Greetings from the beautiful island of Maui, Hawai'i, Polynesia! Thank you for the kind support you have shown for Open Eye Tours & Photos through the years. My name is Pono, and it's a pleasure sharing some of the story of my private guide business with you.
My philosophy is simple. I don't offer any tourist-type tour. Never has a day with one client been repeated exactly like another. You hire me as your very own private guide for the day; exclusively, without strangers. I have found that with no one else distracting your ideal program, more of your needs are met. As part of the service, I consult with each customer before embarking on the adventure, assessing your needs and vision of what your special day might be like. I tell you to imagine you had your very own guide showing you THE BEST of the island, and to tell me what that should include for you to be satisfied. You tell me the kinds of things you like to see and do that make you happy. Then I suggest the kinds of places and activities you might enjoy. Your input will help make your day special and memorable. We offer privately guided informative visits to places seldom seen, with or without walking, and/or to the most popular sights, with extensive interpretation. Educational/environmental focus; fully credentialed/insured with top resort and guide book references. Hawaiian nature, wildlife, language, culture, history, legends, music, food! Refreshing, unique, fun! Sharing Maui's best-kept secrets since 1983, guiding Royalty, Celebrities, and other V.I.P's like you! Personalized day trips. Custom eco-tours. Educational family tours. Not a hiking company. Whether you're feeling outdoorsy or not, you're likely to be the only people around at some of the more unique stops you'll make during an our tour, so photos can be taken in settings not usually found! You'll have fun while you learn about the island's evolution, plants of medicinal and cultural significance (with seasonal sampling of fruit and other edibles), language, history, legends, music, and food. Once you've confirmed, I then get to work planning a one-of-a-kind educational presentation just for you from my hundreds of files, prepare other special surprise treats, and arrange for our delicious, healthful meal(s) from the best local markets or cafes! We maintain ethics of responsible tourism on each trip. Take advantage of my experience as teacher and professional published photographer, with Hawaii residency since 1982. - Maui tour guide since 1983; - Language skills: fluent in French, conversational Spanish, Hawaiian, familiarity with Japanese, Hebrew; - Represented in the following Tour & Travel books: Hawai'i with Kids, Hidden Maui, Paradise Family Guides - Maui, Ferrari's Guides for Men, Women and Inn Places; - Certificate, Pacific Island Studies, University of Hawaii; - Elder Hostel Maui tour guide; - Hawaii Nature Center, volunteer environmental educator; - M.A. from New York University; - B.A. from Wesleyan University; - Our owner/guide; - Solo and group photography exhibits and awards recipient; - Published in magazines, calendars, and books; - PADI certified SCUBA instructor; - CPR / First Aid certified. Tour choices: Some will opt for a day of exploring exotic gardens, little tucked away villages, hidden bays, beaches, or seeing birds in a wildlife reserve. Others would prefer a visit to ancient battle grounds, sacred sites, petroglyphs, monuments, churches, artists' studios, and beautiful parks with endless views. Maybe you've been dreaming of swimming beneath refreshing waterfalls or snorkeling in secluded ocean coves. Or, you're the type who'd enjoy a journey into volcanic craters or through tropical forests. You might want to see as many different places as you can in one day, taking photographs, but basically relaxing and just enjoying the sites and scenery. Or, you may feel like going on some easy walks or more challenging ones. Let me share with you some of the sense of place and spirit that endures of Pre-Contact Hawaii, and the rich, abundant culture still very much alive today. Member discount: Notes:
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