Meet our "Wild at Heart" Crew
At Wild Side we know that communication is not about the number of things you say, it is about the number of things that are understood. Our professionally trained crew are passionate about sharing their knowledge and excitement for Hawaii's marine life, and history with our guests. That is what makes our ohana of hand-picked guides the best in Hawaii -
Wild Side Specialty Tours is a small "Mom and Pop" owner-operated company. Armin and Tori Cullins have collectively sailed the Hawaiian Islands, the South Pacific and the West Coast of North America. Seeking a way to share their passion for the ocean, her wildlife, and the natural beauty and culture of the islands, in a unique, modern, fun, and relaxed cruises they opened shop in 1996.
Directly involved with the studies of behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales, dolphins, turtles, coral reefs and other marine life in Hawaii, they and their crew continue to actively participate in conservation and resource management of marine habitats.
Wild Side offers something for everyone; couples, groups, individuals, professionals and families alike. They provide to provide clean, modern vessels with a minimalist and relaxed feel. They care about the earth and its resources and operate the tours with the environment and sustainability in mind. Through operations, the boats use green and recycled products as much as possible.
"If you live the life you love, you get the blessings from above." -Van Morrison
To keep overhead down, and because they are still just as passionate about oceanic pursuits, you will often find the owners onboard, from captaining boats to pulling in the fish. 
Elizabeth Hartford: The "voice" of Wild Side, and often the voice of reason behind the operations. Elizabeth holds the fort down at the office amid the "mad scientists" and manages to do so while always maintaining a professional and outgoing manner to all, must've been all those years in the mental health field where she built and ran R.O.P.E.S. (challenge) courses!, Or maybe she just loves her job. Sometimes we let her out to come onboard, usually we can't do without her.
Armin Cullins
 The man behind the scenes. Boats, fishing, and the ocean occupy most of his time. He spent two years on an incredible journey sailing the South Pacific, and recently crossed the North Pacific bringing our 50' yacht home from California. Armin enjoys sharing experiences with people from around the world, and makes sure the vessels are kept in tip top shape, while providing logistics and guidance to crewmembers and captains.
Tori Cullins
 A USCG captain (who trained as crew for Polynesian Voyaging canoes), resident marine biologist, and environmental sciences grad. She has a prior background in veterinary medicine; has worked with marine mammal stranding teams; as Education and Outreach Specialist for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and has studied behaviors and documented abundance and distribution of whales and dolphins throughout Hawaii since the early 1990's.
She is currently an advisor for the Hawaii Ecotourism Association, has or is working with Oahu, Maui and Big Island Marine Voluntary Standards working groups, and is a steering committee member of the Hawaii Recreational Impact to Reefs, Local Action Strategy and a partner with
Ka Wai Ola O Waiʻanae Moku.
Captain - Downing Braley 
Captain Downng Braley began fishing at an early age and coming from a family of male and female anglers, fishing came natural to him. As a grown man he has proven to be one of the elite guides in the State, taught by some of the best around the Hawaii area! To Captain Downing, fishing is not only recreational but mental therapy because it has the ability to relieve your mind of all tension and stress. It also opens the gateway to a deep nature connection, and respect for all ocean wildlife.
He holds a 100 Ton Master’s Coast Guard Captain’s License and is coast guard worthy to provide you with a safe trip.
Crew - Lynn Sutherland
Speaking of fish... Lynn is an upper level REEF participant and trainer. Born to a marine biologist from Duke University, Lynn has salt water running through her veins. With a MS in Ocean Conservation, she is enthusiastic about all of nature's wonders both in and out of the water and sharing that love with others through education, awareness, and experience. Her passion and spirit resonate in every trip.
Crew - "Keiki" Cunningham
Keiki (pictured to the left below) born and raised in Hawaii not only in fluent in the Hawaiian language ( anative speaker), but has an inherent love for the ocean. She holds a degree in Biology, Pre-Med and has recently applied to veterinary schools across the nation. While attedning the University in California, she worked for San Pedro's Marine Mammal Care Center rehabilitating sea lions, elephant, fur and harbor seals. Her passion for veterinary medicine has driven her to also volunteer for the International Bird Rescue, California Wildlife Center, Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley, CARE baboon conservation, and Chino Valley Equine Clinic. She hopes to return to Hawaii after veterinary school to practice wildlife medicine and help push towards the conservation of Hawaii’s native animals.
