Thinking of heading to Oahu, Hawaii, and wondering which tours and excursions to book? Well, Oahu offers loads of things to do on your own, especially if you’re up for renting a car and exploring the island.
However, for some thrilling adventures like a helicopter tour or shark cage dive, booking a guided tour is the way to go. It’s not just because these activities require a guide, but also because a guided tour makes things hassle-free and way more enjoyable.
If you’re staying in Honolulu and prefer not to rent a car, guided tours are a fantastic way to see more of Oahu.
One must-visit spot is the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor – a popular Oahu tour destination. To make your island itinerary planning a breeze, we’ve gathered the best Oahu tours and excursions right here.
Booking through Viator is super easy, and the flexibility to cancel up to the day before (or 2-3 days prior) is a game-changer if your plans shift. We’re big fans of the “reserve now, pay later” feature, securing our spots on those sought-after tours while allowing us to pay closer to the tour date.
Excited? Let’s jump in and explore the absolute best Oahu tours and guided activities!
Best Oahu Tours for Sightseeing, Adventures, and More
1. Oahu Circle Island Tour
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On a quick visit to Honolulu but eager to explore beyond Waikiki? We totally get it – Oahu has so much more to offer, and the views are breathtaking!
Consider the Oahu Circle Island Tour for a hassle-free way to experience the best in a day without the stress of driving. Sure, you could rent a car and navigate Oahu’s east side and north shore solo, but this tour is super popular, boasting a stellar 5-star rating from over 10,500 reviews on Viator.
Why do people love it? Well, it includes easy pick-up from select Honolulu hotels and engaging commentary from your guide – who, by the way, gets rave reviews!
Picture this: cruising by Hanauma Bay, marvelling at the Halona Blowhole, exploring the tranquil Byodo-In Temple, strolling through Haleiwa, touring the Dole Plantation, and much more.
Here’s what one happy participant had to say: “First time in Hawaii for me and my wife, and we wanted a tour that included a handful of sights. This tour was a success beyond our expectations. Our driver and tour guide Marlon was amazing, super friendly, and knowledgeable. Marlon made this tour fun and interactive. Even though it’s a 9-hour tour, the day went by quickly in a good way. Highly recommend this tour, especially for first-time Hawaii visitors!”
2. Oahu Doors-Off Helicopter Tour
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A helicopter tour is an awesome way to quickly take in the stunning sights of Oahu from above. Picture this: lush green mountains contrasting with the deep blue ocean – a true gem!
Opt for a full island tour instead of a brief flight over just a part of Oahu. These typically last about an hour, giving you the most bang for your buck in terms of aerial views.
Consider this top-rated open-door helicopter tour over Oahu, boasting a perfect 5-star rating on Viator with over 850 reviews. You’ll enjoy a 50-minute flight with your pilot providing insightful commentary as you soar over key Oahu landmarks. The unobstructed views and fantastic photo opportunities are a bonus!
Take in iconic sights like the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Kaneohe Bay, Chinaman’s Hat, Hanauma Bay, Sacred Falls, and, of course, Waikiki and Diamond Head.
Conveniently, the heliport is in Honolulu, easily accessible by Uber or taxi if you’re not planning to rent a car on Oahu.
One thrilled participant shared, “This was an exhilarating experience! Views were incredible, and our pilot pointed out so many highlights. Flying through the mountains was especially thrilling!! Pilot and ground crew were very professional and friendly and made this a wonderful adventure!”
3. Oahu Shark Dive
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Embark on one of Oahu’s most thrilling underwater adventures on the North Shore – cage diving to encounter sharks!
During this tour, you’ll find yourself in a secure cage while the sharks you’re seeking out roam freely in the ocean. Brace yourself, they might even come up close!
Departing from Haleiwa Harbor, this 2-hour excursion promises more than just shark sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea turtles, and, during the season, humpback whales on your way to and from the shark-viewing area.
Once there, you’ll be gently lowered into the water in a secure cage, offering you a chance to spot graceful sharks swimming nearby. Galapagos, hammerhead, and sandbar sharks are commonly spotted in this area.
This top-rated shark dive tour comes with a money-back guarantee – ensuring you’ll definitely see a shark (or three!) or have the opportunity to go again!
Feel free to share this adventure with a companion or two, as the cage can hold more than one adult. All equipment is provided, and an expert crew will brief you before your dive.
If going underwater isn’t your thing, no worries! You can try spotting sharks right from the boat once you reach the viewing area. The water’s usually clear enough for you to catch a glimpse.
One thrilled participant shared, “Sharks everywhere, awesome!! Great trip, would do it again. Water was incredibly clear, and we had a wonderful experience.”
4. Turtle Canyons Snorkel Excursion from Waikiki
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Swimming with Hawaiian green sea turtles, known as honu, was a highlight of our initial visit to Oahu.
