Are you planning a trip to Oahu and want to know which Honolulu activities are worth checking out? Keep scrolling to find out the best tours in Honolulu, Hawaii!
This list of the best tours in Honolulu, Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Look, I get it.
You’re scrolling through hundreds of Honolulu tour options, prices are all over the place, and you’re wondering which ones are actually worth your time and money.
After visiting Hawaii 40+ times and testing tours with my own kids (ages 4 through elementary school), I can tell you exactly which Honolulu excursions are worth booking and which ones you can skip.
This isn’t some generic listicle. These are the tours I’d recommend to my best friend planning her first Oahu trip.
Let’s talk about what’s actually worth it in 2026.
Why I’m the Right Person to Tell You This
I’m a Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist and professional tourist who’s been visiting Oahu since I was 10.
My mom lives in Hawaii, my grandmother lived part-time there for years, and I’ve spent over 20 years dancing hula.
More importantly? I’ve done these tours with my own kids. I know which ones made them beg to go back and which ones had them asking “are we done yet?”
My Top Honolulu Tours for 2026
1. Atlantis Submarine Adventure
Why it’s worth it: This was hands-down one of my kids’ favorite activities when they were 4 and 7.
You descend 100 feet underwater in an actual submarine (not a glass-bottom boat, a real submarine) and see shipwrecks, a sunken airplane, coral reefs, and tons of tropical fish.
The best part? Kids who aren’t comfortable snorkeling in the ocean can still experience Hawaii’s underwater world.
My youngest was too nervous to snorkel at that age, but she absolutely loved the submarine.
What to know: Kids must be at least 36 inches tall and able to climb the submarine ladder independently. The actual underwater time is about 45 minutes, with a scenic 10-minute shuttle boat ride from Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Book it: Check current prices and availability on Hawaii Activities or browse submarine tours on Hawaii Tours
Pro tip: Book the premium submarine for larger viewing windows. It’s worth the extra cost, especially for families.
2. Kaneohe Sandbar Tours (The Hidden Gem Everyone’s Talking About)
Why it’s trending: If you haven’t heard about Kaneohe Sandbar yet, you’re about to.
This is Oahu’s best-kept secret that’s not so secret anymore.
It’s a mile-long sandbar in the middle of Kaneohe Bay where you can literally walk on sand in the middle of the ocean.
At low tide, you’re standing on a white sand beach surrounded by water. At high tide, it’s waist-deep and perfect for snorkeling with turtles. Either way, it’s magical.
What makes it special: The sandbar is nestled between Chinaman’s Hat and Coconut Island, about 45 minutes from Waikiki but feels completely removed from the tourist crowds.
Most tours include live Hawaiian music, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and sometimes even banana boat rides.
Book it: Kaneohe Bay Ocean Sports and Captain Bruce both get rave reviews. You can also find sandbar tours on Hawaii Activities or compare options on Viator.
Pro tip: Book a morning tour for calmer waters and better turtle sightings. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and prepare to see some serious Instagram-worthy views.
3. Waikiki Trolley (The Underrated Transportation Hack)
Why I love it: When my youngest was 4, we used the Waikiki Trolley to get to Sea Life Park instead of renting a car for the day. Best decision ever.
The trolley isn’t just transportation. It’s hop-on, hop-off sightseeing with narration, and kids think it’s a blast.
You can ride to Diamond Head, Ala Moana Center, Honolulu Zoo, the aquarium, and even out to Sea Life Park on different routes.
Book it: Passes start at around $35 for unlimited rides. Get your Waikiki Trolley tickets on Get Your Guide or book through Viator.
Want all the details on whether it’s worth it? I wrote a full Waikiki Trolley review here.
Pro tip: Get the 4-day or 7-day pass if you’re in Waikiki for more than a couple days. You’ll use it more than you think.
4. Oahu Circle Island Tours (See the Whole Island Without the Stress)
Why I always recommend these: I’ve done circle island tours with both my kids at different ages, and it’s consistently been a highlight.
You hit all the major spots (North Shore, Halona Blowhole, Dole Plantation, scenic lookouts) without the stress of navigating, finding parking, or figuring out where to stop.
The best part? A local guide who knows all the hidden spots and can tell you stories about the island that you’d never learn from a guidebook.
What to book: Hawaii Tours offers private circle island tours where you control the pace. Want to spend an extra 20 minutes at a beach? No problem. Kids need a bathroom break? Your guide will find one.
You can also browse circle island tours on Hawaii Activities or compare options on Viator.
Pro tip: Book a private tour if you’re traveling with kids. Group tours run on a strict schedule, but with a private tour, you can linger at the spots you love and skip the ones you don’t.
5. Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise
Why we loved it: When my oldest was 10, we splurged on the Star of Honolulu dinner cruise. It was worth every penny.
Hawaii’s largest dinner cruise ship offers multiple dining levels (from buffet to five-course lobster and steak), live entertainment, and if you go on Friday night, you get to see the Waikiki fireworks from the water.
The ship has elevators (rare for dinner cruises), is ADA-compliant, and has four walk-around decks plus a 60-foot observation deck with 360-degree views.
Book it: Book through Hawaii Activities. Get Your Guide and Viator also offer competitive pricing.
Pro tip: The Friday fireworks cruise is an extra hour and costs about $15 more per person, but it’s totally worth it. Also, dress code is “resort casual” so leave the flip-flops and beachwear at the hotel.
6. Pearl Harbor Tours (Because You Can’t Skip History)
Why you should go: Pearl Harbor is one of those places you really should see when you’re on Oahu.
The USS Arizona Memorial is powerful, the museums are well-done, and it’s a piece of history you can’t get anywhere else.
