Here is a sampling of small-group or customized guided tour operators, many with specialist credentials that make for lively discussions and colorful personal tales on any outing.  I have sampled each of these very professional operators during my travels through the islands in 2000 and 2003.  In addition, many vacationers to Hawaii will want to do their own tour selection homework to add to this slim list.  The most comprehensive resource for ecological, educational, cultural, and volunteer vacations is the Hawaii Ecotourism Association (HEA), website: www.hawaiiecotourism.org; phone toll free within the U.S.
(877) 300-7058 or worldwide (808) 235-5431.

Annette’s Adventures – For more than two decades, Annette Kaohelaulii has dedicated her considerable energy and talents to understanding, interpreting, and protecting Hawaii’s nature and culture.  As a custom tour and accommodation planner, she combines vacationers’ special interests, time and budget limitations into an appropriately-paced travel experience with a genuine grassroots flavor.  Annette also specializes in developing and leading birding- and culture-themed women’s tours throughout the Pacific region.  www.annettesadventures.com or phone (808) 235-5431.

Kualoa Ranch, family owned and operated, is a role model of land stewardship -- to preserve, protect and enhance the natural beauty and unique Hawaiian cultural traditions, while developing recreational and agricultural enterprises compatible with the environment. www.kualoa.com, phone (800) 231-7321 or (808) 237-8515.

Established in 1850, Kualoa Ranch is one of the most historically significant properties on Oahu, and in ancient times, one of the island's most sacred places. Alternative-compatible ways to explore accessible areas of this spectacularly-located 4,000 acre working cattle ranch include horseback riding, hiking, cycling, guided bus touring, and kayaking to coral reefs and offshore islands.

Oahu Nature Tours – This long-standing operator offers small-group excursions with an emphasis on Hawaii’s unique native bird and plant species, as well as geology, archaeology, mythology and history. Twelve expertly-guided tours are described in detail on the website, complete with walking times and recommended fitness levels, mostly ranging from easy to moderate.

The website also offers a lot of information about rare and endangered species found in Hawaii, accompanied by excellent photography. See article, Dawn Raid at Diamond Head for an example of an ONT itinerary.  www.oahunaturetours.com or phone (808) 924-2473.

Waimea Valley Audubon Center on Oahu's north shore provides a creatively-displayed opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Hawaiian natural and cultural history. The center is a leader in native flora collections showcasing ecosystems and species exclusive to Hawaii as well as archaeological evidence that the Waimea Valley was among the earliest places inhabited in the islands. This self-guided experience, suitable for all ages, is worthy of at least a half day's exploration, with a well-stocked natural history store on site and buffet meal and snack services. www.audubon.org/local/sanctuary/Brochures/Waimea.html or phone (808) 638-9199.

Wild Side Specialty Tours introduces Oahu visitors to Hawaii's unique marine environment and its ocean inhabitants, including Hawaiian spinner dolphins, green sea turtles and endangered humpback and false killer whales in season. With four-hour morning sailings aboard a 42 ft. catamaran, small groups of 4 to 15 explore Oahu's spectacular "lost coast" with a crew of marine biologists. Also check out Wild Side's snorkeling trips and volunteer vacations on a fine informational website. www.WildSideHawaii.com or phone (808) 306-7273.

If you'd rather experience Oahu's beauty and culture at your own pace and in the comfort of a rental car, then TourTalk's new self-guided audio driving tour is for you. It includes a 2.5 hour narrated tour on CD or cassette, a 72-page booklet with colorful maps, photos, site information, and Hawaiian facts. The driving instructions are so easy, you can't get lost unless you want to! To order online, website: www.tourtalkhawaii.com, or phone 1-877-585-7499 or (808) 545-2820.

Esprit de Corps Riding Academy trail rides are limited to 5 guests, ages 10 and up. Rides go out Monday through Friday, morning and afternoon, starting at the ranch and moving up into spectacular mountain valleys. All rides begin with an orientation lesson in the arena, and go out rain or shine; rain gear is provided. Countryside rides range from two hours up to eight hours. A six-hour Spiritual Exploration ride offers an unusual opportunity to add a little wellness travel experience to your vacation mix, if desired. Visitors may also take riding lessons from expert instructor and ranch owner, Dale Rosenfeld. www.KauaiHorses.com or phone (808) 822-4688.

Gay and Robinson Field and Factory Tours are an intriguing educational introduction to 165 years of sugar production on Kauai. Both past and present come alive as visitors discover how sugar cane is grown and processed on the only tour of a working plantation in Hawaii. It boasts field averages of the highest tons of sugar per acre in the world.

By comfortable mini-van, experience sugar cane fresh in the field and see the huge harvest equipment used in the startlingly red dirt fields, then move on to the factory for a full site tour. www.robinsonadventures.com/index.php?tour_sugar or phone 808-335-2824.

Kaua`i Backcountry Adventures offers tube rides along the Lihue Plantation irrigation ditch and tunnel system. This waterway that once irrigated vast sugar crops has been unused since sugar production ceased in 2000. Running through beautiful land not normally accessible to the public, guests experience spectacular views of ocean, coastlines and valleys along the two-mile route that also includes five well-restored stone tunnels. An abundant picnic lunch awaits in a forest grove at the end of the run. This three-hour tour is entirely safe and suitable for older people and a great adventure for all ages from 5 to 97 years [so far]! www.kauaibackcountry.com or phone 1-888-270-0555 or (808) 245-2506.

