Tread Lightly Kauai Tours- Private Day Tours
Tread Lightly Kauai Tours- Private Day Tours
Tread Lightly Kauai Tours- Private Day Tours
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Please make sure you provide a way for me to contact you. I have been getting quite a few inquiry's with incorrect e-mail addresses and no phone number. Please allow at least a day for a e-mail reply. Feel free to call! Tread Lightly Kauai Tours provides wonderful Kauai private sightseeing and private light hiking tours. All of our Kauai tours are customized according to your personal preference, and physical ability level. We cater to your individual needs and abilities. Only you and your party will be on tour. No one else!
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Tread Lightly Kauai Tours- Private Day Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
194 reviews
Excellent
185
Very good
6
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Karen C
Whyalla, Australia183 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
My husband and I were on a cruise, and Jay picked us up from the wharf just after we arrived. We had already discussed via email the things we were interested in, and Jay provided a full, fun filled and informative day. He took us to waterfalls, beaches, scenic spots and also showed us where several movies were made. Jay pulled over at a coconut stand and bought us cold coconut milk, which we loved! He also took us to his property where we met Karen his wife who is also a tour guide (Kauai Eden Tours - Karen Tilley), and she was really lovely too. Jay showed us the many exotic fruit trees in his garden, and we sampled some of them. We had lunch at a beach, and Jay provided drinks and fruit, and we sat talking for ages. We had lots of laughs when we went to 'Gilligans Island' beach, as unbeknown to us, Jay had brought props for us to wear. We have some wonderful photos of the day, and Jay used our camera to take many pictures of us. He got us back to the ship in plenty of time, and when we said goodbye we hugged like old friends. It was a very personal tour, and my husband and I both had a fantastic day!
Written May 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Libdigi
Canberra81 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
We had such a good time in our two week trip to the Hawaiian islands, and easily the best decision we made was to hire Jay for the first two days of our trip.
Jay's breadth of knowledge of Kauai is astonishing, and in two days we not only saw the spectacular sights, but we treated to smaller places as well, which illuminated the past and present of this island. Jay is an incredibly generous tour guide - generous with his time, his knowledge, his research skills, and most of all with his passion for Kauai. This breadth also means he is uniquely situated to tailor tours to what you are interested in, finding everything from quiet romantic beaches, or historical or cultural sights.
We were impressed with both Jay's driving, which was careful and considerate, and his ability to predict parking and the best amenity places.
When we booked this tour, we were hoping that it would provide some insight into Hawaii, to allow us to understand a little of the place we were visiting, allowing us to ask the right questions, to be respectful and to be visitors, not just sightseers. Jay delivered on this in spades, offering advice on local expectations and customs, discussing history and contemporary society, and suggesting things to read and places to go. His generosity, thoughtfulness and investment transformed our whole trip really, from one that could have been just about a nice relaxing break, and instead became a real visit to another place, which we fell a little in love with. Jay offered advice and understanding of the other islands we were to visit as well, adding context and giving us the basis to ask questions of others which led to more interesting encounters.
Obviously, I would unhesitatingly recommend Jay to island visitors of all stripes, but most especially to those interested in engaging more deeply with a destination, or who want a flexible, tailored experience with a personable and generous guide.
Jay's breadth of knowledge of Kauai is astonishing, and in two days we not only saw the spectacular sights, but we treated to smaller places as well, which illuminated the past and present of this island. Jay is an incredibly generous tour guide - generous with his time, his knowledge, his research skills, and most of all with his passion for Kauai. This breadth also means he is uniquely situated to tailor tours to what you are interested in, finding everything from quiet romantic beaches, or historical or cultural sights.
We were impressed with both Jay's driving, which was careful and considerate, and his ability to predict parking and the best amenity places.
When we booked this tour, we were hoping that it would provide some insight into Hawaii, to allow us to understand a little of the place we were visiting, allowing us to ask the right questions, to be respectful and to be visitors, not just sightseers. Jay delivered on this in spades, offering advice on local expectations and customs, discussing history and contemporary society, and suggesting things to read and places to go. His generosity, thoughtfulness and investment transformed our whole trip really, from one that could have been just about a nice relaxing break, and instead became a real visit to another place, which we fell a little in love with. Jay offered advice and understanding of the other islands we were to visit as well, adding context and giving us the basis to ask questions of others which led to more interesting encounters.