While we did spot them on the beach, particularly at Laniakea Beach on the North Shore, the real thrill was encountering them in the water and actually swimming alongside these magnificent creatures!
Turtle Canyons stands out as a prime area for sea turtle viewing because it serves as a “cleaning station” for these endangered creatures. They gather here, allowing reef fish to clean their shells of algae.
This highly sought-after and exhilarating excursion takes you on a boat journey from Waikiki to the snorkeling site, providing guided snorkeling time. In the pleasantly warm waters of Oahu, you’ll not only share the space with sea turtles but also encounter a variety of colorful fish.
As you travel to and from the snorkel site, keep an eye out for playful spinner dolphins or flying fish, and during the winter, you might even spot majestic humpback whales.
The tour ensures a comfortable experience by including refreshments and providing all necessary snorkeling equipment. Departure is from a slip right in downtown Honolulu, easily accessible by rideshare or taxi if you don’t have a rental car.
Here’s what one participant shared, “There were multiple turtles and fish swimming all around. They had a few people who were not good swimmers, and they made their experience great as well. The whole Living Ocean team did a fantastic job!”
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5. Parasailing Over the Oahu Coast
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Looking to add some excitement to your Waikiki visit? Well, this top-rated parasailing excursion is the perfect adventure, allowing you to soar a thrilling 500 feet above the stunning south shore of the island for unparalleled views.
The best part? No prior experience is needed! Just meet up at the company’s booth on Ala Moana Boulevard in downtown Honolulu.
The entire tour lasts about an hour, making it a perfect fit even for brief itineraries. You’ll be on a shared boat with a maximum of 15 participants, where you’ll buckle into a harness and take off for a ride for two (or three) people at a time.
You get to choose from three different line lengths. Opt for a 1,000-foot line length to capture stunning views of Diamond Head Crater, which majestically looms over Waikiki. Regardless of the line length, you’re guaranteed spectacular views of the coast.
Make sure to go for the photo package to capture those unforgettable moments!
“This is an adventure for almost anyone! I’m over 70 and had a great time! The staff was courteous and very helpful… I would go again anytime!”
6. Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial Tour
For many Americans, a visit to Pearl Harbor is a must on a first-time Oahu itinerary.
This is where the Japanese attacked on December 7, 1941, drawing the US into World War II. Thousands lost their lives, and many US warships (along with hundreds of aircraft) were destroyed in the attack.
At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, you can pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial, a pristine white structure that sits in the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean directly over the spot where the sunken ship lies.
The National Park Service, which manages the memorial, has a 45-minute program to visit the memorial, involving a boat ride to the memorial and back.
While entry is free, you have to secure your spot on the program with an advance reservation.
If you do not have a rental car but want to visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, this highly-rated guided tour is an efficient option.
The 4-hour tour includes pick up at many Waikiki hotels and a ticket for the boat visit to the USS Arizona Memorial.
If you are a WWII buff or travelling as a family with school-age kids that want to learn more, consider this tour, which includes the Battleship Missouri (where WWII ended) as well as the USS Arizona Memorial.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial is independently managed, and there is an entry fee.
7. Kualoa Ranch Tours
Kualoa Ranch, one of Oahu’s top attractions, offers something for everyone.
This working cattle ranch boasts a stunning location on Oahu’s windward coast, stretching from the imposing Ko’olau Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
Contained within Kualoa Ranch is one of the largest areas of accessible nature on the island, and tours provide various ways to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes.
In fact, tours are the only way to see Kualoa Ranch, other than the visitor center and cafe at the entrance.
Many visitors choose the Kualoa Ranch Hollywood Movie Sites Tour. On this tour, you’ll travel by vintage school bus to locations where movies like Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, and Jumanji, and TV shows such as Magnum P. I., were filmed.
Your guide will offer commentary as you marvel at the stunning landscapes.
“My family and I really enjoyed this! I was interested in the other more adventurous tours; however, we had an infant and people with back issues in our party. This tour turned out to be the perfect experience for us all. The stops and beautiful scenery wowed us!…Would definitely do this again!”
8. Swim with Dolphins on Oahu’s West Coast
The west coast of Oahu stands out as one of the best places in Hawaii to swim with dolphins and other marine life.
Waianae, situated on the west coast, is a popular spot for dolphin spotting on Oahu. During a tour here, you might be fortunate enough to encounter Hawaiian spinner dolphins, known for leaping and spinning in the air – truly an exciting sight!
Apart from spinner dolphins, you may also come across bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, sea turtles, and, in the season, majestic humpback whales.
Since 2021, a law requires maintaining a 50-yard distance from spinner dolphins. Be aware that your boat may move away from spinner dolphins if encountered unexpectedly.
