Anyone have experience with Your Man Tours to Hawaii?
Sep 21st, 2004, 06:19 PM
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Anyone have experience with Your Man Tours to Hawaii?
My wife and I are planning a trip to Hawaii. It will be our first trip to the islands. I have seen an ad in the Sunday paper advertising a 2 week 4 Island tour in March. The tour company is 'Your Man' Tours.
Does anyone have any experience or comments on this company or their Hawaii tour?
The plan is to visit:
- Waikiki for 5 days staying at the
Ocean Resort Hotel
- Kauai for 3 days staying at the Kauai
Sands Hotel
- Maui for 2 days staying at the Maui
Seaside Hotel
- Hilo for 1 day staying at the Hilo
Seaside Hotel
- Kona for 3 days staying at the Kona
Seaside Hotel.
The tour includes escorted sightseeing on each island. The price is 2,328 US from Toronto. Sounds like a good price. I understand the hotels are more like motels but clean. We don't need fancy Hotels because we want to get out and see the island either by tour or car rental. But I do want a clean room.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Does anyone have any experience or comments on this company or their Hawaii tour?
The plan is to visit:
- Waikiki for 5 days staying at the
Ocean Resort Hotel
- Kauai for 3 days staying at the Kauai
Sands Hotel
- Maui for 2 days staying at the Maui
Seaside Hotel
- Hilo for 1 day staying at the Hilo
Seaside Hotel
- Kona for 3 days staying at the Kona
Seaside Hotel.
The tour includes escorted sightseeing on each island. The price is 2,328 US from Toronto. Sounds like a good price. I understand the hotels are more like motels but clean. We don't need fancy Hotels because we want to get out and see the island either by tour or car rental. But I do want a clean room.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Sep 21st, 2004, 08:21 PM
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The one thing I would say is that it's a lot of moving around with very little time to be settled in anywhere...two or three days and then moving again may start to wear on you, you may find it difficult to relax at all with so much time spent in airports, picking up/returning rental cars, and packing/unpacking.
I like the name of the company! I've never heard of it though.
love
roxy
I like the name of the company! I've never heard of it though.
love
roxy
Sep 22nd, 2004, 12:51 AM
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> Maui for 2 days staying at the Maui
> Seaside Hotel
I don't know about the rest of these properties, but the Maui Seaside is about as close to a No-Tell Motel as we have on the island. It is in a commercial district adjacent to the mall, by the airport and the port.
> Seaside Hotel
I don't know about the rest of these properties, but the Maui Seaside is about as close to a No-Tell Motel as we have on the island. It is in a commercial district adjacent to the mall, by the airport and the port.
Sep 22nd, 2004, 04:23 AM
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Are interilands flights included and meals included? Is $2,328 per person or $4656 for two of you? If flights between islands and meals are not included it seems expensive for this kind of accommodations. How big is a group? Do you rely need escorted tours of the islands? Waikiki for 5 days and Maui for 2 days? For the first visit you should spend more time in Maui than Waikiki. Our son stayed in Kona Seaside Hotel to save money. he told us this place was very noisy at night when night ladies were entertaining.
Sep 22nd, 2004, 08:04 AM
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YMT is a low budget tour; the hotels they use are basic, no frills, kinda yucky, not where I would want to stay on vacation. Most of the sightseeing trips are optional which can add big bucks to the cost.
At the other end of the price spectrum is Tauck Tours. All sightseeing excurions (even helicopter touring) are included plus meals. And I am not talking about banquet-type meals but instead Tauck allows individual hotel dining and a the end of the meal the check is signed to the tour company. The hotels they use are deluxe with oeanfront rooms.
Hawaii is VERY easy to do solo, you may want to consider that. The age group on the escortd tours is usually in the 65+ age range. Many people do seem intimidated about going to Hawaii without a guide but if you do some research, read some tour books you may decide that an unescorted trip is do-able and more enjoyable.
At the other end of the price spectrum is Tauck Tours. All sightseeing excurions (even helicopter touring) are included plus meals. And I am not talking about banquet-type meals but instead Tauck allows individual hotel dining and a the end of the meal the check is signed to the tour company. The hotels they use are deluxe with oeanfront rooms.
