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Why Open Eye Tours?

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 Open Eye 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, chants, music, and food. Let me entertain you!

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.

"Thanks for showing us what it was like to live in Maui. You were able to show us the vast beauty of Maui and the contrast: beach, mountains, valleys. You were extremely informative and personable. We enjoyed everything from the food to the sacred spots that nobody ever sees... Tour was unusually local, interesting, personal, varied... Excellent value; pace was just right. This is great for people who have a limited amount of time and want to know the "real" Hawai'i..." Judy Chu, Congress Member Mike Eng, California State Assembly Member

• Maui tour guide since 1983
• P.U.C. License Number 4870-C
• Hawaiian Studies/Hawaiian Culture teacher at public and private schools on Maui
• Language skills: fluent in French, conversational Spanish, Hawaiian, familiarity with Japanese
• Represented in the following Tour & Travel books: Hidden Maui, Hawaii with Kids, Paradise Family Guides - Maui, Ferrari's Guides and Inn Places
• Certificate, Pacific Island Studies, University of Hawai'i
• Elder Hostel Maui tour guide
• Hawai'i Nature Center, volunteer environmental educator
• M.A. from New York University
• B.A. from Wesleyan University
• Open Eye Tours & Photos owner/guide
• Published in magazines, calendars, and books
• PADI certified SCUBA instructor
• CPR certified

Click here to see a Visitor Industry Endorsement/Letter of Support from a prominent Maui Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner/Celebrity.

"He gave us a tour that seemed like a National Geographic tour. Excellent in all ways!!!! We got a glimpse at a beautiful culture different from ours." Keith and Carol Blandford McKinney, TX "Culturally enlightened, impressed by the on time service and clean vehicle...we would never have seen all the spectacular sights if not for Barry. Barry is extraordinarily knowledgeable about Maui's flora, fauna and culture because of his education. He has a real love for his job." K.A. Romines, Morris, IL

"Aloha Ms. Tina and Concierge Team Four Seasons Maui, Hope all is well for this New Year and that it is filled with generosity and lots of prosperity. I just wanted to pass on to you some feedback from the Mr. and Mrs. H. party. They mentioned that they went on tour with Pono from Open Eye Tours, and they had nothing but the best things to say about it. Mr. H. said that his tour was the highlight of his Maui trip, and that Pono did a great job taking his family around to experience the island. I wish more of our Lanai guests would have an opportunity to do his tour. Pono's tours are always so customized to the individual. On top of being a joy to work with, he is genuinely a nice (and often times, overly accommodating) guy. Like the guests I have sent his way previously, I have no doubt that the H.'s had a spectacular time." Fran Waite Manele Concierge Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay

"Dear Pono, I have thought about so many things to say about your bespoke tours. I think my thoughts still remain the same: 'You are the Capstone of the Private Guide Industry in Maui.' I cannot imagine a better guide in all of the island of Maui (maybe the whole of the Hawaiian Islands). Your thoughtfulness and your attention to detail were unsurpassable. You listened carefully and gave us not only exactly what we wanted, but even more with your additional suggestions and surprises. Your love of Hawaii is contagious, and we still think about moving to Maui for the school year! What a childhood for a young boy! Again thank you," M. and C.A., London

Hula with Uluwehi Guerrero, Hana Pier

	"Loved seeing the 'real' communities and learning about the history of various areas. The beautiful spots we saw were very special. Good variety. Very educational and helpful. Teaching the kids the hula was wonderful. There was no question we had that was not answered." Diane Samples New Fairfield, Connecticut
Hawaiian Monk Seal, at Koki Beach Park, Hana, Maui

"The tour definitely makes us want to return to Maui. Very responsive to our needs and time constraints and we were able to maximize our enjoyment of the island. Describe how I felt after the tour? Awesome, happy, astonished, enlightened, well-treated... Particularly liked? The special insights and Hawaiian blessings... The cultural stories about Hawaiian History and legend of the flower ripped in half (Naupaka) stand out..." Claire Dwoskin Mclean, Virginia

A Hawaiian style restaurant

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the magical, spectacular day, and for the beautiful pictures you took of us. This was truly the high point of our vacation- and the most delicious!"
W. Bingham, Artist
Vancouver, British Columbia

"Invigorated, relaxed, informed... swimming holes, the stories/history... I liked that we went at our own pace/weren't rushed to be on any schedule. What a wonderful day! The tour was full of interesting, lesser-known details. Great!"
Dr. Mary Patton
Piedmont, California