What to book: If you want someone else to handle all the logistics, book a guided Pearl Harbor tour that includes transportation from Waikiki.
Many tours also include visits to the USS Missouri battleship and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Book Pearl Harbor tours on Hawaii Tours or find options on Get Your Guide.
Pro tip: Tours sell out, especially the USS Arizona Memorial tickets. Book as far in advance as possible. Also, no bags are allowed (including purses and camera bags), so travel light.
Want to know which Pearl Harbor tours are best? Check out my guide to the best Pearl Harbor private tours worth booking.
7. Helicopter Tours (Splurge-Worthy If You Can Swing It)
Why it’s worth it: I won’t lie, helicopter tours are expensive. But if you can swing it, seeing Oahu from above is breathtaking.
You’ll see hidden waterfalls, valleys you can’t reach by car, and get aerial views of Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and the North Shore.
What to book: Most tours are 45-60 minutes. Some offer “doors off” options for unobstructed photos (and a little extra thrill).
Browse helicopter tours on Viator or check options on Get Your Guide.
Pro tip: Book a morning flight for clearer visibility. Afternoon clouds can sometimes obstruct the views.
8. Sunset Cruises and Snorkeling Tours
Why they’re popular: Sunset cruises are romantic (great for honeymoons and anniversaries) and snorkeling tours let you see Hawaii’s underwater life without needing your own gear or figuring out which beaches have the best snorkeling.
Popular options include turtle snorkeling tours (you’re pretty much guaranteed to see Hawaiian green sea turtles) and sunset sails along the Waikiki coastline.
Book it: Find snorkeling and sunset cruises on Hawaii Activities or browse options on Get Your Guide.
9. Kualoa Ranch Tours (For Movie Buffs and Adventure Seekers)
Why it’s cool: Kualoa Ranch is where they filmed Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, LOST, Hawaii Five-0, and dozens of other movies and TV shows.
You can take UTV tours, zipline tours, horseback riding tours, or movie site tours.
The scenery is stunning (those jagged green mountains you see in every Oahu photo? That’s Kualoa), and it’s genuinely fun for all ages.
Book it: Find tours on Hawaii Activities and Viator.
Pro tip: Book the combo tours if you want to do multiple activities. They’re better value than booking separately.
Tours I’d Skip (Honest Talk)
Not every tour is worth your money. Here are a few I’d skip:
Generic luaus in Waikiki: If you want a real luau experience, head to the North Shore or book a smaller, more authentic show. The massive tourist luaus in Waikiki feel pretty generic.
Overpriced parasailing: Parasailing can be fun, but at $100+ per person for 10 minutes in the air, I’d rather spend that money on a longer snorkeling tour or sunset cruise.
How to Book Tours (And Save Money)
Book directly when possible: Sometimes tour operators offer better deals on their own websites than through third-party booking sites.
Compare prices: Check Hawaii Tours, Hawaii Activities, Viator, and Get Your Guide for the same tour. Prices can vary by $20-50.
Book early: The best tours sell out, especially Pearl Harbor and helicopter tours. I recommend booking 2-3 months ahead if you’re traveling during peak season (summer, Christmas, spring break).
Look for combo deals: Some tour companies offer discounts if you book multiple tours through them.
Rental car considerations: Some tours include Waikiki transportation, which saves you the cost and hassle of a rental car for the day. Factor that in when comparing prices.
Discount Hawaii Car Rental consistently has the best rates if you do need a car.
Planning Your Oahu Trip? I Can Help
Look, I know planning a Hawaii vacation can feel overwhelming. Which island should you visit? Where should you stay? What tours are actually worth it? How do you fit it all in without feeling rushed?
That’s exactly why I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations.
As a Hawaii travel expert and Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist, I’ll help you create an itinerary that matches your family’s interests, budget, and travel style.
I’ve helped hundreds of families plan stress-free Hawaii vacations, and I’d love to help you too.
More Oahu Planning Resources
Still feeling overwhelmed? I’ve got you covered with these free resources:
Travel Guides:
- Complete Oahu Travel Guide for Families – Everything you need to plan your Oahu trip in one place
- Big Island Travel Guide
- Maui Travel Guide
- Kauai Travel Guide
Free Email Courses:
- How to Plan a Trip to Oahu (7-Day Email Course)
- How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro (5-Day Email Course)
- How to Save Money in Hawaii (5-Day Email Course)
Podcast: Listen to the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast for more tips, destination guides, and insider advice.
Related Articles You’ll Love
- Things to Do in Waikiki with Kids
- Best Things to Do in North Shore Oahu
- Ultimate Guide to Visiting Secret Island Oahu
- Hiking Diamond Head with Kids
- How to Visit the Dole Pineapple Plantation
Capture Your Memories
One last thing: Don’t forget to book a family photo session! Every time we visit Hawaii, I book a photographer through Flytographer.
It guarantees I’ll actually be in some photos (not just behind the camera), and the locations and lighting in Hawaii make for stunning family portraits.
Use my link to save $20 on your Flytographer session.
Final Thoughts on Honolulu Tours
Here’s the truth: You don’t need to book every tour to have an amazing Oahu vacation.
Pick 2-3 that match your interests and budget, leave plenty of time for beach days and exploring on your own, and don’t try to cram too much into one trip.
The best Honolulu tours are the ones that let you experience something you couldn’t do on your own (like descending in a submarine or landing on a sandbar in the middle of the bay) or take the stress out of logistics (like circle island tours and Pearl Harbor visits).
Book the ones that excite you, skip the rest, and you’ll have an incredible time on Oahu.
Questions about which tours are right for your family? Drop me a line through my travel consultation services and I’ll help you figure it out.