I echo the other two 1-star reviews. My take is: if you have several hundred $ to spare and happy to “donate” to this private property, then it is a go, otherwise go to other places on Hanna. More details are following.
We read an article about “15 must-goes on the road to Hanna” and this place is ranked 1st. It was a beautiful, ~0.5 mile loop with lots of tropical plants and trees. Definitely worth going if it were free and without the guide.
The start of the tour was everyone stood in the pouring rain, listening to the guide lecturing us about bamboos, tree leaves and do a bunch of ritual gestures. Then we finally get on the trail, and stopped every 10 feet, for being lectured on tree leaves. P.S: The guide didn’t let you go freely and was unhappy if you take photos around and not listen carefully to him. The waterfall was decent, but you only get to see it from hundreds of feet away, take your pic and the guide escorts you out.
After spending 1.5 hr on the 0.5 mile trail, we got to the most exciting part: chocolate tasting!! We were told to taste chocolates from around the world, we ended up having different chocolates from GROCERY with the brand “CHOCOLOVE” which you can literally get it from grocery. What an awkward moment when we pointed this out to the guide, his face literally turned red!! The guide did made us chocolate: he put cocoa and coconut powder together, mixes them and put them into a mold and froze them. There a plenty of YouTube videos that did better than that. During the whole process I didn’t learn anything about cocoa growth or chocolate processing, but rather feel like YouTube video tutorial on homemade chocolates. Not informative lecture, I asked him a question about chocolate, he didn’t know the answer, and told me to check Wikipedia cause this is where he learnt.
THE GUIDE ASKED FOR EXTRA GRATITUDE ($25 per person) IN THE END. JUST A HEADS UP!!
We asked the locals about this place after going back to town, nobody knew this place. And we also learnt that the article “ 15 must-goes on the road to Hanna” was written by the very same people that run this garden. Guess they paid good money to google.
To sum up, if you are generous and willing to “donate” $128 per person to this private property, it is a go and expect a 0.5 mile casual hike. Otherwise twin falls or other places on Hanna are much better to make you day, your time and your...
Read moreDefinitely did not live up to the other reviews (at least to our group, and another group that we were in the tour with). We had 4 adults, and the other group had 2 adults and 3 children. This was very expensive for what it was. Its basically a walk around their garden and lots of talking from the guide. You get a few pieces of chocolate, a bag of chips and a canned soda for $500. You get to see some plants and trees, and a very dirty waterfall from about 200 feet away. BRING COVER! I left with 30 mosquito bites that terrorized me for the rest of my trip. This was after applying strong bug repellent. I was the worse in my group, but the other 3 in our group had at least 10 bites each. They also send you text messages before your tour to make sure you tip your guide generously. They even say $100 per couple is not uncommon. I would suggest going on the 13 crossing hike over this, tour. Main reason is it is free, and you get to see way better vegetation and get right up to a beautiful waterfall. This was just way too overpriced for what it was. The other group with the 3 kids met us after and said that they hated it, and it was the worse money they spent! We could tell that the kids were bored, and I would have been too. Better things to do with $500. I would get reservations to Mamas ! That was really an experience, pricey but worth it.
Response to owner - The reservation was not under my name, it was under the other couple we were with, so that is why you do not see me. I am not a competitor. I ate the cacao chocolate, sea salt chips and drank the canned coconut and pineapple soda. I appreciate your feedback. We can still want to do good, and not feel ripped off at the same...
Read moreWonderful tour!!! The King's Gardens in Maui offers an enchanting hiking experience that seamlessly combines natural beauty, cultural history, and serene landscapes. Located near the iconic Road to Hana, this hidden gem provides a unique opportunity to explore Maui’s lush tropical scenery. The hike through the King's Gardens is moderately challenging but accessible to most hikers. The trail is well-maintained, with clear markers and paths that wind through dense rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and along serene streams. The verdant foliage, vibrant flowers, and towering trees create a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world.
Waterfalls: The highlight of the hike is the breathtaking waterfalls. The sound of cascading water and the refreshing mist provide a perfect spot for a break and photo opportunities. Flora and Fauna: The diversity of plants and wildlife is astounding. From giant ferns and exotic orchids to native birds, the King's Gardens is a haven for nature lovers. Cultural Significance: The trail is dotted with signs and plaques that provide insights into the historical and cultural significance of the area. Learning about the ancient Hawaiian kings who once roamed these gardens adds a profound depth to the hike.
The King's Gardens hike in Maui is a must-do for anyone visiting the island. Whether you are an avid hiker or simply looking to immerse yourself in the natural splendor and cultural heritage of Hawaii, this trail offers something...
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