I felt super uncomfortable during my tour. We were taken up this river and he started moaning and…read morecomplaining about all the 'copy cats' who do similar kayaking tours who have now superceded him in business. I feel sorry for him for having competition but to outrightly complaint in front of a paying client is unacceptable and unprofessional. He also started talking about politics which made us extra uncomfortable. But what could we do, we were literally trapped in a kayak in an unknown part of Hawaii and depended on him to get us back. We were obviously uncomfortable but he didn't relent. It was the worst hour and a half I have ever paid for.

We booked with David and it was a great decision. From the start, he was professional, friendly,…read morekind, and knowledgeable. He is knowledgeable and taught us a lot about Hawaiian history and the island. We were strangers, but David made us feel like we were friends that knew each other for a long time. The tour was great and we saw a lot of turtles. He showed us different trees and gave us some history on them. We live on the island but have family that visit and we will use David as a guide again. I highly recommend him. Oh, his wife is also very sweet and friendly.

The.tour guide/owner Uncle Haiku is awesome. The best way to describe him is an Hawiian Bear…read moreGerylls. He knows all the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. He takes you on hike that will blow your mind. You go places few people see and expirence. There are alot hidden treasures along the hike too. I guarantee you will have a whole you appreciation for the Hawiian Islands after this hike.

If you want something you'll remember for the rest of your life, this off-road, private back trail…read morethrough Waimea Valley is the hike to take and this is the man who will take you on that journey. The Hike - I'm not an experienced hiker by any means but most of the trail is shaded and cool. Kindly note, depending on the weather, you may pass through some muddy spots, so don't wear new sneakers or anything. There were also a few sunnier spots, but that was once you were closer to the top of the ridge. Also, the entire hike moves pretty fast because Hoku will lead you through safely (pointing out all the low branches, rocks, etc.) and he gives you so much interesting facts along the hike, that you don't even notice how time flies. You pass through several historical sites, ancient burial grounds, and he even feeds you some special snacks using the natural resources you hike through. There are a few narrow pathways so I wouldn't recommend younger children. Also keep in mind that none of this trail is available to the general public and is essentially the kind of hike that will reward you both physically and spiritually. The Hoku - Hawaii, and the North Shore and Waimea Valley, in particular, are beautiful locales. The views alone that you will experience on this hike are breath-taking and one of a kind. But Hoku is also extremely knowledgeable having grown up in Hawaii. He possesses an infinite amount of unique information passed down from his family and many years of absorbing all types of learning like a sponge. He will inform you and guide you through the hike and more importantly, you'll leave with a sense of accomplishment and an enlightened soul as a result of your dynamic experience.

We placed a reservation off season. It was just me and my five year old. They still happily offered…read morethe tour for just us. Our guide, Toa was great with my kid, which was appreciated because I did the tour primarily for him. Cool history offered and shading he tailored the talks for fit my kid. Was great. Highly recommend.

What an amazing experience!…read more We booked for the 9:30 glow paddle and got a call around 5pm asking if we would switch to the 7:30. No big deal, we were happy to switch. We are a family of three, and I guess that's the cut off from other reviews. We showed up to the meeting spot at the time we were told and were met by our guide. Come to find out, the other people booked for the tour had cancelled, so it was just us! We got on our boards and got going. We learned so much! And being it was only our little family, we got to ask so many questions and go at our pace. We paddled around and got to go under water falls. Our guide was so kind and so knowledgeable. After we were done we were super hungry and headed to L&L for some plates. I wish we would have gotten to the PCC just a little earlier so we could have enjoyed the food trucks or other dinner options on site. We will definitely recommend to anyone who comes to visit us!

Love these guys!!! Every time we visit we come back to this rental. The owners are amazing and…read morereally care about the experience. They offer stand up paddle tours, jeep tours, kayak rentals. If you haven't been on the private sunset paddle tour or even group one it's a must do!! These guys are local and so worth supporting. Give them a go you won't regret it!

We enjoyed our time and great experience especially with JC and Koa. They explained a lot and…read morehelped us spot the turtles. We saw many turtles and had a great time. Thank you!

Rented some snorkeling gear from the shop and Kuae was awesome! He helped us with all of our…read morequestions, and was incredibly patient and friendly! The prices listed weren't too bad as it's an all day rental, plus you can just walk right over to Sharks Cove to snorkel!

