Make Your Next Trip Extraordinary

We just returned from Hawaii where we traveled with our son, his wife, and their three sons, aged 15, 12, and 8. We had been there before on a trip expertly planned by Dani. This time we returned to Maui and the Grand Wailea, but first went to the Kona Coast of the Big Island, staying at the Fairmont Orchid.

Dani is amazing. She knows all of the best Hawaiian properties and the best experiences for families and children. We asked her about the Kona Coast, as we had heard about swimming with the manta rays. Dani highly recommended this experience, and we would recommend it to others. Justin was our boat captain and Joe was our “in the water” expert. There were high swells, so our manta ray adventure was postponed for two days.

Nevertheless, we were able to go on our final night on the island of Hawaii. We first went to a site where there were many other boats. Alas, there were no manta rays. Justin asked if we minded a half hour boat ride, as he was in contact with others at a different site who were swimming with manta rays. We quickly agreed, and we are so happy that we did. We had an amazing manta ray experience and later learned that no one at the first site saw any manta rays. Without Justin’s leadership, we wouldn’t have seen them either. When we told Dani about it, she commented that Justin is the best and she always requests him. Lucky us!

We also went snorkeling with Justin and Joe and has an equally fabulous experience. We loved the Fairmont Orchid. All was outstanding at that property. It does have a rather small beach front, but the restaurants are great and the attention to detail wonderful.

From there we returned to the Grand Wailea on Maui, where we had stayed with children and grandchildren in the past. We couldn’t wait to return, especially for their amazing breakfast buffet. We were told that, even though they had changed the location of the buffet, it still would be as great as in the past. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The Fairmont Orchid really was better in that respect. The Grand Wailea is wonderful for younger children, with all of the varied pools, Tarzan swing, and water slides. Also, it has a very large beachfront where it’s possible to rent paddle boards and other beach amenities. It is disappointing to have to stand in line beginning around 6:45am in order to get chaises around the pools. It also is disappointing to only be given two towels at a time, so that you either have to return to a long line, or ask other family members to wake up early to stand in line with you to get the towels. While some parents do a good job of “parenting” at the Grand Wailea, others seem to let their children run amok, in what most certainly is a child’s paradise. If you have older children, you may want to explore other Maui properties.

All in all, if we returned to any Hawaiian Island, or if our friends were traveling there, we certainly would recommend the wise and wonderful Dani, who pays attention to detail, is a great communicator, and knows the best guides and restaurants.

Kauai was beautiful and closest to what we imagined Hawaii would be. Visiting Volcano National Park on the Big Island was well worth the trip. Although lovely, the luxury resorts were not unique. We traveled from October 1-14, 2024.

Jennifer Cheng's family with a dinosaur puppet that the guide brought during their UTV raptor tour at Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii.

A smart private guide (like the one who surprised Jennifer Cheng’s family with a dinosaur puppet) know how to keep kids entertained.

We decided in early May to take a summer family trip to Hawaii for our son’s graduation. We’re a family of 5, and the kids had never been to Hawaii but my husband wanted a city vacation, so I picked Waikiki, which I hadn’t visited since college. It was a busy time of the year for us and I was overwhelmed with all the choices, so I filled out the trip questionnaire and started the process with Dani and Jen. We traveled at the end of June/early July for a week, so we had less than 6 weeks to plan. It was such a relief to not have to research everything and know that I was getting vetted recommendations and a thoughtful itinerary. I’m so glad I had their bookings, guidance, and their app with all the details and documents.

Based on what I told them, they recommended the Halekulani, which I marveled at as the right choice every time we returned to the hotel — so beautiful and calm and pampering in the middle of hectic Waikiki. The kids loved all the shopping and food options right outside the hotel, and it was so nice to have a serene home base with amazing service. Dani and Jen’s booking included room upgrades and daily breakfast for 5. I was also able to enjoy the hotel’s morning fitness class a few times.

We had a mix of busy days and relaxing days, and Jen made sure we had dinner reservations each night. The teens took surf lessons and we did the Kualoa ranch UTV raptor tour, all arranged by Jen. They also made the arrangements for a fantastic Diamond Head sunrise hike. When we visited the North Shore, we ate at the shrimp trucks and did the Haleiwa stand up paddleboarding on their recommendations. Overall, a memorable and wonderful family vacation. Everyone loved it. Thank you!

We were thrilled with Dani’s company! Our trip to Hawaii was one of our best trips yet. We traveled from January 30-Feb 11, 2024. We had never used a travel agency before and now we will never go back.

Dani and Jen were amazing. They truly listened to what we were hoping for and understood the type of vacation we wanted. We began in Oahu. Our hotel in Oahu was perfect. The companies they chose for our excursions were excellent. The restaurant recommendations were also spot-on. The app that they use was a godsend. Our whole itinerary was right at our fingertips. Flights, hotels, excursions, parking passes, etc… All documents were uploaded and the ease of this made for a non-stressful experience.

We then flew from Honolulu to Maui. Maui was truly paradise and our hotel was A++++. Hotel Wailea blew us away. It was perfect in every way. Whale season in Maui! Spectacular. We saw whales everywhere! Dani and Jen checked in throughout our trip with reminders of upcoming excursions. Just like Oahu, all restaurants and excursions were just perfect. Maui Bombers bike ride was one we will always remember. It was an experience of a lifetime. One we will never forget!

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