"Hi Barry Pono. Today is our last day - boohoo! We've had a great time
here,
augmented by our time with you. We are so glad we had a personalized
day-long tour of Maui with you, Barry.
You deeply enriched our experience and knowledge of Maui. We learned so
much about current and past Maui culture. You are a treasure trove of
Hawaiian lore. We loved hearing you speak (and sing) in the native
language, but most of all we loved that you imparted the Hawaiian spirit to
us -- love of nature, respect for others and nature; appreciation of the
local natural beauty. You're the best. And you thought of absolutely
everything from the beautiful leis you put on us at the beginning of
the tour, to the lovely refreshments, to the nice local music you played
in the car, to the birthday dessert, to the bottle of wine and so much
more. You do an excellent job, and we hope many more people will take
the opportunity to see Maui through your eyes. Thank you for making our
day special."
Garrison Botts
Brooklyn, New York
"Barry had an answer for every question. A walking encyclopedia! At the end of our tour
it was like Christmas! Barry gave us a box full of Maui goodies!"
Laura Stevens.
|
"No tour guide book could ever do justice to the day we had today. We
would never have found the places Barry took us to. He is great with our
children - introduced us to Guri Guri, made fish out of coconut frond - we
loved the restaurant, loved the picnic supplied by Barry."
Perri Shepard
Wilton, CT
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"Barry, I'm happy to report we're back home safe in Houston.
I can't thank you enough for the great day you spent with us.
It was truly the highlight of the trip. I was telling so many people at
the Ritz about it, they were starting to think I was on your payroll!
I guess I was just so excited. Anyway, thanks again for the wonderful time.
And please, if you ever make it to the Houston area, you've got a home to stay at.
Please take us up on that offer one of these days. It's not Hawaii, but we can
still have a blast. Good luck with everything. I'm a firm believer that good
things happen to good people...Oh, and thanks for the B-Day gift. Nice touch!
Very thoughtful."
Sal Maldonado
Pearland, TX
"Barry took the time to show us the entire east side of the island.
We saw things and went to spots you only see on a movie set! He took time to
educate my wife and children on every aspect of the island & its culture -
The last stop we thought was a spectacular waterfall after a wonderful short walk
through the jungle, which we thought would be the end of a wonderful day -
But the trip on the back side of Maui home was breathtaking and we saw a part of
Maui very few travelers see - Lava flows, beautiful wild grasses, flowers all
with the Pacific Ocean as a constant backdrop. Thank you for a once in a
lifetime day with my family!
We so enjoyed the tour and the kids still talk about you and the day around the
island,
sampling the fruits and treats and hearing all the legends, the singing,
swimming at the different
waterfalls, beaches, caves...It was the highlight of our Maui stay and
ranked right a top the whole trip
along with our RAFT trip down the Kauai coast in and out of sea caves,
seeing the incredible mountains and then having lunch on a deserted beach
on the coast...
both your tour and that one were both unbelievable.
Your personal touch was even nicer and all the info you shared about the
islands and culture.
We hope many more Fairmont guests have the chance to enjoy Maui with you.
I finally downloaded all of our pictures...thank YOU for taking so many of us
as a family...I never get in any pictures...but thanks to you we have some great
family shots together for once. I also have a video done and added a little
music to it...You are quite the star in lots of it with your songs, chants, and tour!
Where can I send you a copy on disk of the photos and dvd??? Please advise.
Hope all is well. Thanks again from the King Family in Texas."
Bob King, Barbra, Robert and Michelle King
"After our tour, I felt euphoric, relaxed & energized...
Many of my friends and family are very spoiled and will only use private tour
guides when vacationing. You are a very knowledgeable and energetic tour guide.
I wish you the best of luck."
Kim Elsberry
Kansas City, MO
"Dear Barry Pono,
You most definitely 'walk your talk'! Everyone enjoyed
the tour of West Maui. We had the rare opportunity
to visit sites on Maui that were not in guidebooks,
have a personalized agenda, and all of our questions
from language to music to botany and culture were
answered thoroughly. It is easy to see how much
you know about Hawaii, care about preserving
the integrity of the islands, and are passionate about
sharing it with others. Bravo!"
Tracy Lyons
Ann Arbor, Michigan
|
"The day was perfect. Exhilarated and thoroughly satisfied, just dandy.
We wanted exactly what Barry provided. He is interesting and enthusiastic.
