Why is Pono "simply the best"? This is our second time to have Pono as a guide and friend. We have kept in touch over the years and when we decided to return to Maui we made arrangements to spend time with him. I'm sure there are many competent guides who have learned this, that and the other about places and then can recite that to you.

Pono is different. He has immersed himself in the Hawaiian culture and history. He has studied it, made many friends in the culture and has participated in its performances and activities. As a result he brings alive the past and ties it to the present. Time with him is not just beautiful and interesting scenery. And restaurant recommendations (Pono certainly can do that. He'll know the owners or cooks.). After a day with him you begin to understand the history, culture, and people in the context of the islands. And we have come to understand that its the people who really make Maui wonderful.

What an amazing day! After chatting with us about our interests prior to our arrival on Maui, Pono arranged a custom full day tour, sharing hidden gems of Maui that we thoroughly enjoyed. We have been to Maui a number of times and like to explore off the beaten track; despite our prior explorations, we spent the whole day visiting places we had never seen, interspersed with traditional Hawaiian activities. Pono shares his wealth of knowledge of the Islands, culture and language, making the day fascinating and informative. We can't wait to return to the Islands to spend more time exploring with Pono!!

We wanted to see Maui but only had a day; Pono to the rescue. He created us with the most beautiful leis and off went went. Pono spent time before we arrived learning about us and what we wanted to see and do. He took us to a breathtaking black beach, to the blow home where he and our son sang while he played the Ukele. We learned so much about Maui and the heritage of the people. We saw the most and largest sea turtles we could have imagined, which was an item our son really had hoped to see. Oh, and he even made my husband the best banana bread we have ever eaten as I mentioned how much he loved banana bread. We tried fantastic fruit he had grown. The sights, the sounds and the love Pono brought to our day in Maui can not be matched.