Obviously, I would unhesitatingly recommend Jay to island visitors of all stripes, but most especially to those interested in engaging more deeply with a destination, or who want a flexible, tailored experience with a personable and generous guide.
Written December 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeachTui
Auckland Central, New Zealand37 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
We booked Jay for a whole day after reading TA- we are so thrilled we did!
I let Jay choose how the day would unfold as this is his home - we were a party ranging from 70 to 10 years of age with a lot of interests. Jay kept up a steady stream of chatter about the islands, fauna, flora etc and just knew so much, He showed us beautiful plants, animals, birds, ancient sites, waterfalls, beaches - so much to see and do- you couldn't go wrong! Jay was wonderful to deal with and I would suggest its a fantastic way to see some of the island, particularly if you don't have a car. Thank Jay from NZ!
I let Jay choose how the day would unfold as this is his home - we were a party ranging from 70 to 10 years of age with a lot of interests. Jay kept up a steady stream of chatter about the islands, fauna, flora etc and just knew so much, He showed us beautiful plants, animals, birds, ancient sites, waterfalls, beaches - so much to see and do- you couldn't go wrong! Jay was wonderful to deal with and I would suggest its a fantastic way to see some of the island, particularly if you don't have a car. Thank Jay from NZ!
Written July 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Huni_87
Steinhausen, Switzerland36 contributions
Jun 2018 • Solo
I booked Jay for a day tour though I was traveling by myself. Communication was always easy and helpful! He asked me what I was planning to see/do and what I want to see! He sent me all the details I needed and picked me up at the hotel. The hikes were amazing, although a little muddy ;), but he was very flexible and found an other hike which I really liked! During the day he always offered me water und he had a lot of interesting stories to tell. I could ask him whatever I wanted to know about the island and he knew the answer! I can really recommend a tour with Jay! He is such a good guy, honest, friendly and interesting! Thank you Jay for the nice day!
Written July 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony G
Christchurch, New Zealand8 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
First time in Kauai on cruise ship. Jay gave two couples from Christchurch, New Zealand a great tour and was informative and friendly. Would thoroughly recommend him to others. Thanks Jay for great day. Aloha
Written August 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabe C
7 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
I been to Kauai over a dozen times and I wanted to break my cycle of doing the same things in what better way to do it then to make friends with a local name "Jay" that showed us Kauai at it's best and some how conviced to Monk Seals to join us for sunset in the North Shore. One of my favorite things about Jay is that he is a great listener, has a good heart, and wants the very best for his new guest on the island.
Jay Thank you for such a wonderful tour and I hope others can experience the same joy we did during Jay's tour.
Mahalo
Jay Thank you for such a wonderful tour and I hope others can experience the same joy we did during Jay's tour.
Mahalo
Written July 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DodgerMom668
Tewksbury, MA297 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Me and my husband’s first time to Kauai and we wanted to get the lay of the land, so we selected Tread Lightly for a private tour. We like to avoid crowds, learn about the “undocumented” history and see unforgettable sights. We were not disappointed! When we inquired about the tour, Jay immediately reached out to us to find out a little about what we hoped to get out of the tour and customized our experience.
Jay comes prepared for the day and provided us with fresh fruit, waters, sarongs for the monetary tour, and walking sticks. He has a wealth of knowledge about the island. Not only historical facts but also current events and happenings. It was a full day of stops, breathtaking views, laughs and good conversation. He was more than willing to take pictures of us, so we have many fabulous memories. We even stopped for a delicious lunch at one of his favorite eateries (see review of Olympic Café). His minivan was very clean and comfortable and we felt very safe with Jay driving. We had a fabulous, fun, laid back day and never felt rushed. By the end of the tour, Jay felt like a long lost friend!
After our tour, Jay followed up with us and provided us with many recommendations for the rest of our trip. We would highly recommend this tour!