Hawaii is VERY easy to do solo, you may want to consider that. The age group on the escortd tours is usually in the 65+ age range. Many people do seem intimidated about going to Hawaii without a guide but if you do some research, read some tour books you may decide that an unescorted trip is do-able and more enjoyable.
Sep 22nd, 2004, 01:00 PM
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That's a lot of islands to cover in a very short amount of time! I realize you asked for comments on "Your Man Tours" and I can't give you any. Never heard of them - neither good nor bad. BUT...you DO NOT want to stay at the Maui Seaside. Yes, it's centrally located but there are plenty of other ( way better) places that offer clean, affordable, no extra frills accomodations. Their website is VERY deceiving.
Sep 22nd, 2004, 03:28 PM
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We did this trip one summer after my husband had open heart surgery and we wanted a simple trip. YMT is a California company, and the price is right. I found that I could not do three islands on my own for their price for four. We live a pretty simple life and found the hotels satisfactory.
Since this is your first trip, I'd say go for it. It will give you a good sample of each island and let you know where you would like to go back on your own. I personally love Oahu.
One thing, YMT does offer a number of excursions that cost extra. You don't, of course, have to do any of them. We did several and enjoyed them.
You will find a variety of ages, with a slant toward older couples. We were in our late 50s.
Since this is your first trip, I'd say go for it. It will give you a good sample of each island and let you know where you would like to go back on your own. I personally love Oahu.
One thing, YMT does offer a number of excursions that cost extra. You don't, of course, have to do any of them. We did several and enjoyed them.
You will find a variety of ages, with a slant toward older couples. We were in our late 50s.
Sep 24th, 2004, 07:14 PM
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I don't know anything about YMT, although one of my local radio stations always seems to be having some sort of special cruise deal with them.
Have you tried pricing out a trip to Hawaii on your own? There are many people on Fodors who would be happy to assist you. I would also do major research on all the hotels listed before booking anything. Trust me, a bad hotel is not a good thing, even in paradise.
Also, don't forget to factor in jet lag; I don't know if your schedule gives you enough down time to recuperate.
Whatever you decide, good luck!
Have you tried pricing out a trip to Hawaii on your own? There are many people on Fodors who would be happy to assist you. I would also do major research on all the hotels listed before booking anything. Trust me, a bad hotel is not a good thing, even in paradise.
Also, don't forget to factor in jet lag; I don't know if your schedule gives you enough down time to recuperate.
Whatever you decide, good luck!
Sep 25th, 2004, 09:32 AM
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DarrellG, the hotels that you mention would not be the kind of places that I go to Hawaii to stay in. But that's just me...... If you are going strictly to enjoy the outdoor scenery, and your room is only a place to lay your head to sleep, you might be okay. But I like a nice resort atmosphere OR a neat little cottage on the beach OR a really charming B&B atmosphere. I like a soothing, pretty place to come back to at the end of the day......... it's a big part of my vacation, but maybe for you and yours, that's not a big deal. Good luck with your planning! 
Sep 25th, 2004, 10:33 AM
#11
If this trip includes all air fares and some escorted tours on each island, it is a fair price. If not, I'd say you could book the same hotels for a lot less. They should run about $149 per night max for 2 people.
The Sand/Seaside hotels are very basic places, somewhat noisy due to the motel style of construction (windows open onto outside walkways. None are on the beach, but they're clean and safe. I've stayed in the Maui Seaside, Kona Seaside, and Kauai Sands. My husband goes to Maui monthly..always stays at the Seaside, but he's just meeting clients and has not desire to pay a lot for a room.
Try checking pleasant Hawaiian Holidays or Robert's Hawaii tours to see if you can do better with Air/Room/car packages. Once here, you will find loads of local sightseeing tours if you wan them.
The Sand/Seaside hotels are very basic places, somewhat noisy due to the motel style of construction (windows open onto outside walkways. None are on the beach, but they're clean and safe. I've stayed in the Maui Seaside, Kona Seaside, and Kauai Sands. My husband goes to Maui monthly..always stays at the Seaside, but he's just meeting clients and has not desire to pay a lot for a room.
Try checking pleasant Hawaiian Holidays or Robert's Hawaii tours to see if you can do better with Air/Room/car packages. Once here, you will find loads of local sightseeing tours if you wan them.