Hawaiian Wildlife Tours – Eminent Hawaiian ecologist, Dr. Carl Berg, leads personalized nature tours of Kauai tailored to the client's hiking activity level. These spotlight such special interests as rare and endangered birds, marine life, and native Hawaiian plants. About 90% of his clientele is mature travelers.
Email: cberg@pixi.com or phone (808) 639-2968.

Kauai Nature Tours/TEOK Investigations Worldwide geological consultant and oceanographer, Dr. Chuck Blay, settled in Hawaii in 1995 where he has become the driving force behind both these inter-active, education-focused offerings.  KNT features five expert-led day hikes into spectacular canyons and along coastlines with unique geological and natural environments.  Designed for inquisitive vacationers of all ages and especially popular with the older traveler, The Edge Of Kauai (TEOK) Investigations offers comprehensive 6-, 7-, and 8-day tours and seminars on both the Big Island of Hawaii and Kauai. www.teok.com or phone (808) 742-8305.

Kayak Kaua`i - This well respected company has been celebrating the Kaua'i outdoors for the last 20 years. Serving clients of all ages, Kayak Kaua`i offers a variety of island-wide guided day and overnight multi-day tours and experiences via the rivers, trails and coastline. Charming and knowledgeable guides share the ecology and cultural history of the area. You may also rent all equipment for self-guided canoe, biking, snorkeling, surfing and kayaking explorations of the island's picturesque trails, rivers and coastline. www.kayakkauai.com or phone (800) 437-3507 or (808) 826-9844.

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures offers an in-depth experience that begins with a breathtaking two hour drive from sea level to the 13,796 foot volcano summit, a sunset to die for, and 1.5 hours of exploring both hemispheres under a light-pollution-free starry sky. Absolutely necessary hooded parkas and gloves, hot drinks and a light supper are provided. www.maunakea.com or phone 1-888-322-2366 or (808) 322-2366.

Mauna Kea volcano enjoys an average of 325 clear nights annually. From its strategic Pacific Ocean location, it is possible to see 100% of northern hemisphere skies and 80% of southern hemisphere skies, making it the number one destination mountain in the world for professional astronomers and amateur star gazers alike.

Hawaii Forest & Trail – This highly respected ecotourism company run by husband and wife team, Rob and Cindy Pacheco, offers a rich menu of coastal, rainforest and volcano hiking adventures ranging from half to full day. You may also sample an historic 3-hour mule trail adventure, limited to 6 riders, descending a switchback trail amid stunning views of surf, sea cliffs, undisturbed tropical valleys and waterfalls.  www.hawaii-forest.com or
phone 1-800-464-1993 or (808) 331-8505.

Hawaiian Walkways – Honored as Tour Operator of the Year for 2002 by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association!  Dr. Hugh Montgomery and his wife, Kaulana, have a passion for exploring the little known corners and traditional culture of their long-time island home.  Hugh has received national recognition for preserving its ancient and historic trails. Hawaiian Walkways is a natural spinoff with an impressive team of highly-credentialed guides to share well-paced half-day hikes for 2 to 10 people.  Customized tours are also available.  www.hawaiianwalkways.com or phone 1-800-475-7759
or (808) 775-0372.

Skyline Eco-Adventures, located at the 4,300 foot level of Haleakala volcano, combines exciting zipline experiences through tropical forest with conservation education, reforestation of native trees, and a donation of 10% of profits to local ecological organizations. Check out the Travel with a Challenge feature article about this new Maui tourism venture. www.skylinehawaii.com or phone (808) 878-8400.

With profits from eco-adventures going to marine conservation, the Pacific Whale Foundation offers educational whale, dolphin and guided reef snorkeling cruises led by marine naturalists. These take place in waters around Maui and Lanai, including the spectacular Molokini Marine Reserve. The Foundation's goal is to inspire and promote appreciation, understanding and protection of whales, dolphins, coral reefs and the planet's oceans. Allow time to visit their extensive ocean-theme store and the next-door Maui Ocean Center. You can also become a member and support the on-going work of the foundation. www.pacificwhale.org or phone 1-800-WHALE-1-1
or (808) 249-8811.

Under marine reserve protection, Molokini is an extinct volcanic crater 3 miles off the southwest shore of Maui. It is famous for incredibly clear water with visibility exceeding 100 feet almost every day. Richly endowed with 250 species of brightly colored tropical fish, many of which are unique to Hawaii, it is a snorkeler's paradise, also occasionally visited by monk seals, whale sharks, green sea turtles & harmless white tip sharks.

Historical Hikes West Molokai owners, Catherine and Lawrence Aki not only serve as cultural and natural history consultants and tour leaders for Molokai Ranch’s activity programs, they also offer historical hiking tours for visitors who are staying elsewhere on the island.  Either way, you won’t want to miss their colorful presentations and expert insights.  http://gomolokai.com/ or phone toll free 1-800-274-9303 or tel/fax: (808) 553-9803.

Molokai Outdoor Activities is a local travel service that advises on pretty well every activity and special interest available on this island.  Tour coffee and macadamia nut farms, take lessons in Hawaiian crafts and learn about native culture, ride mules or horses, explore guided or unguided by kayak or bicycle with rental equipment supplied.  www.molokai-outdoors.com or phone (808) 553-4477.

You are invited to click on the Alternative Hawaii Table of Contents page to explore more pages devoted to the exciting alternative accommodation options, wellness tourism providers, spectacular bird photography, language and cultural treasures of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island [Hawaii] and Molokai.