Jay comes prepared for the day and provided us with fresh fruit, waters, sarongs for the monetary tour, and walking sticks. He has a wealth of knowledge about the island. Not only historical facts but also current events and happenings. It was a full day of stops, breathtaking views, laughs and good conversation. He was more than willing to take pictures of us, so we have many fabulous memories. We even stopped for a delicious lunch at one of his favorite eateries (see review of Olympic Café). His minivan was very clean and comfortable and we felt very safe with Jay driving. We had a fabulous, fun, laid back day and never felt rushed. By the end of the tour, Jay felt like a long lost friend!
After our tour, Jay followed up with us and provided us with many recommendations for the rest of our trip. We would highly recommend this tour!
Written November 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin K
Naperville, IL113 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
We only had a day and a half to spend in Kauai, so to maximize our time I opted to book a 1-day private tour with Jay Dorrance of Tread Lightly. We already had plans to go to Weimea Canyon the next day, so at Jay’s suggestion we toured the east and northeast part of the island, going from the cruise port up to Princeville with numerous stops along the way.
Jay was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, telling us many stories along the way. We didn’t have to do selfies because Jay was always taking pictures for us. The highlight of the trip, unexpectedly enough, was a Hindu Monastery with just beautifully landscaped grounds.
I would highly recommend Jay.
Jay was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, telling us many stories along the way. We didn’t have to do selfies because Jay was always taking pictures for us. The highlight of the trip, unexpectedly enough, was a Hindu Monastery with just beautifully landscaped grounds.
I would highly recommend Jay.
Written November 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine S
28 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
My friend Val and I booked 2 tours before leaving Australia and spoke to Jay about what we wanted to do ,paid deposits for our tours using credit card and arranged to pay balance on days of the tours . On the morning of the tour Tuesday 4th September Jay text to say he would be a few minutes late ... no drama that was fine . Got into his vehicle and gave him the cash which he made a big show of counting " to make sure it was all there " !
I will have to cut down on a lot of what happened and stick to the main points or I will be here all day typing . We were going to video our days out and when I started to use it was asked very rudely "Is that thing going to be on all day ? " When I wasn't using it he would say very sarcastically "Make sure you have your camera on for this ". Driving up one road he said we were going to stop and see goats I said I was not interested and Val told him that she did not want to stop and see goats either as she used to breed them . Jay's response ... "Well I like to stop here " So he got out saying "You two can stay here " And locked us in the car with the windows up . We were banging on the windows and he just ignored us . He would not stop for lunch until 2.30pm despite us asking several times .We were both really hungry and being offered another banana was just not right . He also could not remember the names of a lot of the places or things he was talking about. He said he would take us to different lookouts to the ones that the big companies go to as his are better ...not true as I took another tour with Roberts and found that out
But I save the best until last . We are both ladies in our late 60's and Val's mobility is very poor as she has dreadful arthritis . As we were leaving a lookout Jay did not check to make sure that Val was actually seated inside the vehicle with her seatbelt secured..... she had only just put one foot inside the sliding door and he took off . I was yelling at him to stop that she had fallen out and was on the road . He finally stopped . She was lying on the road with on leg still inside and had been dragged along .. the wheel inches from her leg.
Another driver saw what happened and he stopped ....thank goodness. Jay came around and grabbed Val's arm and was trying to yank her up . i told him to leave her and so did the other driver. Cutting all this short . Val had a massive lump on her head she hurt her neck and was so badly bruised all down her side . Jay's comment ...Sorry for my little boo boo . !!
