Oahu · SELF-GUIDED TOURS
The 15 best self-guided tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Explore Pearl Harbor at your own pace with an affordable multimedia tour, practical tips, and guidance on seeing the USS Arizona Memorial.
“Several of the recordings were not working/“content not available“. Those that did work were informational”
Hike lush Manoa Falls with a local guide, then visit Tantalus for Waikiki views. Includes Waikiki pickup, transport, and flexible departures.
“We read several reviews just raving about this particular tour guide named Robert. Every 5 Star Review had Robert as the tour guide. As one can imagine, we were really happy when our driver picked us up and it was the famous “Five Star” Robert! He definitely lived up to his reputation. Funny, knowledgeable, and so expressive with his body language and voice. The ride, and Robert’s driving, was smooth, the hike relaxed, and Robert kept the group together and engaged the whole time. The falls were SPECTACULAR!! The view from the top of Tantalus was stellar. The trip was enjoyable from the start to finish.”
Kayak Kailua Bay to the Mokulua Islands, snorkel, ride bikes, and enjoy a flexible five-hour Oahu water adventure.
“Great experience. The self guided tour came with a water bag, snorkeling gear (which my husband loved because it was prescription googles). It was a great weather. Wish we had gone early to ride bikes. But it was a great experience. Staff was nice and friendly.”
Review of the Manoa Falls self-guided hike from Waikiki, with shuttle transport, rainforest scenery, trail tips, costs, and honest drawbacks.
“The drive from Waikiki to Manoa in itself is so beautiful, & then you’re taken away with how much beauty the trail has 💚 We were given 2 hours to complete the hike which is more than enough time if you’re at a moderate fitness level. There is a slight incline closer to the waterfall, and the trail is mostly rock/pebble so best to wear enclosed shoes and ones with good grip. But in saying that, I do recommend using the sticks the tour guides give you for coming down the trail cause it can get slippery. Our tour guide was prompt, funny & a pleasure to have!!! Would love…”
Diamond Head’s self-guided audio hike adds Hawaiian legends, military history, nature, and practical context to Oahu’s famous summit walk.
“Visitors aren’t told they need a reservation to walk the public park. The park isn’t really public. I bought a ticket to walk the trail, self guided, and was told that ticket wasn’t good for admission. Bought another ticket that finally got me in. And upon leaving, was told I needed another ticket to park. Visitors are NOT welcome.”
Explore Pearl Harbor at your own pace with survivor stories, a multimedia tour, and one virtual reality experience for $20.99.
“It was a 2 1/5 wait to get tickets for the boat out to the Arizona because they all get purchased online within seconds by tour companies. I was travelling with my 90 year mother who was not able to stand in that line with the heat and humidity so we gave up. Going to the Arizona was the most important she wanted to do on our Hawaii vacation since she was alive during this time in history. The park doesn't provide wheelchairs so the walking tour was out, the Missouri was out and the submarine was out. This is not a handicap friendly park. On top of that the…”
Explore Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s surviving hangars, wartime aircraft, MiG Alley, films, and audio tour with Ford Island shuttle access.
“Be careful which one you’re booking. It’s easy to confuse them and end up disappointed. We had really hoped to see the USS Arizona, but we did enjoy the aircraft museum. The audio tour was informative and well-done. High points were the video in the control tower and sitting in the cockpit of the F111. We really enjoyed talking with the volunteer veterans there. Oh, and don’t forget to wear deep pockets to carry important things because you have to store your bags at the entrance for about $8.”
Paddle from Kualoa Regional Park to Mokoliʻi, hike its rocky shore, and enjoy Koolau Range views on a flexible self-guided Oahu outing.
“We were 2 women with a rental car and the set up was so well explained and easy to do. We Kayaked around Lanikai, with no pressure on time. Loved the freedom and ease offered.”
Circle Oahu by car with GPS audio stories, island history, beaches, temples, farms, surf spots, and flexible stops for one low group price.
“Great tour with directions, Stories and music ! Loved that you could stop when wanted and pick up right away! Loved the tips!”
Explore Oahu by rental car with GPS-triggered stories, flexible routes, and practical stops from Waikiki to the North Shore.
“This self guided tour is all you need to experience all the must see and do spots on Oahu! The tour is detailed, the narrator entertaining and it is equivalent to having a personal guide; but you are on your own timeline! I definitely plan to use tools like this in my other vacation travels.”
Explore Oahu by car with six offline audio tours covering Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, beaches, temples, hikes, and local food stops.
“My family really enjoyed the self-guided audio tours. We only had time to do 2 of the 6, but wished we had done more. Great way to see the island and focus on the key places without having to do a ton of research on your own. Price is well worth it.”
Kayak Kaneohe Bay to its famous sandbar, paddle past reefs, snorkel with turtles, and enjoy Ko'olau Mountain views on your own.
“Personnel très gentil et professionnel qui aide à mettre le canoë sur le véhicule. Matériel de bonne qualité, nous avons pu aller sur le banc de sable dans la baie, faire de la plongée à plusieurs endroits et voir des tortues, c’était magnifique ! Je recommande !!”
Paddle a tandem kayak to Oahu’s Kaneohe Sandbar, with snorkeling gear, a dry bag, and four hours to enjoy Windward Coast views.
“I'm giving the high marks for the tour operator, Active Hawaii, as theywere very understanding and provided great service. Regretavly, we did not ended up taking the tour due to inclement weather. We are hoping to take the full guided tour next time. The independence guided tour offers flexibility, but you must kayak your way to the sandbar.”
Drive Oahu at your own pace with 78 audio stories covering Pearl Harbor, beaches, temples, lookouts, surf spots, and Dole Plantation.
“Enjoyed seeing all the areas as we traveled around the island. Great sights and great information. One thing that would make it better is functionality with android auto. Also need a little more advanced waring of sights and turns in the more city area”
Review of Oahu’s North Shore self-guided audio tour, with GPS directions, beaches, food stops, cultural sites, costs, and practical tips.
“1. Rather than adding informational commentary or local stories about the area you're visiting, they play music. I can play whatever music I want in my car. Use some local music to introduce a new chapter but don't play long stretches of music when you could be adding interesting stories and information. 2. The narrator cannot make up his mind which accent to use and jumps back and forth between what we figured were three different accents; why can't he just speak naturally! 3. The narrator does have a nice voice for audio but we could have done without all the jokes and what he thought were funny comments. Not…”
Pick a coast, a ridge or a harbour.