Sep 26th, 2004, 05:28 AM
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Hi Darrell,
My husband and I went to Hawaii 15 years ago. We were trying to figure out number of islands, days at each, quality of hotels, cost of transportation to each island, etc. Someone at my DH workplace told him of "crusing"islands. We crunched the numbers and wound up doing the cruise. We stayed in Oahu a couple of days before the cruise began, rented a car. Did our own Itinerary. It was a wonderful way to "sample" the different islands, never had to pack/unpack. Would recommend you check into different cruise line itineraries. I think you will find it very competitve. The room on the boat depends on your needs. The food was good and, of course, plentiful. Consider this as an alternative!
My husband and I went to Hawaii 15 years ago. We were trying to figure out number of islands, days at each, quality of hotels, cost of transportation to each island, etc. Someone at my DH workplace told him of "crusing"islands. We crunched the numbers and wound up doing the cruise. We stayed in Oahu a couple of days before the cruise began, rented a car. Did our own Itinerary. It was a wonderful way to "sample" the different islands, never had to pack/unpack. Would recommend you check into different cruise line itineraries. I think you will find it very competitve. The room on the boat depends on your needs. The food was good and, of course, plentiful. Consider this as an alternative!
Nov 17th, 2004, 07:25 PM
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My husband and I just returned from a YMT to Hawaii. I highly recommend it for anyone (like us) who have never been to Hawaii. Our group consisted for people from all over the U.S. & Canada from ages 30 to about 75. The average age was in the 60s, however.
Most of the couples were celebrating anniversaries from first to 55th!
All of the people were very well-travelled and it was their first time to Hawaii also. The Tour Directors, Richard, in Honloulu and Justin, for the outer islands, were excellent. Yes, there are pros and cons to this group trip.
Pros: ALL of your luggage is handled and you need help when naviagating between the islands as much as we did. The tour bus drivers are extremely well-versed and entertaining. I believe we saw MUCH more than our friends who stayed on the beach in condos. You definately are immersed in the culture.
The Kona Seaside, Maui Seaside & Kauai Sands were very good hotels; rooms like Holiday Inns. Don't judge a hotel by the street apprearance because these looked rather shabby when we pulled up but had very nicely landscaped grounds, clean pools and the rooms were adequate. The tour directors were available almost all the time. They even gave out their cell phone numbers for emergencies. They directed you to sites and restaurants in each area we stayed in. They definately kept you entertained.
The tours provided by YMT tours were excellent; Pearl Harbor & City Tour in Honolulu, trip to Volcanoes National Park with many stops on the way from Kona to Hilo, Lahania and Iao Valley in Maui and Wailea River & Fern Grotto on Kauai.
Cons: From the YMT website, you are given the impression that they will be escorting you on trips the entire tour.
Actually, YMT only takes you on one tour per island for a total of 4 included in the price. Your Tour Director presents to you a list of optional tours in each area and they can be pretty pricey. We had 3 "free days" on Kona with no scheduled YMT tours and it kind of kept you at "loose ends" on the weekend. On 3 of the islands we rented a car and toured by ourselves. All of the hotels are located in tourist areas but if you are not able to walk long distances (like me) you may be hanging around the hotel a lot without a car.
And, the cruise ship passengers are given preferential treatment in renting cars and transportation on the islands.
The Norwegian Wind seemed to be following our tour and even Wal-Mart sent a bus out to the docks to pick up shoppers but others were not allowed to ride the bus! My husband had to fake he was a cruise ship passenger to get the last rental car available on Kona on a Sunday!
The Hilo Seaside was the worst! We only stayed there one night before flying to Maui. We pulled up to the hotel as dark was falling & we're glad we couldn't see the hotel very well. It was damp (surrounded by ponds, fish pools, etc.) and the room smelled mildewy. The hotel restaurant is permamently closed and we all had to walk down this dark road for dinner! Also, the Ocean Resort Hotel in Honolulu is in a GREAT LOCATION but the furnishings are about 40 years old if not older! This could be a gem if refurbished. Even I could walk down to Waikiki myself, it was that close.
If you are a sightseer, not a beach sitter, this can be the trip for you!
I honestly do not believe we could have done 4 islands on our own for the price we paid with YMT.