I could write a LOT more
We did not go out with him again and would we recommend him DEFINITELY NOT . He should not be allowed to take anyone out
I will have to cut down on a lot of what happened and stick to the main points or I will be here all day typing . We were going to video our days out and when I started to use it was asked very rudely "Is that thing going to be on all day ? " When I wasn't using it he would say very sarcastically "Make sure you have your camera on for this ". Driving up one road he said we were going to stop and see goats I said I was not interested and Val told him that she did not want to stop and see goats either as she used to breed them . Jay's response ... "Well I like to stop here " So he got out saying "You two can stay here " And locked us in the car with the windows up . We were banging on the windows and he just ignored us . He would not stop for lunch until 2.30pm despite us asking several times .We were both really hungry and being offered another banana was just not right . He also could not remember the names of a lot of the places or things he was talking about. He said he would take us to different lookouts to the ones that the big companies go to as his are better ...not true as I took another tour with Roberts and found that out
But I save the best until last . We are both ladies in our late 60's and Val's mobility is very poor as she has dreadful arthritis . As we were leaving a lookout Jay did not check to make sure that Val was actually seated inside the vehicle with her seatbelt secured..... she had only just put one foot inside the sliding door and he took off . I was yelling at him to stop that she had fallen out and was on the road . He finally stopped . She was lying on the road with on leg still inside and had been dragged along .. the wheel inches from her leg.
Another driver saw what happened and he stopped ....thank goodness. Jay came around and grabbed Val's arm and was trying to yank her up . i told him to leave her and so did the other driver. Cutting all this short . Val had a massive lump on her head she hurt her neck and was so badly bruised all down her side . Jay's comment ...Sorry for my little boo boo . !!
I could write a LOT more
We did not go out with him again and would we recommend him DEFINITELY NOT . He should not be allowed to take anyone out
Written September 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for writing.
There are so many inaccuracies, omissions and misquotes in your review that it has been difficult to respond. The most important being that Val was not dragged. I am sorry she fell. She was not in danger of being run over by the rear tire. I provided first aid, and helped her up when she said she was ready by lifting her from behind.
Val even told me after she “falls often “.
When I offered to take you back to the hotel, both of you insisted on continuing the tour.
Would most people continue with a tour if the situation you described happened? I think not. Your negative review starts from beginning of the tour, with me saying that I am going to count the money in the envelope you had handed me. No one has ever been insulted by that before. It is common courtesy to count the money in front of the client.
It is true that you told me that you did not want me to stop at the goat pasture, but it is a safe place for me to stop and access bottled water.
Your complaint that you were locked in the car, banging to get out, does not make sense as you were in the passenger side of the car and could simply click the unlock button and open the door like any other car. The same with Gal.
I was just a few feet away saying a quick “hi” to the goats, and then I opened the back of the minivan to get out bottled water in the cooler.
Your complaint that you were very hungry and I only gave you a banana is incorrect as there was a big bag of them easily accessible.
No where do you mention that at almost every vista, there was a lot of time spent setting up for photos, and smoke-breaks. You had told me to go to the Kalalau Overlook and looking at the time stamp on the photos, it was 12:59 pm when we were there.
It takes an hour to get to Waimea town from there, particularly when you asked me to stop again for another photo op.
The partial refund I gave you is also omitted from your review.
I hope that you were satisfied with your other island tours. I am sorry you were unhappy.
I am grateful that I have over a hundred ——- 5 Star Reviews of satisfied customers who are very happy with my tours and refer their friends.
Written October 21, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bob T
Charleston, SC10 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We had the pleasure to spend the day with Jay on his private during a cruise ship stop over in Kauai. The weather wasn't the best, but Jay made that a non-issue as he escorted us through both the heavily touristed locations and many small out of the way scenic stop overs on this beautiful island. Jay is extraordinarily knowledgeable, incredibly personable and just an absolute pleasure to spend time with. From the moment we contacted him before our vacation to his follow through after we arrived home, Jay has been more like family than a tour operator. Don't miss the opportunity to tour with Jay, it will be the highlight of your visit!
Written May 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So many folks ask me questions through this forum and I apologise for not getting back to you quickly. I just don't get on the web when I have a few tours lined up. Please feel free to try us at home or send an e-mail. Our phone is 808-821-8008. If I am not there Karen know all about tours rates and any ideas.
Written August 13, 2016
My family is arriving in Kauai via cruise ship Aug 11-12. We depart at 2 Aug. 12, so have minimal time that day. We have all day Aug. 11. We are 4 adults and 2 children aged 7 and 9. I am interested in the Fern Gtotto, Waimea Canyon, and the Queen's Bath and Chocolate farm near Princeville. I am not sure seeing all this is doable. How far is Princeville from the pier? How much would a tour be and what do you recommend we see?
