I am a big fan of Hawaii Forest and Trail. They are not only one of Hawaii's top tour companies but one of the world's top ecotour companies. In 2006 they were awarded the prestigious Ecotour Operator of the Year by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association. You can read more about the company in our Hawaii Forest and Trail profile feature.
In December of 2009 I was invited, along with a group of travel writers and friends to take their Waipio Rim Hike Adventure.
Waipio Valley has always been one of my favorite places in all of Hawaii, but I have only ever seen it from the valley viewpoint or from horseback on the valley floor. The thought of exploring the ecosystem along the rim of the valley and getting some rare views down into the valley was exciting.
I was even more pleased when I learned that our guide would be the founder of the company Robert J. Pacheco.
So, how was it? Read my review of a Waipio Rim Hike Adventure with Hawaii Forest and Trail and then view our Waipio Rim Hike Adventure Photo Gallery.
Here’s an idea… grab a book at Ala Moana mall on the flora and fauna of Hawaii, do a google search for “hiking Oahu”, or Maui – or wherever you happen to be.
Go yourself and hike it. You have less annoying people to deal with – you go at your own pace. You figure things out for yourself – like, “Wow, I can eat the strawberry guava from this plant!” and things like this… I don’t understand the need for a tour company to take us hiking… I think the fun of hiking is in finding things out for myself. The trails on Oahu and Maui are easy to follow and you won’t get lost – try it yourself!