Voices of Adventure: Nandor Szotak and the Hungaro Explorer

I first learned about Nandor and his company, Hungaro Explorer, on the internet and was immediately intrigued by his story. Also hailing from Transylvania, I was curious about his journey that took him all the way to Hawaii to operate a successful adventure business. He was really accommodating when I asked him for an interview, and despite the 13-hour time difference, we managed to set up a time that worked for both of us. So below I’d like to share what I found out about him and hope it inspires adventurous spirits everywhere.

Nandor’s history with the outdoors traces all the way back to his childhood. Born in 1982 during Romania’s communist era, travel was a luxury. His family embraced nature, using a four-person tent to explore the country, learning about the environment, and fostering his love for the outdoors. It was a budget-friendly solution that nurtured his appreciation for nature and kindled his passion for exploration early on.

Growing up Nandor faced health challenges due to asthma, a condition exacerbated by limited access to medication during Romania's communist era. To counter this, his doctor suggested embracing sports for better well-being. Taking this advice to heart, Nandor pursued studies in sports at the University of Babes Bolyai in Cluj Napoca. His doctor turned out to be right, as studying and practicing sports, radically improved his health and helped him get over his asthma.

As borders opened, Nandor ventured to the US, joining a Hungarian hiking group while living in Boston. As time went by leading hikes became natural to him, and eventually, he expanded his expertise with a mountaineering course. He began planning and organizing bigger hikes as well to Utah, Arizona, and California, initially purely out of pleasure. Eventually his heart and business took him to Hawaii where he lives today.

Nandor with a hiking group in Boston
*Image Credit:* *Nandor Szotak*

Transylvania and Hawaii, two distinct worlds, have left an indelible mark on Nandor. In his eyes, Hawaii's serenity contrasts with Transylvania's raw charm. The contrast is most noticeable when he returns to Romania from time to time to visit and lead local hikes. Still, growing up in Romania helped him a lot in getting to where he is now in the US. His strong work ethic and intent helped him get ahead and get opportunities. He believes that the two worlds complement each other and help him in different ways.

Moving to Hawaii and the Beginnings of Hungaro Explorer

His move to Hawaii 8 years ago marked a turning point. He and his wife visited the Islands a couple of times before. Each time they returned to Boston, they felt that something was missing there. They decided to sell everything in Boston and move to Hawaii. After volunteering for a trail cleaning program and learning a lot about the local environment, he opened his own hiking tour company. Following a challenging start, he managed to solidify his reputation, and in 2020, he launched a YouTube channel, sharing unique insights about trails, flora, and fauna.

Throughout the years he became a self-taught photographer, finding his niche in landscape and adventure photography. Eventually, he built his photography services into his business model, offering his clients the shots he took along the trip.

A Typical Day at Work

Nandor’s days at work are always different from one another. It depends on bookings and how they cluster together. It might happen that he doesn’t work for three days a week, sometimes he works 6 days straight. Usually, he does 2-3 hikes per week. His small company thrives on personalized experiences that larger corporations often lack.

Every day offers a different experience with different people. Working with people and learning different perspectives is a huge benefit of his work. There are discussions, exchanges of ideas, so a trek can be 4-5 hours of conversation by the end of which it feels like he just made new friends. He focuses his work on the personal approach. He wants to give people an experience where they can see and learn new and unknown things about Hawaii. He prioritizes personal connections, ensuring his tours are an experience, not just an itinerary.

Essential Tips for Travelers

Most visitors flock to Hawaii's beaches, often overlooking the mountains. Nandor stresses the importance of not underestimating the mountains of Hawaii, as trail signs can be inconsistent at times. Various factors can complicate trips, like frequent rain causing slippery trails. Packing a raincoat is a must, given the lush environment. While beaches see less rain, the mountains receive more, so sturdy hiking shoes or trail running shoes with traction, are essential. Sandals won't cut it! Hawaii offers trails of all difficulties, so knowing your limits and considering your physical state is key to choosing the right route. Nandor's extensive experience equips him to handle various challenges on the hikes.

Best Hikes

Nandor’s favourite route is the Olomana a.k.a. Three Peaks hike. He likes it because it takes hikers through the mountain ridge offering breathtaking views along the way. It is an exciting and challenging route that involves a lot of scrambling and requires complete focus.

Olomana peak in Oahu, Hawaii
*Photo credit:* *Nandor Szotak*

There is also a Jungle tour to three waterfalls that is a true bucket-list item. The trail takes hikers up the waterfalls through the jungle to a hidden crater that many people don’t know about. Nandor believes that if there is only one tour you do while in Hawaii, it should be this one.

Scene from the three waterfalls hike in Oahu, Hawaii
*Photo credit:* *Nandor Szotak*

The Stairway to Heaven tour is the longest hike with 16 km in length and 1000 meters of elevation gain. The famous 4000 steps taking hikers up the mountain is currently closed to the public. However, it is possible to go around the back of the mountain and arrive at the top for some breathtaking views.

The Stairway to Heaven in Oahu, Hawaii
*Photo credit:* *Nandor Szotak*

Achievements and Future Plans

Nandor started the challenge of climbing the 100 tallest peaks in Hawaii in 2020. It is a great adventure that set him up on an interesting mission. He hopes that this will start a challenge that future climbers will want to embark on as well.

Nandor's eco-conscious journey continues with plans to live off-grid in a bamboo house on Hawaii's main island. Sustainability threads through his life, evident in his guided tours. He aims to expand his influence, organizing local clean-up events and leading tours internationally.

Sustainability takes center stage in Hawaii's lifestyle. Numerous volunteer groups are dedicated to cleaning beaches and oceans, while others work to restore native flora. Nandor's commitment is to inform clients about the significance of native plants and the threat invasive species pose to nature's balance. He advises against using coral-damaging sunscreens, aiming to raise awareness among tourists. Nandor believes sharing valuable information can safeguard the islands and contribute to environmental preservation.

This ethos extends to his personal life, reflected in his upcoming solar-powered, rainwater-utilizing home. Years of experience have taught him that happiness requires little, fostering a minimalist approach. His dedication to sustainability transcends his profession, evident in his volunteer work and plans to initiate local clean-up events.

Check out Nandor’s website to learn more about his work and to get in touch with him if his tours piqued your interest.