MAUI CUSTOM TOURS
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

• WHAT IS THE COST OF A CUSTOM TOUR OF MAUI?

  We charge a flat $249.00 (plus Hawaii excise tax of 4.1666%) per tour regardless of how long the tour takes.  A tour includes however many people you can safely fit in your rental car (all passengers in seat belts).  We do not have a 1⁄2 day fee, nor do we charge for overtime.

  ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TOUR?

   We don’t charge for anything extra.  However, there may be additional costs associated with the tour. 

  First, of course, is the cost of your rental car if you haven’t already rented one.  A rental car IS required for our tours.  In addition, if you elect to have your guide drive, your rental car agency may charge a fee to add a driver to your contract.  Also, we require you purchase the agency’s collision insurance for the day.

  Second, there may be entrances fees for sites you choose to visit.  For instance, Haleakala National Park currently charges $10.00 per car.  However, most sites do not charge fees. 

  Third, there are stops along the way where you may want to purchase food or souvenirs.

  HOW LONG ARE YOUR TOURS?

  It varies, based upon what you want to see or do.  However, we generally meet at 8:00 a.m. and you can normally expect to spend between 6-8 hours on your tour. Our guides love the island and have been known to extend tours in order to show some of their favorite sites which can result in a longer than normal tour. If you need to be back by a specific time, let your guide know this at the beginning of your tour so he can plan accordingly.

  ARE THERE AGE LIMITS FOR YOUR TOURS?

  Since our tours are customized to meet your needs – we do not have age limits.  We can arrange a tour to meet the needs of any age group.  We have guides who are especially great with children and we have guides who can happily accommodate the needs of the elderly.

  HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION?           

  You complete and return the reservation form either by email or by fax to (808) 572-6742.  Once we have your credit card information, your tour is confirmed and we send you a confirmation email.  We hold your information on file until 24 hours prior to your tour.  At that time we charge your card for the tour.

  IS THERE A CANCELLATION FEE?

  There is no cancellation fee for cancellations up to 24 hours prior to the tour.  However, you forfeit the entire fee for cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour.

  WHAT SHOULD I BRING ON MY TOUR?

  This really depends on what your plans are.  However, no matter what your plans, you’ll want to bring either your camera or camcorder with you to capture memories.  The guide can help you carry some of your items if you need help.

  If you have elected to hike in the rainforest or see waterfalls, you’ll need sturdy sneakers or Teva’s as you’ll be walking over uneven ground and perhaps through streams.  You’ll want to wear your bathing suit under your clothes, so you can shed your clothes and jump in for a quick swim when the situation presents itself.  You’ll need sunscreen, towels, and mosquito repellent is a good idea. We also think “reef walkers” are a great idea as they protect your feet from any sharp stones while you’re swimming.  If you plan on snorkeling, bring a snorkel set along as we do not provide them.
  
  If rainfall bothers you, you might want to bring along a poncho to keep you dry.  However, generally the rain is not cold and it is quite pleasant.
  
  

  If you have elected Upcountry Maui and/or Haleakala, you want to dress in layers – it may be very cold or it could be warm.  You just never know and if you dress in layers, you’ll be prepared no matter what.

  Do we need to bring food?

  There are places along the road to purchase snacks and/or lunch, but if you prefer to bring snacks and/or a picnic lunch, that is fine.  There will also be fruit to sample from trees along our hikes.

  WHERE DO WE MEET OUR GUIDE?

  We normally meet in Kahului which is back near the airport.  Most of our tours are on the north shores, so you’d need to pass through Kahului anyhow.  All the car rental agencies have offices in Kahului, so meeting there makes the most sense.  When you book a tour, we send you a map on how to reach our meeting point.  If for some reason, meeting in Kahului does not work for you, other arrangements can be made.

  DO YOU RECOMMEND ANY PARTICULAR RENTAL CAR AGENCY?

  No.  In general, we do feel that it is better to stay with the major national car rental agencies.   We’ve had some instances of people being disappointed in their vehicle and/or it not being properly maintained when renting from less recognized local agencies. 

  DO I TIP MY GUIDE?

  Tips are a major source of income for most service people in Hawaii (waiters, entertainers, guides, etc) and they not only appreciate, but also depend on, your generosity.  For tours, a common tip would be $10.00 per person in your group.  If you feel your guide did an especially great job, you might want to tip more.  And of course, if you feel they did less than an adequate job, your tip might want to reflect that as well.  We would also ask that if you have any concerns about your guide, that you notify us so we can deal with those concerns.