Outdoor Adventures

Enjoyed the hike in rainforest even though the hike seemed more like an intermediate level hike instead of a beginner's hike. (maybe I'm just out of shape more than I thought I was!) Driver to and from was friendly and k... morenowledgeable about Manoa Falls and the surrounding areas. The bug spray, walking stick, and water bottle were a definite plus. Overall, we enjoyed the experience.

It was supposed to be a straight-forward excursion... pick us up, drop us off, pick us up again. However, our driver (unfortunately, I did not get his name) was such a hoot!!! At 5am, he had an energy and attitude that... more made everyone in the bus a little bit happier The pickup was quick and efficient. The driver made every stop an occasion.

Beware! Poor communication and NOT a sunrise tour as stated

This was sold as a sunrise at Diamond Head which turns out NOT ACCURATE AT  ALL! Diamond Head doesn’t even open until 6:00 and sunrise was 6:11 that day. By t... morehe time the van was parked it was 6:06. So obviously we did not make it to the top or even to a look out point to view the sunrise. We did get some pretty pictures BUT it was not sunrise by far. Even the pick up location was a rough start and poor, poor communication.  The instructions to 5:15 a.m pick up were at Hyatt Regency and the address. That’s it, that’s all the information that was given. So, we show up, we’re waiting and waiting then the driver calls and ask if we’re coming. Jon told him we’re here where we standing and he said no they’re on the side of the building. We go to the side of the building, which turns out to be a side road. Which looks like a shady looking road for deliveries and the van is parked behind the dumpster, picture attached. Now image this side street, van parked behind the dumpster at 5:00 a.m in the dark.
After the hike we returned at 7:31. Now pick up was at 7:30 and we did show up 1 minute late at  7:31 and the van was gone. Again, we’re waiting and looking. After a few minutes Jon calls. Thankfully we had the phone number from when he called us that morning or we would’ve had no clue what to do. Turns out THEY HAD LEFT! The driver tells us to wait there that he will turn around to come get us. When I questioned the driver about leaving us he said “Julie told you to be back at 7:30” to which I explained  we were back at 7:31 and called you at 7:33. He said I was coming back. I questioned again, “how were we to know that? All we knew was that our tour had left us. You could’ve called like you did this morning but instead you just drove off. “ He was never able to give a reason for just driving off or not even calling. He just kept saying, you were told to be back at 7:30.  My advice DO NOT TAKE THIS TOUR WITH THIS

The 5:00 AM pickup made it easy to reach the trail before the crowds and heat, and the sunrise views from the summit were absolutely worth the early wake-up with rewarding panoramic views of Waikiki and the coastline at ... morethe top.

Loved the experience! Once in a lifetime so far. Hope to have a repeat someday!!

Matthew was exceptional - he went out of his way to make our trip memorable- would highly recommend him as a guide