This highly-rated swimming and snorkeling dolphin tour not only allows you to appreciate the stunning scenery of the western coast of Oahu but also offers the chance to spot marine life. The tour includes transport from Waikiki and back.
Embark on your adventure in a comfortable double-hulled catamaran, enjoying swimming and snorkeling opportunities. The package includes lunch, bottled water, and all necessary equipment.
“We swam with dolphins twice and swam with turtles and an octopus once. We also enjoyed the boat ride along the coastline. Gorgeous scenery! Our tour guide Mike, driver, and boat crew were so friendly and fun! We definitely recommend this excursion!”
9. Take a Surfing Lesson
While people have been riding the waves for centuries, Oahu is often considered the birthplace of modern surfing.
And there’s no denying that it’s super exciting even to stand on shore in the winter and watch the experts in action at high-profile competitions along the north shore of the island.
But if you want to personally try catching some waves while in Oahu, there are plenty of places that offer classes with a professional.
Whether you are a rank beginner or trying to advance your skills, you can find a lesson to suit.
This 1-on-1 private 2-hour surfing lesson in Waikiki is perfect for beginners. You’ll receive instruction and an equipment fitting, followed by coaching in the water.
Learn to paddle out and stand up on the board, to try and catch some waves!
The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at select locations in Waikiki, plus all equipment. Photos and video are available for purchase afterwards.
“The one on one personal attention with the instructor can’t be beat. Mark did an amazing job going through all of the steps on land before going into the ocean. I got up on the third try and caught a good amount of waves after that. Highly recommend it.”
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10. Enjoy a Kailua Bay Paddle
Kailua Bay, with its spectacular blue-green waters and picturesque offshore islets, stands out as one of the most scenic destinations on Oahu.
And one of the best ways to enjoy the stunning scenery is on a kayaking tour of the bay.
Kailua Bay and the Mokolua Islands in Oahu, Hawaii Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands is a popular Oahu excursion! Nā Mokulua, colloquially known as The Mokes, are two little islets that lie off the Kailua coast. They are seabird sanctuaries and a very popular photo subject.
While many visitors are content to view them from Lanikai Beach, you can paddle out to the islets on a self-guided trip or a guided excursion.
You can even land on the larger of the two islands with a landing permit.
Popoia Island is a small flat islet that is another popular Kailua kayaking destination. It is also a seabird sanctuary, and you can land here with a permit.
This highly-rated Kailua Bay kayaking tour offers a guided or self-guided option. On the tour, you will admire the beautiful views, enjoy the pristine beaches on the little islets, and look for marine life.
Lunch, kayak, island landing permits, and snorkeling equipment are included.
If you are a first-time visitor and want to visit The Mokes, we suggest the guided option, so you don’t get stranded on a reef.
And make sure you pick a nice weather day, for calm waters and unforgettable views!
“The water was clear and calm with beautiful panoramic views! Unforgettable experience, viewing sea lions, turtles and learning the history!”
11. Take a Boat Tour to the Kaneohe Sandbar
The Kaneohe Sandbar, located on the east side of the island, stands out as one of the most unique destinations in Oahu!
This sandbar, situated about a mile from shore in Kaneohe Bay, only emerges at low tide. If you happen to be on the sandbar during this time, it gives the feeling of being on a beach right in the middle of the ocean… truly cool!
Kaneohe sandbar in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu Take a boat tour to the Kaneohe Sandbar! Once at the sandbar, you can relax on the sand, soak in the sun, enjoy the views of the mountains and the coastline, play a game of beach volleyball, or snorkel.
The easiest and most hassle-free way to get to the Kaneohe Sandbar is on a boat tour. Boat tours depart from the pier at He’eia Kea.
The boat ride is scenic, even if it only lasts 10 to 15 minutes each way!
This highly-rated Kaneohe Sandbar boat tour has a 5-star rating and close to 350 reviews on Viator. The tour lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
On this afternoon tour, you’ll cruise to the sandbar, where you can snorkel and look for turtles, or just soak in the sun.
Paddleboards and snorkeling equipment are provided. Enjoy snacks and soft drinks.
“Snorkeling, paddle boarding, sunbathing, and saw a turtle 🐢 while snorkeling. The crew was amazing. They had snacks and drinks available.”
12. Chill Out at Paradise Cove Luau!
First visit to Oahu? Plan on attending a luau while you are on the island!
A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast, accompanied by entertainment: music, traditional dancing, and story-telling.
A mai tai in Hawaii Start your luau evening with a chilled Mai Tai! Luaus today offer a wide variety of food choices, but kalua pork, traditionally made in an imu (an underground oven), is usually on the menu, along with other local dishes like poi.
Paradise Cove Luau is one of the best luaus on Oahu, with a location right by the ocean in Ko Olina.
