Guides of Oahu

Mitch was soliciting tourists at the top of Diamond Head today. That’s really all you need to know about him and this place.
To give context, people hike for up to an hour to get a slice of nature and beauty at the top of the crater and what are they welcomed with: a sales pitch. So unprofessional and off-​putting.
The Aloha Spirit is all about respecting people and nature. Turning the pinnacle of such a beautiful hike into a marketing platform is the height of disrespect and the complete opposite of Aloha.
I would recommend finding a different tour service. Anyone that treats the beauty of the island and the people (locals and tourists) with such disrespect by conducting unauthorized business at the top of a natural monument does not deserve your business.
If Pele could turn into a person, she would likely hike up to the top of Diamond Head and chuck Mitch (and other solicitors) ceremoniously off of it.

We found out about Mitch after booking a luau. Mitch picked us up at a hotel in Waikiki (he even provided us with cost effective, safe parking options as we were coming from a different part of the island!) and we joined some others on the air conditioned bus. All of the stops on the tour were very interesting and Mitch supplemented everything with in-​depth details. Mitch is also a genuine guy and was willing to help with ANY questions we had, either related to the tour or just the island in general.
Mitch’s tour was one of the highlights of our Hawaii trip. We learned so much and took away a deeper understanding of the history and culture that makes this area so diverse. My ONLY bit of caution: be prepared to get a little dirty! We lucked out and hit a few of the trails after rain and some spots were very muddy.
Thanks for a great time, Mitch!

My wife and I had recently climbed Diamond Head for the exercise and the potential view. At the top of the volcano, we were not disappointed with the view or the exercise. While taking in the view, we overheard someone discussing the plants on the Island. Intrigued, we introduced ourselves to the speaker, Mitch. He told us about his tour business and booked a tour for the following day. He picked us up in a bus and we headed up into the mountains overlooking Honolulu. It was very interesting to listen about the different plants and animals on the Island. We exited the bus and went on a walking tour in the jungle. Mitch was informative and very friendly during the hike. One quick note: wear some old sneakers if you are taking the jungle hike!

Outstanding! Mitch is a walking wikipedia on Hawaiian culture, flora, fauna and history. My family and I throughly enjoyed it. Fun, relaxed, engaging and informative. In fact, we’ve done it 2x now. Highly recommended.

Tour was pretty good. Learned a bit about the island and a bit about Mitch’s view on health which was interesting. He mentioned seeing waterfalls which we did, but only from the bus. The biggest thing I wish that was mentioned beforehand was the mosquitoes. Had repellent on but I still managed to get 40+ bites. If I would of known this I would of out long pants and a thin sweater on.
So to sum it up I’m satisfied but if mosquitoes love you put on some thin longer clothing so you can hit the beach later without being covered in red dots

If you want a refreshing and informative REAL tour of Oahu, than Mitch Berger’s tour is for you.
Fairly priced and informative throughout, Mitch’s tour takes you to some of the hidden gems of the island from sacred burial grounds, film location sites and areas drenched with the history of the monarchs who used to rule the island. On top of it, Mitch points out medicinal flora and fauna and is a wealth of knowledge in general as it relates to all things Oahu.
Plus, you can’t beat his energy and his ability to keep you entertained for the entire duration of the trip. Our $ 40 was more than well spent.
The alternative is the over-​crowded tour buses that only take you to the tourist traps where you are expected to drop a dime at each stop. With Mitch, he only asks that you leave each spot better than you came upon it. Not a bad price to pay to get a bird’s eye view of the locales that mostly only the locals know about. It is the best way to take some of the Aloha spirit home with you…

My wife and I met Mitch two years ago at the top of Diamond Head, and after he hold us about his tour we realized that we were not going to be able to go. So he gave me his card and we made it a point to make sure to put his tour on our to do list the next time we were visiting Oahu. Well it was everything we expected, not only the places he took us, but also the information he provided. Physically the tour is not demanding so dress comfortably, bring a bottle of water, and sunscreen, oh and definitely bring your camera.

I have to agree with suzanne. he loves what he does and it clearly shows but this tour should be called the medicinal tour… I thought it was going to take us to places rarely seen but sacred grounds with the YMCA directly behind it does not count. We ended up doing another tour which was way better. Save your money and do the turtle tour with a woman who is a native of Hawaii.

It’s been over a year since we first met Mitch Berger giving his speech on top of Diamond Head. An interesting, rugged looking man claiming to provide an exciting tour on the mountains that most tourists or even locals do not trek. Interestingly enough it did spark enough curiosity for us to explore the unknown with him.
It was not until now that we’ve decided to take out of town family members to come explore with us and see another side of the island.
Mitch filled our heads with so much knowledge, talked nearly non stop and answered all questions that came his way. It’s amazing how living on the island for more than 30+ years can make him nearly a walking encyclopedia. His wealth of knowledge of nature, survival, balance of nutrition was really helpful. We agreed with much of his preaching because we too had our own naturopathic doctor traveling with us.
Aside from Pali Lookout, all the pit stop to the ha’o, a hike near cemeteries, and my favorite was probably where the King and Queen used to hang out. It looks more like ruins now, but the trees and the nature that surrounds the area, made it that much more special. We saw one waterfall and we also got rained on, so come prepared. The rain doesn’t last long, but the umbrella will make it much more comfortable.

Awesome tour if you are looking for the ancient and natural side of the island! Mitch is extremely knowledgable! Had a great time :) Would recommend for anyone new to the island.

Our tour guide, Mitch, picked us up at our hotel in his bus and we headed out to the mountains. There were about 20 people on the tour, which wasn’t too bad. I prefer smaller tours, but I just kept myself up front so that I could always hear what he was saying.
He taught us quite a bit about Hawaii and the native culture and which trees and plants were indigenous and the different ways that you can use them as natural foods and medicine, etc. All around very informative and we got to see parts of the island we otherwise would have missed.
We saw a couple spots where Lost filmed, we saw some ancient ruins from an Hawaiian King’s summer home, some lush and beautiful parts of a rainforest and a gorgeous lookout near the top of a mountain.
This tour is definitely worth the time and money. However, if he is offering a hike in lieu of a tour, I’d definitely choose that first.

They say if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is — having said that, Mitch’s tour of the «hidden» Oahu is definitely unique and memorable. It did NOT live up to expectations but he’s a character and clearly loves what he does. My suggestion though is pay what you think it fair. I bet Mitch would be okay with that.

knowledgeable and cheerful guide. highly recommended

Had THE most amazing an informative days out where you’d never be able to find without Mitch leading the way. Well worth the money. Mitch is an expert and walks the walk. So many unbelievable photos, memories and experiences. Do it.

Great tour! I have lived in Hawaii for many years. If you want to see the true beauty of Hawaii and learn… this tour is a must.
An honest experience among many attractions which are not!
P T Brent Hotelier origin: Chicago