Top 15 Must-Do Tours in Hawaii

America’s 50th state, Hawaii is a highly sought-after destination for travelers from across the globe.

This tropical archipelago boasts a diverse array of experiences—from volcanic landscapes and stunning coastlines to rich cultural encounters and historical landmarks.

One of the most effective ways to explore these incredible sites is through local tours. These excursions enable visitors to benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable locals, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the islands. A plethora of tours is available across all major Hawaiian islands.

Below are the top 15 tours you can experience in Hawaii.

1. Kauai: Sightseeing Flight over Napali Coast & Waimea Canyon

One of the most remarkable ways to witness the breathtaking scenery of Hawaii is through a sightseeing flight that showcases the top attractions of Kauai.

This flight offers views of stunning natural highlights, including the captivating Napali Coast with its crystal-clear waters and the impressive Waimea Canyon, which reveals the volcanic makeup of the island.

Lasting one hour, this tour also unveils some of the island’s hidden gems situated deep within its interior.

2. Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial Tour with Pick-Up

The events at Pearl Harbor significantly influenced American history and deepened their commitment to World War II.

Departing from Waikiki, this tour provides an opportunity to visit the memorial relating to these historic events without the inconvenience of long waiting times. An audio guide accompanies the tour, offering insights into both the attacks and the subsequent events.

Access to the two primary museums on-site is included, along with complimentary water and a brief guided tour of Honolulu.

3. Maui: 2-Hour Whale Watching Cruise from Lahaina Harbor

The waters surrounding Hawaii are teeming with fascinating marine wildlife, including dolphins, whales, and other aquatic creatures.

This cruise provides an opportunity to observe whales safely from the boat, ensuring no disturbance to these magnificent animals or their habitats. The high-speed catamaran adds an element of excitement to the experience.

Your guide will share insights about the marine life inhabiting Hawaiian waters and assist in spotting them. Refreshments, including soda and water, are available, as well as underwater earphones for listening to whale songs.

4. Maui: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Road to Hana

While many tourists flock to Maui’s well-known beaches, this tour offers a chance to traverse the less-explored Road to Hana, revealing an area of exceptional natural beauty.

Featuring an experienced guide, this unique experience includes discussions about Hawaiian traditions and culture, alongside a traditional Tahitian BBQ lunch.

Moreover, you’ll visit some of the more secluded beaches, affording opportunities for swimming and relaxation in a tranquil environment. The group size is capped at eight guests to ensure an intimate experience.

5. Oahu: Waikiki Beach Atlantis Submarine Tour

Dive into the depths of the Hawaiian coastline with this exceptional submarine tour, exploring the seafloor.

This unique excursion departs from Waikiki Beach, offering views of hidden caverns beneath the surface. Participants will have the chance to observe native fish in their natural habitats, along with coral reefs, turtles, and shipwrecks.

An airplane wreck can also be glimpsed during the journey. The tour includes an audio guide and hotel pickup from nearby accommodations.

6. Maui: Eco-Friendly Molokini and Turtle Town Tour with Lunch

Are you eager to snorkel along the Hawaiian coastline while minimizing environmental impact? This tour promotes a respectful engagement with Hawaiian marine life, allowing you to explore its wonders without causing harm.

Your guide, a certified marine naturalist, will enhance your understanding of the ecosystem and the marine life you encounter.

This tour operates on a boat and includes snorkeling gear and sunscreen.

7. Oahu 120-Mile Full Day Tour Including Dole Plantation

If your time in Oahu is limited, this full-day tour covers all the principal attractions over an extensive 120-mile route.

You will enjoy stunning views across the island while discovering the local culture of various towns and villages.

The tour concludes at the Dole Plantation, providing insights into pineapple cultivation for global markets. Hotel pickup is available from most Waikiki hotels.

8. Oahu: North Shore Zipline Adventure with Farm Tour

Situated on Oahu’s North Shore, this zipline adventure center offers numerous thrilling activities at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains.

While ziplining is the primary attraction, guests can also engage in rappelling, rope swings, and adventurous trails.

Stunning views of the North Shore add an awe-inspiring backdrop to the activities, and you can explore a tropical farm to learn more about local agriculture.

9. Maui: Mountain Top Sunrise Tour to Haleakala National Park

This tour on Maui offers one of the most breathtaking views on the island: sunrise from the summit of Mt. Haleakala.

You will be transported early in the morning to witness stunning landscapes and capture incredible photographs, as well as observe the rare silversword plants native to Maui.

Enjoy a continental breakfast during the ascent to the mountain’s top.

10. Waikiki Trolley Hop-on Hop-off 1, 4 or 7 Day Pass

Hop-on hop-off services are ideal for exploring new cities efficiently, and this service allows you to discover the best of Waikiki at your own pace.

Depending on your stay duration, you can select a 1, 4, or 7-day pass.

The trolley visits all major attractions—including Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Waikiki Central—and stops at well-marked locations. Choose from five different trolley lines that span the entire island.

11. Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Sunset Cruise from Honolulu

An exceptional experience in Hawaii is witnessing the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean. Join this glass-bottom boat cruise to fully appreciate this romantic view from the comfort of a well-appointed catamaran.

The crew, comprised of local residents, is eager to share their stories and insights about life on the island. Guests are provided with complimentary beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

The excursion concludes near the majestic Diamond Head volcano, offering a captivating sunset to end your day in Hawaii.

12. Big Island: Full-Day Circle Island Tour on Deluxe Bus

Experience all the prominent attractions on Hawaii’s largest island in a single day through this deluxe bus tour.

The itinerary includes traversing the rainforest, visiting a coffee farm, and admiring some of the island’s most picturesque beaches, among numerous other highlights. The 260-mile-long journey encompasses the entire island and its interior.

The tour starts and concludes in Kona, with hotel pickup available from most accommodations in the town. The knowledgeable guide, a local resident, will share captivating stories about their experiences on the island.

13. Oahu: Diamond Head Crater Morning Adventure Hike

Diamond Head Crater is renowned worldwide for its narrow peak, offering stunning panoramic views over the Island of Oahu.

Frequently featured in Instagram posts, this crater is an excellent location for capturing striking photographs of the island and its landscape.

The guided hike to the summit takes approximately 45 minutes, during which a knowledgeable local guide will provide insights into Hawaii’s volcanic history and the formation of the islands.

14. Oahu: Best of Hawaii Photography Tour from Waikiki

This tour caters to enthusiastic photographers, guiding you through the most picturesque locations on the Island of Oahu.

Your guide, a professional photographer, will provide valuable information about the local area while assisting you in capturing stunning photographs.

Participants will have the opportunity to photograph the breathtaking scenery, beaches, and towns, with a lunch stop included during the journey.

15. Big Island: Gold Coast and Cloud Forest Wednesday Tour

This tour on the Big Island offers a more focused exploration of the captivating Gold Coast and the lush cloud forest region, where you can observe a variety of native plant life unique to Hawaii.

While in the Kona Cloud Forest, you will also have the opportunity to visit a coffee farm to taste and learn about coffee production.

Along the Gold Coast, insights into native Hawaiian culture, such as fishing techniques and ancient petroglyphs, will be shared to enrich your understanding of the islands.