sam as a driver and he was totally great. He navigated traffic well and all of his narrating was necessary, funny and enjoyable.
We had a slight problem in that we missed our pick up (oops!) but the company was helpful and told us where to go to get another pick up.
We did some bike riding in the morning, saw Pipeline and had a great time. In the afternoon we tried SUP and saw turtles! It was a fully awesome experience. So good getting out and SEEING the North Shore, not just taking pictures of it.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | [From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2014/12/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/12/09 |
Reviewed by: AJ - Melbourne
Had Justin as the guide. Very very good - he made the trip!
Think he managed to talk the entire day(!) and added a lot of interesting and useful information throughout. Wife wanted to try the Shrimp Trucks, so that was her highlight, I wanted to see the large surf, so all-in-all, satisfied all our wants. Highly recommended.
Aloha AJ,
Thank you so much for the great review. Justin and all our guides are the best in Oahu, and we are so glad you got to experience the North Shore guided by his passion and knowledge. I will pass your kind words on to him. Our guides love hearing that they were able to share the aloha spirit with our guests, and show visitors to our island a great time.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Oahu Nature Tours Management
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/11/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/11/13 |
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Aloha Eric,
Thank you for your great review, and awesome praise of Tiffany. We will be sure to let her know how much you appreciated her tour. We are thrilled you had a great day, and got an amazing experience with her knowledge and information. That is the Oahu Nature Tour Difference. We hope you join us on another one of our adventures the next time you are in Oahu.
Mahalo,
Oahu Nature Tours