For any beginner, this IS IT!! Amazing instructors (Mike and Zoey). They walk you through…read moreeverything and help you keep calm which is essentially #1 (besides breathing). They dont rush you to their schedule and encourage you to do whatever makes you comfortable including going back up on the boat if needed. They have great technique and skills to share to make it an easier and safer experience for everyone. I found water consistently going into my goggles and Mike gave me his without thinking. Their confidence comes across and naturally makes you feel more at ease. They took amazing photos of everyone scuba diving and showed us a bunch of cool things as well: spotted eel and cushion pin starfish! If it's your first time going, don't even think twice. Book with them!!

We didn't do quite enough research before starting this hike and made the mistake of letting Google…read moreMaps lead us to a private road. We had to turn around, but thankfully, a helpful Google reviewer mentioned that the trailhead is actually located near the Turtle Bay Resort at the Ritz Carlton. Once we drove back to the resort, a very nice employee pointed us in the right direction. For future hikers, we definitely want to mention this so you don't make the same mistake we did! Where to park: Park at the Turtle Bay Resort and look for the signs directing you toward public beach access. The trailhead is located near the helicopter pad in the parking lot. The trail itself isn't difficult. It's mostly flat, but the terrain changes between sandy sections and rocky areas, which actually makes the hike more interesting. There are beautiful coastal views along the way, and we even spotted an endangered Hawaiian monk seal sunbathing on the beach! We had passed signs reminding hikers to keep a safe distance from the seals, so we made sure to admire it from afar and let it enjoy its beach day undisturbed. I'd rate this as an easy hike, especially because there isn't much elevation gain. However, the changing terrain means strollers won't be able to make it through the entire trail. Overall, a beautiful and relatively easy coastal hike -- just make sure you find the correct trailhead before you start!

Many non-island dwelling friends often ask me if I ever get "island fever" or feel isolated living…read morehere on Oahu. Truth is I've never felt that way ever. So much to see and do here. I do however, get occasional "teleworking fever" brought on by the current work-at-home mandate. This weekend we tried to do something about it by seeking out some alternative hiking locations. While Turtle Bay resort is still closed, the myriad of hiking paths are still open. We chose to avail ourselves of the Kahuku point trail and some other ancillary loop trails that stretch across the resort grounds. The day was a perfect one with brisk trades and plenty sun. The 1.5 mile loop and back took us about 3 hours including some time spent gazing out at the point at all the breakers and exploring tide pools. Even spied small fish and found some very interesting geological history--such as micro perforated rocks showing how the volcanic gases escaped. In the end we left the resort feeling decently exercised and ready to face Monday morning! Highly recommend a visit. Mahalo for reading my review.

First off, you will need to obtain a permit from Hawaii Reserves, Inc prior to hiking the Laie…read moreFalls Trail, and you can easily do so by stopping by their offices, located in the Laie Shopping Center (near the Foodland) at 55-510 Kamehameha Highway, Laie, HI 96762. They are open Monday-Friday from 9 AM-5 PM. More info on them is available at http://www.hawaiireserves.com/about_location.htm. The reason is that it really is private property and you don't want to get into any legal problems with the residents in the area (No Trespassing signs throughout the immediate area). Now on to the hike. You should park at the football field as there is no parking right at the main entrance to the trail. Make sure you have sunscreen and mosquito repellant on you at all times and wear good running/hiking shoes that you're willing to get muddy and dirty. Oh yes, and don't forget about water! Parts of the trail can be a bit muddy and wet. Also look for pink markers on tree branches throughout the trail, as they can really save you from getting lost or overwhelmed. It's about a 3-4 hour hike overall (round trip) and not one of those easy ones either. Along the way, you'll encounter gorgeous views of the valley and even parts of the ocean from a distance. A lot of work and effort to be put in to reach the waterfall. When you get to the part right after all the tall pine trees and that long winding narrow stretch of guava trees, you might be thinking to yourself, "Is this ever going to end!?" It's about another 1-1/2 miles from the pine trees through the guava trees to the falls. And admittedly, I was about ready to turn back thinking I had gone in the wrong direction, but lo and behold, finally came to the sign that directs you to the waterfall. But be really careful when you make your way down to the waterfall and grab onto any ropes available so you don't go tumbling down to the bottom, as it is really steep and dangerous. You will eventually be rewarded with lovely views of Laie Falls.

