Top 10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Oahu, Hawaii (HI)

December 20, 2021 Esmeralda Fenner

The Hawaiian island of Oahu is a surfer’s paradise, with swelling waves that can reach epic heights. No wonder, then, that it’s the site of one of the world’s premier competitions, the Triple Crown of Surfing. If hanging ten isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the beautiful beaches – particularly famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Art connoisseurs will appreciate the annual Hale'iwa Arts Festival, a celebration of local crafts, painting, jewelry, sculpture, dance, and music.
Restaurants in Oahu

1. Private Oahu Circle Island Tour

The Real Hawai'i
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5.0 based on 37 reviews

We love sharing the beautiful island of Oahu with others. Each of our guides are local and passionate about the island and eager to share what they know. Every tour is private and we allow some flexibility with our route. We will help you take some amazing photos and do our best to ensure that you have a wonderful and stress free day as we drive around this tropical paradise.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Mstaichi05

This was an awesome tour. Our driver Shannon, was so knowledgeable and interesting! And a great sense of humor too! He let us customize our tour and we had some amazing Hawaiian food and treats! We would highly recommend this tour to anyone that wants to learn the history of the island and get a real feel for the Hawaiian life! Thank you Shannon!

2. O‘ahu Highlights Private Guided Tour: Landmarks & Architecture

DTours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Just arrived and don’t know what to see first? Take a relaxing 3-hour ride to Honolulu’s most iconic landmarks followed by jaw-dropping views as the venture continues across Southern O‘ahu’s mountainous highways. Our tours are private and just for your group!

Inclusions: Bottled water, Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By josephwert

We were fortunate to have Janie guide us on our tour of Savannah and the Bonaventure Cemetery. While she had a standardized itinerary around the Squares, she added interesting and personal flavor to each of the sights. Ultimately it was like having an old friend taking us around her hometown, with great interpersonal conversations along the way. She will always be the highlight of our Savannah trip.

3. Polynesian Canoe Sunset Sail

1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA Kamoauli - A Native Cultural Experience Sailing the Waikiki Coast
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5.0 based on 19 reviews

Kamoauli is a locally owned, all-wood, double-hulled, traditional Polynesian canoe (wa’a kaulua) offering a one-of-a-kind native Hawaiian cultural and educational experience. Come sail along the beautiful Waikiki coastline and become immersed in the stories and history of place (Mo‘olelo) reflected through the land (ʻāina) and ocean (moana) aboard a classroom on the sea. Our cultural practitioner and crew involve guests in hands on activities, using native materials to make food, clothing, tools, and other traditional items. Ask questions, explore the deck, nets and hulls, take part in poi (taro) pounding or just relax and enjoy. 'Ukulele music and traditional chants ('oli) with locally-sourced traditional food and drinks are all part of this unique experience. *All ages are welcome, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Inclusions: Cultural & Educational Activites - experience traditional food preparation and clothing manufacture., Learn about and participate in a traditional sunset 'oli ceremony

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Reviewed By ericwhite808

My family had the amazing opportunity to sail on Kamoauli for a sunset cruise to the Westside of the island and we couldn't be more happy with the entire experience! The moment we set foot on this one of kind Polynesian canoe we just couldn't wait for the adventure to begin! Captain Rob, First Mate Kawika, and the rest of the Kamoauli crew did an awesome job of weaving Hawaiian lore and legend with the breathtaking views of both island and ocean. Having the opportunity to sail on a traditional Polynesian canoe made the experience way more legit and I can't recommend this cruise enough! Kamoauli maika'i!!!

