Oahu Sightseeing Tours - The Best Ways to Explore Oahu for First Timers

From hidden gems to private beaches and iconic hikes, there's a lot to explore in Oahu and professionally guided tours are one of the best ways to make sure you see it all. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive overview of the city to kick start your sightseeing, want to sit back and relax on a narrated dinner cruise, or prefer to get out in nature and explore on your own, Oahu has a ton of tours to choose from, so it's easy to find one (or a few) tailored to your interests. We put together a list of the best Oahu sightseeing tours to help you choose one that suits your sightseeing style.

Save on Popular Oahu Sightseeing Tours & More

Admission to a bunch of these Oahu tours are included on the Go Oahu® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available Oahu passes, attractions & prices. A few of the available sightseeing activities include...

• Sunset Dinner Sail on Makani Catamaran
• Oahu Hidden Gems Tour + Snorkeling with Turtles
• Pearl Harbor Historical-City Tour
• Ancient Hawaiian Fishpond and Garden Tour at Kualoa Ranch
• Secret Island Beach at Kualoa Ranch
• and more!

Sunset Dinner Sail on Makani Catamaran

Go on a quintessential Hawaiian experience and set sail on the Pacific Ocean for an authentic, Hawaiian-style dinner with a complimentary drink and an unbeatable view of the sunset with the Hawaiian Islands in the backdrop on a catamaran. Keep an eye out for sea life while you set sail, you could see turtles, dolphins, and more while setting out to sea. Getting In: Oahu Sunset Dinner Cruise tickets are available as a premium option on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Oahu® Cards.

Oahu Hidden Gems Tour + Snorkeling with Turtles

All of Oahu in One Day Tour

One of the best ways to start your stay in Oahu is with an extensive tour of the entire island. This full-day tour covers 120 miles of major sites and landmarks - you'll get to see everything from the cliffs of Makapu'u to Waimea Bay. Getting In: All of Oahu in One Day tour tickets are included with the Go Oahu® Card.

Pearl Harbor Historical-City Tour

Getting In: Pearl Harbor Historical City Tour tickets are included on the Go Oahu® Card.

Ancient Hawaiian Fishpond and Garden Tour at Kualoa Ranch

Go on a guided tour of one of the most preserved ponds and a designated Historic Place on the National Register or Historic Places on the Ancient Hawaiian Fishpond and Garden Tour at Kualoa Ranch.

Kualoa Ranch Movie Site Tour

Visit some of the most iconic filming locations from popular TV shows and movies, like Lost, Jurassic Park, Windtalkers, 50 First Dates, Hawaii Five-0, Off the Map, Battleship, Pearl Harbor, and more. This tour also includes a stop at the oldest sugar mill on the island of Oahu where you can see a World War II bunker, a photo exhibit with images from various movie productions, and unbeatable views of Kaaawa Valley, "the backlot of Hawaii." Keep your eyes peeled for current filming action, too, you never know who you might see in action. Tour lasts approximately one hour. Getting In: Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites Tour tickets are included with the Go Oahu® Card.

Jungle Tour at Kualoa Ranch

Getting In: Jungle Tour at Kualoa Ranch tickets are included with the Go Oahu® Card.

Voyaging Catamaran Tour at Kualoa Ranch

Board a 49-passenger catamaran and get out on the water for a fully-narrated tour of Kaneohe Bay, Mokolii Island (Chinaman's Hat) and more at Kualoa Ranch. You'll get an entertaining and informative overview of the island's cultural values and gain an appreciation for the island's geographic beauty. After your cruise, you can take a bus tour of Molii Gardens or a canoe ride on an ancient fishpond. Getting In: Voyaging Catamaran Tour at Kualoa Ranch tickets are included on the Go Oahu® Card.

Secret Island Beach at Kualoa Ranch

While there are tons of beaches in Oahu to choose from, Secret Island Beach at Kualoa Ranch offers visitors a secluded paradise. Spend a few hours relaxing on this private beach or rent some equipment and go snorkeling, boogie boarding, and more in the pristine waters. Getting In: Secret Island Beach at Kualoa Ranch admission is included on the Go Oahu® Card.

Makapu'u Lighthouse Hike

Go on an outdoor adventure of moderate exertion on this guided, two-mile hike along the southeastern coastline of Oahu. You'll follow along the Makapu’u Point Trail to the summit where you'll see the Makapu'u Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse over 100 years old with hyper-radiant light, and some of the best views of the Oahu coastline.

• Trail Length: 2.0 mi. (round trip)
• Activity: Pedestrian
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Hot, dry slopes
• Elevation Gain: 500 ft
• Park Name: Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline

Getting In: Makapu’u Lighthouse Hike shuttle tickets are included with the Go Oahu® Card.

Rainforest, Waterfalls, and Movie Sites Hike

Go on a self-guided two-mile hike through a rainforest and see Manoa Fall, a 150-foot waterfall, and filming locations of various blockbuster hits, like The Hunger Games, Jurassic Park, Hawaii Five-O, and more. You'll be picked up at your Waikiki hotel and dropped off at the trail head with two-hours to hike the trail and enjoy the views on your own - one of the best ways to experience Hawaii's natural beauty. You'll get views of Honolulu and Manoa Valley, walk through a grove of Eucalyptus trees, bamboo, and more.

• Trail Length: 0.8 mi.
• Activity: Pedestrian
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Rainforest, lush valley
• Elevation Gain: 800 ft
• Park Name: NaAlaHele

Getting In: Oahu Rainforest, Waterfalls, & Movie Sites Hikes shuttle tickets are included with the Go Oahu® Card.

Diamond Head Hike

A self-guided hike to the top of the Diamond Head volcanic crater is one of the most unique experiences Hawaii has to offer. The volcano has been extinct for 150,000 years, so the hike is safe, but still an adventure. Its official name is Mt. Leahi, but it's better known as Diamond Head because early explorer mistook its glittering facade as diamonds—whatever you call it, it's one of the most famous volcanic craters in the world. You'll be picked up at your Waikiki hotel and dropped off at the trail head with two-hours for your self-guided hike, plenty of time to ascend, enjoy the views, and make your way back down to catch the shuttle back to Waikiki.

• Trail Length: ~30-minute ascent
• Activity: Pedestrian
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Beaten path with stairs
• Elevation Gain: 760 ft
• Park Name: Diamond Head

Insider Tip: plan to do this hike earlier in the day to beat the crowds and afternoon heat. Bring sunscreen, sneakers, water, a hat, and camera. Getting In: Diamond Head Hike shuttle tickets are included with the Go Oahu® Card.

Hawaiian Style Rentals: Moped and Bike Rentals

Choose from a 4-hour moped rental (18+ only) or a 24-hour bike rental from Hawaiian Style Rentals and get out and explore the island on your own. Design your own sightseeing itinerary - with your rental, you can go anywhere you'd like; stop at attractions you’re interested in, or cruise by those you aren’t, or, follow the provided map with its suggested landmarks and destinations. Getting In: Hawaii Moped & Bike Rentals are included with the Go Oahu® Card.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you have it - these are our top recommendations for Oahu tours and the best sightseeing in Oahu. From the comprehensive, "All of Oahu in One Day Tour," to upscale dinner sails, and self-guided adventure hikes, Oahu has a sightseeing tour tailored to your interests. And remember – many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go Oahu® Card where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your Oahu vacation plans.