Most of the couples were celebrating anniversaries from first to 55th!
All of the people were very well-travelled and it was their first time to Hawaii also. The Tour Directors, Richard, in Honloulu and Justin, for the outer islands, were excellent. Yes, there are pros and cons to this group trip.
Pros: ALL of your luggage is handled and you need help when naviagating between the islands as much as we did. The tour bus drivers are extremely well-versed and entertaining. I believe we saw MUCH more than our friends who stayed on the beach in condos. You definately are immersed in the culture.
The Kona Seaside, Maui Seaside & Kauai Sands were very good hotels; rooms like Holiday Inns. Don't judge a hotel by the street apprearance because these looked rather shabby when we pulled up but had very nicely landscaped grounds, clean pools and the rooms were adequate. The tour directors were available almost all the time. They even gave out their cell phone numbers for emergencies. They directed you to sites and restaurants in each area we stayed in. They definately kept you entertained.
The tours provided by YMT tours were excellent; Pearl Harbor & City Tour in Honolulu, trip to Volcanoes National Park with many stops on the way from Kona to Hilo, Lahania and Iao Valley in Maui and Wailea River & Fern Grotto on Kauai.
Cons: From the YMT website, you are given the impression that they will be escorting you on trips the entire tour.
Actually, YMT only takes you on one tour per island for a total of 4 included in the price. Your Tour Director presents to you a list of optional tours in each area and they can be pretty pricey. We had 3 "free days" on Kona with no scheduled YMT tours and it kind of kept you at "loose ends" on the weekend. On 3 of the islands we rented a car and toured by ourselves. All of the hotels are located in tourist areas but if you are not able to walk long distances (like me) you may be hanging around the hotel a lot without a car.
And, the cruise ship passengers are given preferential treatment in renting cars and transportation on the islands.
The Norwegian Wind seemed to be following our tour and even Wal-Mart sent a bus out to the docks to pick up shoppers but others were not allowed to ride the bus! My husband had to fake he was a cruise ship passenger to get the last rental car available on Kona on a Sunday!
The Hilo Seaside was the worst! We only stayed there one night before flying to Maui. We pulled up to the hotel as dark was falling & we're glad we couldn't see the hotel very well. It was damp (surrounded by ponds, fish pools, etc.) and the room smelled mildewy. The hotel restaurant is permamently closed and we all had to walk down this dark road for dinner! Also, the Ocean Resort Hotel in Honolulu is in a GREAT LOCATION but the furnishings are about 40 years old if not older! This could be a gem if refurbished. Even I could walk down to Waikiki myself, it was that close.
If you are a sightseer, not a beach sitter, this can be the trip for you!
I honestly do not believe we could have done 4 islands on our own for the price we paid with YMT.
Dec 3rd, 2004, 01:50 PM
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When we booked our YMT we were told we would travel in groups in 46 with one Tour Director. Upon arrival in Honolulu, we found out there were close to 150 people!
We were divided into 2 groups and one group went to Kauai and our group
travelled to Kona. The only problem was that there were so many of us (75) we had to travel on 2 separate buses and Justin, our Tour Director, had to rotate between them. How he was able to keep track of everyone was amazing!
We did have some couples in our group who had to be "first" on the planes, buses, etc. and nearly stampeded the rest of us out of the way. At the time it was annoying, but, I can laugh at it now. Justin kept telling everyone to "slow down. you're on vacation." lol
We were divided into 2 groups and one group went to Kauai and our group
travelled to Kona. The only problem was that there were so many of us (75) we had to travel on 2 separate buses and Justin, our Tour Director, had to rotate between them. How he was able to keep track of everyone was amazing!
We did have some couples in our group who had to be "first" on the planes, buses, etc. and nearly stampeded the rest of us out of the way. At the time it was annoying, but, I can laugh at it now. Justin kept telling everyone to "slow down. you're on vacation." lol
Dec 3rd, 2004, 05:05 PM
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My wife and I stayed at the Maui Seaside when our power went out in Huelo for
about 36 hours last year. It was very clean and a good value for what you pay. I wouldn't want to stay a week there, but it would be fine for a couple nights.
about 36 hours last year. It was very clean and a good value for what you pay. I wouldn't want to stay a week there, but it would be fine for a couple nights.
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