A perfect mix of teacher and guide. Thank you, Barry. We are thrilled to have
chosen you. Your new friend,"
Robin Oswald
West Vancouver, British Columbia.
"We were impressed with the overall information. Particularly liked the waterfall,
rain forest area .
Perfect pace for our older participants. The leis were a very special
touch. Great lunch place. Easy to be with. Good driving. We would do it again."
Deana Lide
Texas
"To Jessica, Concierge! The tour was perfect- Barry is a doll, and so, so
knowledgeable as you said. It was perfect. God bless you and yours always"
Lucy Gonda
|
"Thanks for a fabulous sunrise experience at the volcano. An extremely informative,
enthusiastic adventure. Everything was perfectly timed so we could revel in the
beauty of the location. We hope to return for another tour! Take care."
Leslie & Mel Springman
Toronto, Ontario
|
"Barry makes the sightseeing experience truly lovely & warm & brings an
even greater understanding & appreciation of Hawaii's culture, tales & beauty.
Simply Wonderful! I felt rested, enlightened, excited."
Ina Wallman
Short Hills, NJ
|
"Dear Barry, thanks for your prompt remembrance. Thanks so much for sending
along the supplemental documents containing further information on plant and
animal life and the geology of Hawaii. The kids and all of us agreed that we
enjoyed your tour very much. Your tour was one of the real highlights of our trip.
It was factual and current but also benefitted from the many legends and historical
facts which you recounted. Your singing and playing of native songs on the ukulele
were also a hit and a great accompaniment to the tour. We would recommend your
services to anyone visiting the islands. Good luck in all your future endeavors.
Thanks again."
Bill Trapp and family
|
"Barry is pleasant, and well-mannered. He's a very interesting person. I
felt intrigued, informed, interested. Barry was extremely
knowledgeable and patient with our kids. He was great."
Trey and Elizabeth W. Caswell Ann Arbor, MI
|
|
"Aloha Barry!
"Thanks so much for the follow-up. The cd was wonderul - we popped it in and
every evening we were serenaded as turn down service turned it on. Thanks so much.
I spoke to Margaret at the Four Seasons hotel and extolled your virtues. Also we let
everyone know about our wonderful day. I also spoke to the head concierge Pikake.
Most appropriate word that sums up our experience is - 'Thoughtful'. Your love for
Maui comes forth in your words and deeds. From gifts, readings, tales and time
every turn (how appropriate given the 364 switchbacks) was thoughtful. In a
day and age when service is a rarity, it is a treat to spend a day with someone
who treats his customers as guests. Mahalo. Next note - Fodors."
Aldona Norkus & Russ
"We both were very happy with the tour. It was extremely personal & very
educational. Barry really knows his stuff. We would highly recommend him."
Jessica and David Johnson
Huntington, NY
"Ae'o birds...their location, so close to 'civilization', would ordinarily
pass it by if it weren't for Barry. We particularly appreciated the careful
driving and vivid narrative. The pace was perfect, as well as the the educational
aspects, beneficial to our Hawai'i experience. Thank you for your patience with the
children."
Joann Olsen
Dover, PA
"Fantastic, informative, gracious - I particularly liked the birdwatching.
The I'iwi, the most beautiful, exquisite BIRD! The place to watch birds was
ideal & Barry knew the sight and SOUND of the birds, plus the plant world,
myths, culture of the island. This tour met all my expectations & more.
I would recommend Barry's tours to all my friends/anyone."
Harriet Marble
Chester, MT
"Barry provided a unique, in-depth perspective that enlivened the day.
We have a much better understanding and appreciation of Maui culture & history
thanks to Barry. Definitely the highlight of our vacation.
I found all of the varieties of flowers, vegetation & climate amazing.
We saw much more than we could have found on our own."
Kimberly Dempsey
Buffalo Grove, IL
"I know whomever I send Barry will feel really well taken care of. As a
guide he does a great job of anticipating our needs and making us feel
important. I direct family, friends, and colleagues his way whenever I can.
Every one of his tours has been a memorable experience we refer to again
and again. He delivers an outstanding level of personal service which is
essential to professionals seeking quality and value."
Dr. Patricia Jones-Blessman
Chicago, IL
"You
did a lovely job of the tour; I found it to be very informative. It's clear
that you love the island, and it shows in your work."