There's a waterfall in La'ie?! That's what I first thought when I heard about this hike from a…read morefriend. And yes, there is. Waaaay back there! PROS: + Great views + Variety of terrain + Not too short, not too long + A waterfall! CONS: - Hot - Not a lot of parking near the trail head - Can get muddy in spots We parked and met up with our group at the football field on Poohaili St., then walked along the road towards the mountains. We continued past the driveway that says you will be shot if you pick the coconuts (we did not pick any coconuts), and on the right there was an opening in the fence with a sign that pointed the way to the La'ie Falls trail. We followed the sign, and went up the road. Eventually we walked past the trail head, but luckily ran into a Chinese man and his dog telling us that we were going towards another trail, so we turned around and found the right spot. The first sign marking the way to the trail: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=O7TCR3Hm5SyQP77aC4a-RA#8uft4axCD7x8xkoP_RsSew Another sign showing you're on the right track: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=O7TCR3Hm5SyQP77aC4a-RA#kkPcKWdvIFPCqagW8L6-MA Of course this trail head started off with a no trespassing sign that said we could only enter with permission. I'm sure at least one of the twelve of us had some sort of permission, right??... No? Meh... That's ok. On we went! A weird way to mark the trail head: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=O7TCR3Hm5SyQP77aC4a-RA#sjMCeyIdZ-stSLZkMYrxHg For the most part the trail is a gradual incline going from the road up through the tall grass in the beginning, past ironwood trees, and dirt embankments. There are even some good dirt biking spots off to the sides of some parts of the trail. There were also countless strawberry guava trees everywhere along the trail. Some were even ripe enough to pick and eat! Baby Ironwood: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=O7TCR3Hm5SyQP77aC4a-RA#BFor6rmKBM62fgomT-Ilhw It unfortunately started raining a little bit early in hour trek, and the sun cam out blazing right after, so it was extremely humid. Also, in the lower parts of the trail there isn't a lot of wind because of the hills and trees blocking the soft breezes. HOT HOT HOT HOT! This was pretty killer. The muddiness that the rain had also caused had also made the going a little slower than it should have been. Mud in the making: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=qRmCY5sbYuNUfak5xsUEDg#qRmCY5sbYuNUfak5xsUEDg Eventually you'll reach a part of the trail that's full of Cook Pines. By this point you're pretty far in, and you'll be able to see the ocean, valleys, and even some of the giant windmills from the wind farm in Kahuku. We weren't at the falls yet, though. After the Cook pines we had to keep going, and followed a path that ran along the side of the hills. Cook Pines: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=qRmCY5sbYuNUfak5xsUEDg#y0Sfzi7i5WIffYBqJIHY_w View from the hillside: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=qRmCY5sbYuNUfak5xsUEDg#uJifhZTZqOA85OVchal5OQ After following this path for a while we came to a sign that said if we kept following it we would be heading to the La'ie Summit, so we turned right towards the falls. From this point the path started going downhill to the falls. There were some man made steps and rope to help you down (and keep you from tumbling down the valley). There was also a couple of spots where it's a big step/climb down the path, so don't rush it. After a short journey down the path we finally hit the waterfall. One of the sign at the beginning said it would take about an hour and a half to get to the falls, but I think it ended up taking us closer to two hours from said sign. Summit to the left, Falls to the right: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=qRmCY5sbYuNUfak5xsUEDg#EhQOvprzmck4uuMKauELzA The Falls: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nMG9ITWtXKjmB-Q-7IQqgA?select=qRmCY5sbYuNUfak5xsUEDg#rxa_tfNUkj1CDxjWhmnQKg We spent a while relaxing, taking pictures, and snacking at the falls. When we were all ready to go we headed back out. The way back was a lot quicker than the way in since it was pretty much all downhill, and the sun had dried out a lot of the muddy spots a little. The total round trip (plus the cruising at the falls) had taken us about 5 hours. I had started the journey with a full 3 liter camelbak, and I had ran out a little before we got back out. I drink a lot of water, so it's not too surprising, but I was rationing myself on the way up. As always make sure you bring sunscreen and enough water!

