Customer Reviews (133)

MissLace26 • 2024-12-28T01:33:46-07:00

Being a native of the Big Island, I was curious if there was anything new that I could learn about my beloved home. I liked the facts mentioned and the accuracy of the gps directions. HOWEVER, I was appalled at the narrator’s mispronunciation of ALL the Hawaiian words and place names he used!!! HOW CAN WE CORRECT THIS??? It needs to be done immediately to not continue to spread misinformation!

🖤Rogue🖤 • 2021-05-12T10:54:54-07:00

Excellent historical and sightseeing info and out-of-the-ordinary locales. We used both the O’ahu and Big Island tours. Paired with our windshield mounted GoPro made for awesome touring videos we were able to show our friends and family once home. Just wishing they’d expand their coverage to our neck of the woods (US Mid-Atlantic region). Perhaps one day...

Elizabethheight • 2021-03-30T08:49:41-07:00

This app is amazing! We have found so many hidden gems and gotten so much great advice listening to the guide as we drive around the island, and learned so much great history.

Summary of Key Insights

The Big Island Hawaii Gypsy Guide app is generally well-received, acting as a virtual tour guide for users exploring the island by car. Its key strength lies in its informative and engaging audio commentary, which provides historical context, sightseeing tips, and local insights. Users appreciate the app's ability to function offline and its GPS-triggered storytelling. However, there are some recurring issues, including mispronunciation of Hawaiian words, UX/UI problems with the map, incomplete coverage of certain routes (e.g., Saddle Road), and directional commentary that doesn't always cater to both directions of travel. The overall sentiment is positive, with a high percentage of 5-star reviews.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: High (based on score distribution)
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 82% (109/133)
    • 4-star: 6% (8/133)
    • 3-star: 4% (5/133)
    • 2-star: 5% (7/133)
    • 1-star: 3% (4/133)

Key Strengths:

  • Informative and engaging audio commentary.
  • Offline functionality (GPS-based).
  • GPS-triggered storytelling.
  • Comprehensive coverage of major attractions.
  • Good value for money compared to traditional tours.

Key Weaknesses:

  • Mispronunciation of Hawaiian words.
  • UX/UI issues with map navigation and ad hoc clip playback.
  • Incomplete route coverage (e.g., Saddle Road, Hilo to Volcanoes National Park).
  • Directional commentary limitations.
  • Some content overlap with other island apps.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 133 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but based on the content of the reviews, the reviews span several years.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (manual), keyword extraction (manual), and frequency analysis of mentioned features, issues, and requests.

Key User Pain Points

  • Mispronunciation of Hawaiian Words: This is a significant issue for some users, especially native Hawaiians, as it spreads misinformation.
  • UX/UI Problems: Specifically, the inability to scroll around the map freely, glitchy ad hoc clip playback, and issues with autoplay when traveling in the opposite direction.
  • Incomplete Route Coverage: The app lacks information on certain routes, such as Saddle Road, and Hilo to Volcanoes National Park, limiting its usefulness for users traveling those routes.
  • Directional Commentary: Commentary is often tailored to one direction of travel, making it less useful for users traveling in the opposite direction.
  • Lack of Maunakea Information: Several reviewers stated the app missed Maunakea.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Improved Map Navigation: The ability to scroll freely around the map and explore upcoming points of interest.
  • Complete Route Coverage: Inclusion of information for Saddle Road, routes from Hilo to Volcanoes National Park, and other currently uncovered areas.
  • Bi-Directional Commentary: Commentary that adapts to the direction of travel or provides information relevant to both directions.
  • Hawaiian Music Integration: An option to play Hawaiian music during pauses in the commentary.
  • Day Planner/Itinerary Functionality: The ability to plan a day's itinerary within the app, including estimated times for each stop.
  • Ability to select a specific tour: Some reviewers mentioned that there is no way to select a specific tour.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Informative and Engaging Commentary: Users consistently praise the app's informative and entertaining audio commentary, which provides historical context, sightseeing tips, and local insights.
  • Offline Functionality: The ability to function offline is a major advantage, especially in areas with limited or no cell service.
  • GPS-Triggered Storytelling: The GPS-triggered storytelling feature works well and enhances the user experience.
  • Value for Money: Users feel that the app provides excellent value for money compared to traditional tours.
  • Easy to Use: The app is generally considered easy to use and navigate.
  • Discovers Hidden Gems: The app directs users to places that they would otherwise not know about.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Mispronunciation of Hawaiian Words: This is a critical issue that needs immediate attention. Hire a Hawaiian language expert to review and correct the audio commentary.
  • Improve Map Navigation and Ad Hoc Clip Playback: Fix the UX/UI issues with map scrolling and ad hoc clip playback to improve usability.
  • Expand Route Coverage: Prioritize adding information for Saddle Road and the route from Hilo to Volcanoes National Park.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement Bi-Directional Commentary: Provide commentary that adapts to the direction of travel or offers relevant information for both directions.
  • Integrate Hawaiian Music Option: Add an option to play Hawaiian music during pauses in the commentary to enhance the atmosphere.
  • Add Maunakea Information: Include information for visiting Maunakea.

Low Priority:

  • Develop Day Planner/Itinerary Functionality: Add the ability to plan a day's itinerary within the app.
  • Review Content Overlap: Minimize repetitive content across different island apps.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Personalized Tour Guide App: An app that allows users to customize their tour experience based on their interests, preferences, and available time.
  • Interactive Map with User-Generated Content: An app that allows users to add their own points of interest, reviews, and photos to the map, creating a collaborative tour guide.
  • Augmented Reality Tour Guide: An app that uses augmented reality to overlay historical information and points of interest onto the user's view of the real world.
  • Multi-lingual Tour Guide: An app that provides tours in multiple languages.

Trends and Observations

  • Positive Sentiment: The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the app's informative content and ease of use.
  • Repeat Customers: Many users have purchased multiple Gypsy Guide apps for different locations, indicating high customer satisfaction.
  • "Naming" the Guide: A recurring trend is users giving the tour guide a name, indicating a sense of connection and engagement.

Conclusion

The Big Island Hawaii Gypsy Guide app is a valuable tool for travelers looking to explore the island on their own. Its strengths lie in its informative content, offline functionality, and GPS-triggered storytelling. By addressing the identified pain points and implementing the recommended improvements, the app can further enhance the user experience and solidify its position as a leading travel guide app. Overall, the app is highly recommended, especially for those seeking a self-guided driving tour of the Big Island.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/big-island-hawaii-gypsy-guide/id982839825?uo=2