C. Radko, Designer,
New York, NY
"It ís an educational day, a day of discovery and exploration of
the treasures of Maui."
L. Spencer, Director of Guest Services, Outrigger Wailea Resort,
Maui
"I am happy that I chose you to be my guide for this tour of Maui.
This would be a case where surfing the internet had a
positive result. I really had a great time with you as the guide. I was
delighted with your knowledge of the area and with the care you put into
preparing for the walk. I have reviewed the materials you gave me and found
them very interesting. I will certainly recommend you to all my friends.
I also checked on other services to provide the experience. I am sure that
I would not have been as pleased with any of them. Thanks for your interest
in my well-being."
W. Vincenti, Retired Professor,
NJ
"When we take one of Barry's tours, we always get an unexpected treasure-
a piece of Hawai'i that we would have never found on our own. Each tour
brings me to a new level of awareness and understanding. These are some
of the most unique, special times I've had in Hawai'i."
Dr. P. Jones, Clinical Psychologist,
Chicago, IL
"Your
tour was the highlight of my wife's and my trip. After our tour, all of
us found ourselves mentioning facts that we had learned from you. Your
format was great for our desires and we were all impressed with your desire
to meet our needs. Your call two days before was just one great example
of customer service. You have made us fans and believers in your skill.
My wife's parents were doubters that they would learn a lot more, but you
taught them. Thank you."
M. Andrews, Computer Technology,
Bloomington, MN
". . . a tour with excellent food and preparation. The personal,
non-commercial touch is what appealed to me, making me feel like I was
a 'somebody' and not just another tourist. The info given was well planned
and pertinent to my primary interests, but more than my mind could absorb."
P. Darden,
Nashville, TN
"This
trip is ideal for nature lovers like us who just want to get away from
it all. Exploring with Barry will show you how really awesome Maui is.
If you have limited time and want it to be special and eye-opening, we
highly recommend an Open Eye Tour."
K. Wright, Engineer,
Phoenix, AZ
"Here is someone who has found his Passion, loves being in his element,
and genuinely wants to share his knowledge and enthusiasm. I felt energized
- revitalized for days afterwards."
B.Lau, Surgeon,
New York, NY
"We learned more about the environment and things Hawaiian than
all our other 15 years of visits combined. I feel we had a rare opportunity
to walk to some more isolated, undisturbed places I'll always treasure.
What a feast for the senses!"
S. Jacobs, Publisher,
San Francisco, CA
". . . He is as fine an outdoor enthusiast as we could have hoped
to find, and an excellent guide, very friendly and caring. He asked us
all about what we'd wished to do and see, making sure we'd be comfortable
and satisfied. We had so much fun, saw lots of interesting spots, and got
just the right amount of exercise."
E. Peres & O. Guzman, Retired Teacher and Chef,
Key West, FL

"Our tour was great! We felt refreshed, regenerated and elated. Barry
was very knowledgeable and a delight to spend the day with. I would recommend
this trip to anyone traveling to Maui - and already have! Thanks!! Mahalo!!!"
S. & J. Munn, Human Resources Director and Corporate Headhunter,
Cincinnati, OH

"A truly personalized, comprehensive, and unforgettable experience!
Barry is an outstanding guide who shows you an insider's Maui. His tours
include a specialized plan customized for each client. He educated,entertained,and
enlightened us. I really appreciated the personal attention."
K. Orr & D. Cross, Beauty / Education, McKinney, Tx
"The tours are aptly named. You don't see Hawai'i until you look
at it after taking an Open Eye Tour. The migration of Polynesians to Hawai'i
and the story of Pi'ilanihale Heiau stand out most in my mind."
D. Roycroft, Educator, Chicago, Il
"The information was just right- not too much to be overwhelming
& not too little to feel we got nothing out of it. I particularly liked
the nature walk and the Hawaiian Homelands. This was an excellent value
and we would definitely recommend your tour. Thanks- we all really enjoyed
it! "
M. Knazra, Finance, Pasadena, CA
"I feel informed and comfortable. Enjoyed all of Maui; particularly
loved the secret waterfall. The tour was cool. I recommend your service
to others traveling to Maui"
G. Spangler, Entertainment Promoter, San Francisco, CA
"After my tour I felt Full. What stands out most in my mind was
a reverence for "growing things" and the views! The value was excellent,
the pace of the tour most appropriate."
Belle Star, Healer, Anza, CA
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Email:
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