Crew - Ashley Stewart (to the right)
A true naturalist, Ashley was in love with animals at an early age. At three she warned her family away from eating tuna after after she saw a special on dolphins caught and killed in nets by fishermen (no one in her family eats tuna to this day!). She has a background in animal husbandry & behavior & although she attended CSU is still pursuing her degree in Zoology. She worked with Big Cats & Wolves, bringing her face-to-face with lions, tigers, and wolves(oh my!). Unphased by danger, her passion for animals intensified & she looked for adventure elsewhere. She was invited to live & work in Hawaii in 2010 to work as an activist & fundraiser for Greenpeace. As fate would have it, she bought a mask & snorkel & realized that a piece of her heart & soul lives in the ocean. After swimming with wild dolphins for the first time she knew moving to Oahu to work with wild dolphins was her goal. After working & saving up for a year back in Denver she is finally back to add that passion, knowledge & fun loving personality to Wild Side Specialty Tours.
Crew - Alexa Olsen
 Speaking of fish... A true “fish out of water”, Alexa has spent her whole life in connection with the water in some fashion or another. A California native gone islander, she has been an ocean lifeguard for 10 years, possesses a BS in Marine Biology and Zoology with a Scientific SCUBA Diving minor from Humboldt State University. "Lex", a world-traveling surfer, is enthusiastic about all of nature's wonders both in and out of the water and sharing that love with others through education, awareness, and experience. She is an Yoga enthusiast and qualified trainer, and her passion and spirit resonate in every trip.
Photographer - Paul Johnson 
Watched the documentary "The Cove" and left his New York lifestyle, and job with David Letterman, to come to Hawaii (close to Japan!) and devote his life to saving dolphins. "Paulphin's upbeat energy, competence, and savvy keep our passengers feeling safe and having the best experience possible. Paul promotes sustainability and educates the public through events, and eco-tours centering on the plight of marine wildlife worldwide, and the oceans in general.
Qualifications of crew members may include SCUBA, CPR, First Aid, Emergency Responder, and Water Rescue Certification.
Volunteer Research Team from the Wild Dolphin Foundation
 Jim Ward
Jim's a USCG 100 ton captain and PADI dive maste and holds an undergraduate degree is in Marine Biology from the University of the Virgin Islands.
He's worked with Ocean Futures Society in the Cayman Islands, Friends of the OSA in Costa Rica and Centre Val Bio in Ranomafana, Madagascar. Wild Side Charters are about the only time you can catch him without a camera, with a true passion for topside and underwater photography.
Those we will always hold dear...
Danielle Snodgrass 
Danielle, has graduated and is moving on to college life we're just not ready to take her off our pages yet... :(
A high school honors student (her debate team recently won the State Finals!), is equally devoted to all things aquatic, specifically whales and dolphins. In her senior year, she is out on or in the water every chance she can get. Staying focused on her goals in life keeps her well disciplined. Other crew members from Wild Side Specialty Tours and active volunteers in the Wild Dolphin Foundation are her biggest role models and helpful mentors as she follows her dreams to becoming a marine biologist. Best of luck Danielle, we'll see you again :-)
Melissa Evans-Shontofski
"Heart-core" animal lover, Melissa holds an undergraduate Biology degree from UP Pittsburgh, and has completed her master’s degree in Environmental Management. In her vast travels as a military wife she has held a wide array of environmental jobs including Naturalist for DNR, AmeriCorps member - focusing on eradication of invasive species, a veterinary technician, and as a wildlife rehabilitation specialist.
Kara Smolarek: Marine biologist, Veterinary Sciences MSc,specializes in marine mammals, her thesis: "Molecular Identification and Genetic Characterization of Cetacean Herpesviruses and Porpoise Morbillivirus," Kara has field experience with manatees, sea turtles, reef ecology in Australia and environmental education of the public; assisted with training sessions of dolphins and seals here at Sea Life Park, has marine mammal stranding response training, and is advance SCUBA certified. She is currently teaching Biology lab at HPU.
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