4. Grand Circle Island & Haleiwa Tour - 9 hours

Royal Star Hawaii Deluxe Tours
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5.0 based on 217 reviews

Experience O‘ahu, plus explore Haleiwa town all in one day on this 9-hour Grand Circle Island Tour! Visit beautiful scenic spots and hard to get to places in the comfort of a Deluxe Bus. The tour covers all the beautiful scenic spots, including Diamond Head and the Kahala Gold Coast to marine sanctuary Hanauma Bay, natural wonder Halona Blow Hole, lush rainforest Nuuanu Pali, Byodo-In Temple, Tropical Farm, Dole Plantation and world-famous North Shore surfing beaches. Plus, you’ll have enough time (lunch on your own) to explore Haleiwa town (TWO CHOICES: 90 minutes in Haleiwa OR 40 minutes in Haleiwa with Waialua Coffee / Soap Factory). Experience the difference of unparalleled comfort aboard our Deluxe Bus Tour with onboard restroom and original video, mint & hand towelette service, walking map and more. Plus, our exceptional Driver Guide with Aloha makes your tour a memorable experience! Also, enjoy a breakfast of poi malasada from local favorite Kamehameha Bakery.

Inclusions: More Scenic Spots and Drive, Hard-to-Get-to Places, Historical Sites, Tropical Farms, Unparalleled Comfort aboard our Deluxe Bus Tour, Our Exceptional Driver Guide, Taste of Hawaii Poi Malasada with bottled water

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Reviewed By renee58bronx

Our tour guide Kalani was Fantastic. He was very informative and entertaining. He was patient and kind to us - Senior Citizens...seats were comforting and restroom very clean.

5. Tour of North Shore (70%) and Sightseeing (30%)

North Shore Beach Bus
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5.0 based on 1,345 reviews

Enjoy the beauty of Oahu's gorgeous North Shore and the other East and South side of this island on this full day tour from Waikiki. Due to Pandemic we cannot take you to Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, but we will visit awesome scenic points. Visit the Banzai Pipeline Beach, Waimea Bay, Historic Haleiwa Town, and Dole Plantation on a comfortable mini-bus or van.  Stop to Paddle Board or Kayak on the beautiful Anahulu River before ending the afternoon scenic sightseeing tour.  Lunch at Haleiwa Historic town and Paddle Boarding or Kayaking are not included and can be purchased at our Haleiwa town stop.

Inclusions: Waikiki Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off, Fully narrated tour of North Shore and island of Oahu

Exclusions: Lunch, Paddle Board or Kayaking activity, Dole Ice Cream, Gratuities / Tips (optional)

Reviewed By 12hafsas

I would recommend this tour it covers all sights They have been very helpful and efficient..Kurt is very and Punctual good information..

6. Deluxe Arizona Memorial and Historical City Tour

Royal Star Hawaii Deluxe Tours
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5.0 based on 252 reviews

Experience Arizona Memorial and historical downtown city tour in the comfort and safety of Royal Star vehicle, with seat belt, on board original video and mint and hand towelette service. Professional Royal Star driver guide is trained to the highest standard, not only for in-depth narration but also to assist you at each stop.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge, National Park fees, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By erindY5299FF

Lola was our driver and she was awesome!! Very lively, lots of fun and intriguing stories about the island, made the entire trip entertaining! And she is funny too! Highly recommend taking the circle island tour with her

7. Private North Shore of Oahu Tour

The Real Hawai'i
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4.9 based on 19 reviews

Explore the North Shore's many beautiful scenic lookouts, cultural/historical sites and finish the day on the iconic north shore of O'ahu on this private 6-hour tour. Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel on Oahu and transport you to the various sites in a private vehicle. See sweeping views of Diamond Head, a Buddhist temple, and stop for a delicious lunch (at own expense).

Inclusions: Local guide/driver, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Live commentary on board, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch (available for purchase), DVD (available to purchase)

Reviewed By Mstaichi05

This was an awesome tour. Our driver Shannon, was so knowledgeable and interesting! And a great sense of humor too! He let us customize our tour and we had some amazing Hawaiian food and treats! We would highly recommend this tour to anyone that wants to learn the history of the island and get a real feel for the Hawaiian life! Thank you Shannon!

