13 Morning Tours on Oahu to Build a Day Around

1.First Day Must: Oahu Sunrise & Circle Island Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 262 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $169Our pick

See Oʻahu before the crowds on a small-group sunrise circle-island tour with photo tips, local food stops, Byodo-In Temple, and North Shore views.

“This has to be one of the best tours that I have been on. Our guide Kurt was very friendly and knowledgeable and so much fun! The tour went to all the right places and with Kurt's suggestions I was able take some amazing pictures. It was a small group which was wonderful as well. I will definitely take this tour when I am in Hawaii again!”

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2.Waikiki Eco-Friendly Morning Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 119 reviews · 2 hours · from $99

Watch humpback whales from a stable Waikiki catamaran with crew narration, bar service, Diamond Head views, and a free re-ride if needed.

“We got to go twice because the first time we went we didn’t get to see any whales up close, we did get to see a turtle and dolphins who were doing tricks, the second time we got to see dolphins and a whale and it’s baby, the staff were also great on both trips”

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3.Vida Mia Morning Coffee Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 110 reviews · from $139

Start your Waikiki morning aboard the historic Vida Mia with Kona coffee, breakfast, Diamond Head views, and chances to spot dolphins.

“The staff on this cruise is amazing. Very friendly and attentive. Even fixed our coffees and offered to refill. The pastries and assortments were awesome as well. Money well spent. Would recommend”

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4.3 Hour Sunrise Photo Tour with Malasada

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $70Best value

Watch Oahu’s sunrise at Sandy Beach, learn phone photography from a pro, visit scenic lookouts, and finish with a warm Leonard’s malasada.

“Despite a few hiccups getting started we had a great time. Our guide was awesome and super helpful and knowledgeable about the island (best places to eat, recommendations on other activities). We ended up with lots of beautiful pictures!”

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5.Sunrise Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 48 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Review of Honolulu’s Sunrise Breakfast Cruise, with Diamond Head views, fresh island breakfast, marine life, logistics, and cancellation concerns.

“Would have gave 0 stars if I could. Got to the dock 30 minutes prior to 6 as instructed and the tour operators decided to not show up without an email or anything.”

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6.Diamond Head Sunrise Hike with Acai Bowl and Malasada

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 44 reviews · 4 hours · from $99

Hike Diamond Head at sunrise, then enjoy a mini acai bowl and malasada with hotel pickup, park entry, and return transport included.

“The hike was incredible! My husband and I did this as part of our 20-year wedding anniversary trip. The views and sunrise were stunningThe Malasadas and açaí bowls - absolutely delicious! Our driver was great and everyone was so nice. I definitely recommend!”

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7.Oahu Sunrise Tour From Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · from $100

Photograph Oahu at sunrise with expert guidance, tripods, Waikiki pickup, and five to six scenic stops on a small east-side tour.

“Evan was a fantastic tour guide and tutor. I got some fantastic ocean photos, and my sunset picture looked like a postcard. More than happy”

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8.First Day Must 10-Hour Sunrise & Full Island Photo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $170

Photograph Oahu from sunrise to the North Shore with a pro guide, sea turtles, Byodo-In Temple, local food stops, and a seven-person van.

“Fantastic trip with Mac as our guide! A down to earth, funny, and knowledgeable human who gave us a wonderful day filled with beautiful sites and tasty treats. Definitely a trip highlight for us. We even got to see an eclipse during the sunrise! 100% recommend”

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9.Small Group 3 Hour Honolulu Sunrise Tour with Malasadas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $70

Catch Oahu’s sunrise at Sandy Beach, photograph Makapuu and Halona, then enjoy a Leonard’s malasada with a small expert-led group.

“It could not have been better. Kurt was amazing and very informative. This was one of the best tours I’ve taken in all the years I’ve come to Hawaii.”

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10.Sunrise Plus Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · from $165

Watch Oahu wake at sunrise, photograph North Shore scenery, and explore by small van with expert guides on this flexible 8.5-hour tour.

“Nelson our guide was great! He shared a lot of information as we drove and at each stop, which were beautiful. Despite the rain it was a most enjoyable and wonderful day!”

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11.Polynesian Canoe Morning Sail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Sail Oahu aboard Kamoauli, a traditional double-hulled canoe, with Hawaiian stories, music, snacks, wildlife, and a six-person limit.

“Loved this morning cruise out to diamond head and back. The ladies were amazing. One played the ukulele much of the time while the other taught us Hawaiian history and how to hula. We got to make poi and eat poke and swordfish. It was intimate and just us (wife and I). Not a group of 50 piled onto the boat. The captain was awesome and personable. The whole experience was awesome and relaxing and we would highly recommend this tour to everyone. We saw turtles and dolphins as an extra. You should definitely go!!”

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12.Whale Watching and Sunrise Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 13 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $91

Review of Honolulu’s sunrise whale watching cruise, with breakfast, ocean views, practical tips, pricing, and important booking cautions.

“Know that the activity will be cancelled unless more than 4 people have signed up. They gave 18 hours notice and said they would refund charge, but still, we weren't able to enjoy the experience of sunrise on the water. Very disappointing”

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13.Half-Day Sunrise Semi-private Tour from Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 3 reviews · from $100

Watch an Oahu sunrise, learn phone photography, and visit mountain, temple, waterfall, and coast viewpoints in a seven-person tour.

“BLUE HAWAIIAN TOURS HAD NO CONFIRMATION OF THIS BOOKING THAT WE PAID FOR FROM THIS COMPANY! I WILL GIVE THE WORST POSSIBLE REVIEW OF YOUR COMPANY TO EACH AND EVERYONE WILLING TO LISTEN. I HAVE ALREADY OPENED A DISPUTE TO HAVE MY FUNDS REPLACED.”

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