Open Eye Tours & Photos

My wife and I have been on tours before, and this was easily one of the best! We wanted to explore local sites and learn about the culture of Maui, and Pono tailored the tour towards these goals. From his initial warm greeting, to exploring various sites (sacred healing site with beautiful views, seeing sea turtles come ashore), to trying delicious foods (including fresh fruit from his own garden), this tour was fun, relaxing and informative. He definitely took us to out-​of-​the-​way places that we would never have known from exploring on or own or reading a guidebook. Plus, Pono is very knowledgeable and friendly — a perfect tour guide. I think it speaks to the quality of his tour, when my wife and I state that we will definitely hire him again when we return to Hawaii!

My father and I went on an all day tour and hike with Pono on the last day of our 10 day trip to Maui. I thought my vacation had ended and this was the winding down day of the trip, but boy was I wrong. Greeted early in the morning with a fresh homemade lei at the hotel, it was the start to an incredible day and the best day of my trip in Maui! The sites were amazing, the hiking was adventurous yet friendly for all, the destinations were secluded and off the map, and Pono’s story telling and knowledge of the island was second to none. Had we not gone on this tour and hike with Pono, I can officially say that my trip wouldn’t have been complete. You get to see, hear, and experience things that no other tour on the island takes you to, much less even knows about! Did I mention that Pono brings all of his on fresh snacks and meals? Yea, you heard me right. When was the last time you went on a hike and got to try 9 different fruits that were picked fresh that morning and had Taro chips that were made fresh for the hike? Not to mention, the homemade coconut pudding and the fresh cherimoya were the best two foods I had on the island. Overall, this is a MUST do while in Maui. I went snorkeling, had a helicopter ride over the waterfalls and volcanoes, went on two different days of incredible hiking, saw the sunrise above Haleakala, and none of those were even in the same category of fun and excitement as the tour with Pono. I can’t wait for my next trip to Maui so I can spend another couple of days with Pono and learn every single thing that beautiful island has to offer. Thanks Pono! You made my vacation!

Just spent several days in Maui and the highlight was with Pono. He gave our group an informative fun day that didn’t just hit the high notes. We went from Hana to Paia to Wailea and back. He does not just take you to the tourist traps he takes you off the beaten path to local spots and more. I feel like I really got to see Maui. Call Pono now.