Glori Chaika
Written June 29, 2016
Aloha Gloria!
That is a pretty big list and what with traffic and the way the roads are set up on Kauai ( you can't to a "circle tour".) But we can still do a lot and there are so many things to see on Kauai. We have done fern grotto and the canyon in a full day. Princeville is a bit too far.
I'd love it if you sent me a note at my e-mail ( at my website) or call 808-821-8008.We can figure out some ideas for fun and adventure!
Written June 30, 2016
I thought he charged us too much for showing us to little would u compare
Written December 25, 2015
Aloha Michele, I do appreciated your statement of "off the beaten track" and that I was
Friendly and flexible. I was not going to answer your review although I was disappointed with an average rating with such positive comments until I read in the questions forum:
"I thought he charged us too much for showing us to little would u compare:?
I think that perhaps you should be completely honest and mention the 40 plus e-mails we went back and forth with and the fact that you originally booked for a party of 4, then reduced to 3 and finally down to 2. Also, that I had offered to cancel the tour a week ahead our scheduled date since
you had booked multiple events on the same day as our tour. At the time you told me that there would be no conflict as there was no longer a second activity planned for our tour day.
Yet the night before our tour you let me know that the tour had to be over by 2pm and I needed to meet you at a spot which was a 40 minute drive further past our originally agreed upon pickup spot. This meant I had to leave my house at 5:30am to be on time. All of which I did. I also told you that the tour would be limited since
you had placed a time limitation on it. I got you back on time to your booked boat tour, but I felt I had to stay close to your drop off area at the end of our shortened tour to be sure that you made it on board. I could not risk a traffic jam or slowdown as Kauai's roads are limited.
It's upsetting to have someone not realize their own self induced time limitations might affect a tour and have them take their disappointment out on me. I noticed at the end of the tour that you seemed surprised by the cost as if you never read our communications. However you were provided the cost at all revisions, when you changed from a 4 to a 3 to a 2 person tour.
You can get lower priced tours with groups; however they would not have worked around your constant changes.
I feel I gave you the best tour with the time restrictions and drop off constraints I was presented with. Mele Kalikimaka.
Written December 26, 2015
I tried to use your inquiry form but it would not "send". I too would like to know who much your tours cost and what is included (example: lunch, drinks etc) or not. We will be at least 4 adults but maybe up to 6 adults and one child.
We will be arriving by cruise ship and will have a full day since the ship stays in Kauai overnight.
This is what we would like to see in addition to whatever else you recommend..............
-Waimea Canyon and the Spouting Horn
-eucalyptus trees towering more than 100 feet.
-a drive through Koloa Town,
-Opaekaa Falls Lookout and Fern Grotto
-Wailua River, where you will take a relaxing cruise surrounded by lush jungle landscapes.
Easy hiking is OK.
THANK YOU!
Written June 25, 2015
Hi, this is jay and I just found out that sometimes my form get wonky. I am going to try to simplify it...but as you can see I don't get on the web real often. My phone number is also listed here at trip advisor, Its; 808-821-8008. It's my wife and I's home number.
I apologize for not seeing this sooner and I hope you have a wonderful time on Kauai, with me or without.
Written August 18, 2015
How much does the tour run per person. Can't seem to find the amount
Thanks
Written April 15, 2015
Jay D
Kauai, Hawaii
Aloha I have to know how many folks are in the party to price the day. my tours are not SET formulas.if you press the link to my website there is an easy to fill out inquiry form. please let me know the number in your party. thank you
Written May 5, 2015
Hi just wondering if they do movie tours by any chance
Written January 2, 2015
Aloha Tracy,
I don't do movie tours specifically, but I can take us to a bunch of locations. The thing is...there are tours that are only movie tours but they load up a big van with all kinds of folks and have a set route. I just take the people who book with me and make a tour just for them. I wonder though, are you the inquiry I just got? Do you have a child that loves movies?
I suppose if your aiming just for movies you might go with Kauai movie tours. It's less money than I charge and its all movies!
Written January 3, 2015
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