Such a beautiful hike to do with friends, acquaintances, and even people you don't really like but…read moreyou went to hawaii together because the plane tickets were cheap ! We met the most wonderful dog (a true native Hawaiian!!!!) who lead us around the ridge . In today's world of late-capitalism, climate change, and the invasion of AI, it is so rare to have someone take a break from doomscrolling and look at you with such beautiful cataract eyes! I've had worse tour guides, give that man a raise! We only saw one other group of hikers so the trail was pretty secluded for a mid-hike leak. I was also pleasantly surprised by the accessibility features of this hike! Since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Haaula Forest has been growing leaves with braille on them (see image 3). As an anti-ablest and someone who had friends with glasses growing up, I am really delighted to see that the jungle is woke and on the cutting edge of social liberalism. If you or your family are thinking of coming on this hike, I highly recommend that you leave your water bottle in the car. Besides the fact that humans can survive without water for three days, sometimes your friend who offers to carry it will change his mind and you will yell at each other on the top of the mountain and then your friendship will never be the same and you will never go hiking together again. Some areas of improvement that I recommend for the next time the tectonic plates collide is that they add a waterfall to this hike and maybe some chickens because it makes no sense that there's no chickens.

Oahu has its share of hikes that every tourist knows (e.g. Diamond Head, Moana Falls), its share of…read morehikes that avid hikers seem to frequent (e.g. Kuliouou Ridge Trail, Lulumahu Falls), and then a whole lot of hikes that are best described as under the radar. Ma'akua Ridge Trail falls into this last category. With the same starting point as the more popular but also under-the-radar Hau'ula Loop Trail, Ma'akua Ridge Trail gets none of the love. As I entered the path leading to the trailhead a young man was exiting, hoodie encasing his head, hollow darting eyes, and a skittish demeanor which seemed to imply recent meth use. After passing, the young man began running and I momentarily grew concerned for what I might encounter on the trail. Next up, a big, graffiti-covered retaining wall without any cute Menehune characters like those I'd seen amongst the graffiti leading to Lulumahu Falls. And all of this was after the sign near the small parking area, alerting hikers that this is a high theft area. So, yes, this hike started off in what I hoped was not a foreshadowing of anything. The hike itself is 2.5 miles with an elevation of 800 feet, almost exactly the same length and elevation as the Hau'ula Loop Trail but apparently this one takes longer to navigate, is steeper, and more unstable. That's what I was told by the homeowner with neck tattoos and herb boxes, who lives down the street from the trail entrance, as he mentioned how people sometimes need to be rescued from this one. I didn't need rescue. On a weekday, the trail was empty and not another soul was seen in a hike which ran 2 hours 15 minutes. The hike is a loop which I took in a counter-clockwise direction per the instructions in the hiking book I consulted. Beautiful ocean views occur early on and again, later. The ridge is reached after about 1-mile and it's on the ridge-top where the trail can be most unsteady. I remained on two feet the whole time but there were a few places where the unsteady trail required some consideration before moving forward. Nearing the end, and down off the ridge, you will have to cross a rock gulch which, on this visit, contained no water. It looked to be long dry, so no problem. An enormous black lava overhang tells you you're almost back to where you began. This is a great trail to work out on, with lots of ups and downs. If you like being on a seldom-traveled trail, with little evidence of others give this one a try. It's worthy of your love. * The hike is #52 in Susanne Swedy's excellent book, "Hiking the Hawaiian Islands". * The parking area is very small, only enough for a few cars, and a sign announces it as a high theft area. You might consider parking down the street or even out at Hau'ula Beach Park, and walking from there. * Take the Kamehameha Highway to Hau'ula and turn mauka (toward the mountain) at Hau'ula Homesteads Road (just across from Hau'ula Beach Park). This road winds around and back out to the highway but you should not. Take it only to where the road turns (about 1/2 mile from the beach), and park. The well-marked path leading to the trailhead begins there. * After the initial signs announcing the trailhead, there are no further signs, only little pieces of orange tape which you will occasionally notice in the trees, alerting you to the fact that you're on the right path. Having the book to guide you helps, but I don't think it's necessary. * I had cell service the whole way, something I can't even claim from my home in Cali.