8. Historical Honolulu Bike Tour

Kuhio Beach Park, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA Bike Tour Hawaii
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4.9 based on 35 reviews

Attention Guests: With the coronavirus outbreak, we have changes our tours to PRIVATE TOURS only until further notice. Pedal past Gilligan's Island, Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum PI film locations just to name a few. Ride by parks, malls and a gentrified Kaka'ako park with futuristic neighborhood murals. Visit the Aloha Tower waterfront and take the elevator up the historic clock tower.  You'll make your way to Chinatown and explore its cultural history. Cycle through the State Capital, Royal Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha Statue, Kawaiha’o Church, Mission Houses, and experience the place of Elvis's last concert. Explore cool new bike paths, canoe clubs and much more on this 4 to 5-hour bike tour. *In addition, we provide our guests with complimentary dynamic photos and a tour video that is light years ahead of the tour industry.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Use of helmet, Use of bicycle, National Park fees

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By Joshua C

Kelly was very organized and showed us all the highlights of the Diamond Head area, including notable landmarks. The climb up Diamond Head was fun. He took lots of pictures and shared them with us via IPhone app as well as Google photo app

9. Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & USS Missouri Battleship Tour from Waikiki

Pearl Harbor Tours
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4.8 based on 70 reviews

Small-group tours only with 12 guests per guide. Prepare to be moved on this somber but inspiring tour of historic Pearl Harbor. This tour, with visits to both the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri, is powerful. As a guest on this tour, you’ll receive transportation from the hotel, admission to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, and a complimentary viewing of the stirring Pearl Harbor documentary. You’ll also be escorted to the USS Arizona Memorial before a tour of the USS Missouri’s ship decks and interiors. These ships, both majestic and historic, serve as important reminders of one of the country’s darkest days. On the return trip back to Waikiki, we’ll drive by other historic Honolulu sites like Punchbowl Cemetery, known as the Arlington of the Pacific, and the King Kamehameha Statue. Our small groups' sizes (12 or less) and knowledgeable guides ensure you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and take pictures.

Inclusions: Waikiki Hotel / Accommodation Pickup & Return, Tickets To Arizona Memorial & Missouri Battleship

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By lavendersimpson

We really enjoyed our experience. We were able to see most of the islands best kept secrets. Beautiful beaches, favorite movie sights, amazing mountain and landscape. Pearl Harbor was a must see, as well as the Dole Plantation and The Polynesian Culture Center.

10. Best of Oahu: Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, Polynesian Cultural Center

Pearl Harbor Tours
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4.8 based on 20 reviews

Small-Group Tour, Only 12 Guests Per Guide. Want to see the best Oahu has to offer? Our comprehensive Pearl Harbor and Polynesian Cultural Center Tour is what you’re looking for. An incredible combination of entertainment and education, this tour is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the history, culture, and spirit of this island. The tour begins in iconic Waikiki where our Mercedes Sprinter van will whisk you to Hawaii’s top tourist locations, starting with historic Pearl Harbor. You’ll be escorted to the somber USS Arizona Memorial and receive complimentary tickets to the Pearl Harbor documentary at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. It’s a moving experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy lunch at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Pounders restaurant before taking a canoe tour of the Island Villages at the Cultural Center. Here you’ll learn about the island nations of Polynesia, including the history of the Hawaiian Islands.

Inclusions: Enjoy a run-of-the-menu options at Pounderʻs Restaurant at the Hukilau Marketplace at the Polynesian Cultural Center., Tickets To The Arizona Memorial, Tickets To The Polynesian Cultural Center, Waikiki Hotel or Condo Pickup & Return, Guaranteed Small Groups or 12 Guests or less

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Reviewed By codysandra

Although the tour guide was a very pleasant and nice man, instructions from the tour guide weren’t clear and the mini coach was HOT on the way back like seriously luke warm air was blowing from the AC vents The venues themselves were nice. Enjoyed seeing the Mighty Mo, the submarine, and of course the Arizona although it was very sobering as expected. There was a food truck at the Arizona exhibit and the food was not impressive. Skimpy pulled pork nachos with not much flavor. Also on the trip to the Queen’s palace we were not aware it was the courthouse, not the palace,until basically the time it was time to leave. Tour guide was not clear.

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