You’ll be greeted with a Mai Tai and have the opportunity to wander the Hawaiian Village to check out arts and crafts like lei-making. You can then take a canoe ride in the cove and watch the imu ceremony.
The feast includes both traditional Hawaiian dishes and continental cuisine, with options for vegetarians and vegans.
And the show is amazing, with the sunset as the backdrop. The troupe of singers, musicians, and dancers will keep you enthralled.
The Paradise Cove Luau excursion includes transport from select Waikiki hotels.
“Awesome from start to finish!…The cultural display was entertaining and enlightening, the food…delicious! At the end, after an intense presentation, the performers gracefully came out to take photos with us. The activities and shopping were interesting as well. Two thumbs up and if I’m ever here again, I’ll be back!”
Renting a Car in Oahu
If you want to explore more of the island of Oahu on your vacation, you should get a rental car.
Oahu’s popular attractions are spread over the island: the windward coast, the North Shore, and Ko Olina are great places to explore beyond Waikiki (or the greater Honolulu area).
While Oahu does have public transport options that are better than the other islands, a car offers a lot more flexibility and time savings.
We always use Discover Cars to book Oahu car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
Honolulu Airport-Hotel Shuttle
If you are not planning to get a rental car at Honolulu Airport, consider booking shuttle transport in advance!
This shared shuttle can be cancelled up to 24 hours from the date of service. It serves hotels in Waikiki and Honolulu and then back again to the airport the day you leave. It’s convenient and inexpensive, and saves time and hassle!
Where to Stay in Oahu
Honolulu (Waikiki in particular) offers a large number of hotels and resorts, along with shopping and dining options. Most visitors to Oahu choose to base in Honolulu at least for a part of their stay.
While many of the large chains have a presence if you are looking to use your memberships, Honolulu also has several unique boutiques to consider.
Our faves include Halekulani for a splurge stay, the Lotus Honolulu for views of Diamond Head, and The Laylow for its awesome location.
Want more room to spread out or looking to stay elsewhere on Oahu? You will find VRBO listings all over the island!
On previous trips to Oahu, we have stayed in VRBO rentals in Waikiki as well as on the North Shore and the east coast, and we’ve found the choice and quality great.
More Oahu Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip to Oahu? Check out our other in-depth Oahu travel guides for help finalizing your Oahu itinerary!
Start by discovering the best things to do in Oahu. We also have a detailed guide to Oahu’s North Shore, a round-up of things to do on the east side of Oahu, and the best things to do in Ko Olina, on the west coast of the island.
Of course, you’ll want to learn about all the exciting things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital, and Waikiki, the touristic core of Oahu.
We also have a guide to the best beaches in Oahu, and a round-up of the must-visit Oahu waterfalls.
Waimea Valley in Oahu
Oahu is home to so many must-visit landmarks! Check out our in-depth article on how to visit Pearl Harbor, and our guides on the beautiful Waimea Valley in Oahu and the spectacular Byodo-In Temple.
Want to enjoy the thrill of observing sharks in the wild? Check out our article on shark cage diving on Oahu’s North Shore!
Discover the top places to go snorkeling in west Oahu, where you will find a long coastline with lovely beaches, and tips for snorkeling Kaneohe Sandbar on the island’s east coast.
And if you love marine life, also check out our complete guide to (respectfully!) see and swim with dolphins in Oahu, and the best spots to snorkel with turtles in Oahu.
For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, we have a round-up of the best Oahu hikes, and if you are looking to exclude the harder Oahu trails, a guide to the best easy Oahu hikes.
Find out how to do the iconic (and VERY popular) Diamond Head Hike near Waikiki for exceptional views. We also have a guide to the very popular Manoa Falls Trail in Honolulu.
More advanced hikers will want to read up on the Koko Head Hike, a long set of stairs leading to expansive views.
Learn where to go for the best sunsets in Oahu, whether you want to hike or enjoy watching a colorful Hawaiian sunset without working up a sweat.
We also have a guide to the best sunrise hikes in Oahu, one of which is the spectacular Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail in the southeastern part of the island. The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is another wonderful sunrise hike on Oahu!
Conclusion
Embarking on a journey to discover the diverse wonders of Oahu? Look no further! This comprehensive guide presents the 12 Best Oahu Tours and Excursions for 2024, meticulously curated to ensure an unforgettable experience. From lush landscapes to cultural gems, each recommendation promises a splurge-worthy adventure. Dive into the vibrant offerings of Oahu with this guide, designed to enhance your travel itinerary and make every moment count.
I’m Matthew Porter, the creative mind behind “Go Hawaii US.” I’ve been having a blast discovering all the cool things the Hawaiian islands have to offer. At Go Hawaii US, we’re all about turning your trip into a vibrant, eye-catching adventure. Let’s make your time in Hawaii unforgettable—join me in the excitement at Go Hawaii US!
