Oahu Nature Tours
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Kingdom of Hawaii Historic Highlights Tour
The history of Hawaii is riveting, and this carefully crafted tour of Oahu’s historic highlights will show you why. Not only will you explore several gorgeous regions of Oahu, you’ll also be educated and inspired by the 50th State’s intriguing royal past. First you’ll travel to the flourishing Nuuanu Valley, where you’ll take a step back in time with a visit to Queen Emma’s Summer Palace. Next, you’ll tour in a comfortably air-conditioned Oahu Nature Tours van to Hawaii’s sacred Royal Mausoleum, “Mauna ’Ala”, which serves as the final resting place for six of the kingdom’s last eight ruling monarchs. Then, you’re off to investigate the remarkable Lolani Palace. This impressive residence was inspired by European architecture and built in 1882 by then King David Kalakaua and his wife Queen Kapiolani. It has the distinction of being the only royal building in the United States. You’ll also have the pleasure of viewing the renowned King Kamehameha statue and the distinctive Kawaiahao Church. This tour seamlessly blends history, royalty and beauty to offer you a look into Oahu’s unexpected character. Highlights Seamlessly blend history, royalty and beauty touring Oahu’s historic highlights. Visit Queen Emma’s Summer Palace in the flourishing Nuuanu Valley. Visit Hawaii’s sacred Royal Mausoleum, “Mauna ’Ala”. The final resting place for six of the kingdom’s last eight ruling monarchs. Explore the remarkable Lolani Palace. The only royal building in the United States. The tour will also visit the King Kamehameha statue and the distinctive Kawaiahao Church. Time spent walking is approximately 1 hour, for a cumulative distance of about .75 of a mile. Tour runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Pick up for the 8:00am tour will have you back at your hotel by approximately 1:00pm. Approximately 5 hours. Getting to Your Activity This tour offers Waikiki hotel pick up. Central pick up locations may be used.
$55 USD Per Person -
Mountain Rainforest Journey
Perched high above the glistening waters of Pearl Harbor, you’ll discover a place where time seems to stand still. Welcome to one of the most cherished trails on Oahu. Your guide will lead you along a mountain rainforest trail that disappears into a native forest that bursts with vibrant, fragrant flowers and impressive trees. You’ll learn about beauties such as scarlet flowered Ohia lehuas, white Hibiscuses, fragrant Kopikos and majestic Koa trees. You also may have the chance to encounter the rare and colorful Hawaiian honeycreeper, a small bird that’s endemic to Hawaii. Panoramic views exploding with lush greenery and the refreshing scent of the natural world surround you; this is Hawaii. Aren’t you glad you came? Highlights Follow one of the most cherished trails on Oahu. Explore a mountain rainforest trail surrounded by Ohia lehuas, white Hibiscuses, fragrant Kopikos and majestic Koa trees. May encounter the rare and colorful Hawaiian honeycreeper. This is a moderate hiking tour where you should plan on a total walking time of about 3.5 hours, and 4 miles. Guests should be able to walk up a gentle grade on a well-maintained rainforest trail. Tour operates Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This tour departs at 7:00am and will have you back at your hotel at approximately 12:00pm. Approximately 5 hours. Getting to Your Activity This activity offers Waikiki hotel pick up. Central pick up points might be used.
$50 USD Per Person -
Magnificent Waterfall Excursion
This is Hawaii! Enter the lush rainforest of the impressive Ko’olau Mountains. Hawaii’s vibrant plants surround you, and the moist atmosphere offers you a unique, earthly scent. Your senses are just getting prepped to experience the inspiring, isolated waterfall that lies ahead. As you make your way to this natural treasure, your professional nature guide will help you spot tropical birds and identify flora and fauna. You’ll even come to know the ancient Hawaiian uses for an assortment of plant life as well as gain an understanding of this region’s fascinating environmental history. Then, photographic opportunities flourish as you’re presented with the idyllic waterfall you’ve been in quest of! Highlights Guided nature tour of the Ko’olau Mountains. Professional nature guide will help you spot tropical birds and identify flora and fauna. Learn the ancient Hawaiian uses for an assortment of plant life. Idyllic waterfall photo opportunities. Time spent walking is approximately 2 hours, for a cumulative distance of about 2 miles. This tour departs at 8am and 2pm, and returns at 12:30pm and 6:30pm, respectively. This activity operates every day. However, please note that on Sundays, only the 2pm tour is offered. Getting to Your Activity This tour offers Waikiki hotel pick up. Central pick up locations may be used.
$48 USD Per Person -
Explore Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona and Other Historic Honolulu Sites
This tour will take you to some of Oahu’s, and all of Hawaii’s, most famous sites! You’ll not only enjoy a local guide’s insight into the region, you’ll also be better able to enjoy the sites without the hassle of navigating! Step aboard. Your first stop is Pearl Harbor, where you’ll view a captivating 20 minute film about the famous attack and peruse historic artifacts. Then, you’re off to explore the USS Arizona Memorial. Your professional guide will offer information about the Harbor’s geology as well as its Hawaiian history and mythology. You’ll also learn about the region’s native bird and plant species and unique marine life. Next you’ll visit “The Hill of Sacrifice,” otherwise known as Punchbowl, a massive 75,000-year-old volcanic crater nestled right in the middle of Honolulu. Learn the powerful Hawaiian history of this crater and how it became the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Then your guide will lead you to the famous statue of King Kamehameha, past gorgeous Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States, and to Kawaiahao Church. Highlights Visit some of the most famous sites in Hawaii. Start in Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, learning about the attack and perusing historic artifacts. Enjoy special access to a separate ticketing booth so you can skip the long lines at the Arizona memorial. Learn about the Harbor’s geology as well as its Hawaiian history and mythology. Visit “The Hill of Sacrifice”, a 75,000-year-old volcanic crater. Trip will also include the statue of King Kamehameha, Iolani Palace, and Kawaiahao Church. This is an easy to moderate hiking tour where you should plan on a total walking time of about 1 hour, and half a mile. This tour uses smaller vehicles and has a maximum of 12 guests. This tour departs at 6:00am and will have you back at your hotel at approximately 12:30-1:00pm. Is This Activity Right for Me? This half-day tour takes you to Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial and shows you some of Honolulu’s most popular sites. If you’re looking for a trip that is more focussed on Pearl Harbor, this USS Missouri and Arizona Memorial tour includes a stop at the “Mighty Mo” battleship, where the Japanese surrendered to the Allies, while the Pacific Aviation Museum option includes a visit to the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor. If you want to visit the Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri Memorial, and the aviation museum, check out the World War II Battleship tour. The most comprehensive Pearl Harbor tours are the Pearl Harbor Heroes — which includes stops at the USS Arizona, USS Missouri and the Pacific Submarine memorials, as well as the USS Bowfin submarine and the Pacific Aviation Museum — or the Complete Day of Pearl Harbor, which includes those stops as well as a visit to the USS Oklahoma. Some of the other Pearl Harbor tours are bundled with other Oahu stops. The North Shore tour will take you to both Pearl Harbor and Oahu’s North Shore, home to the Dole Pineapple Plantation. This Circle Tour circumnavigates the whole island of Oahu after your Pearl Harbor visit. You can even combine a Pearl Harbor tour with a luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Getting to Your Activity This tour offers pick up from Waikiki hotels. Central pick up points may be used.
$30 USD Per Person -
Discover Oahu’s Famous North Shore
Step aboard a small, comfortable van and embark on your discovery of Oahu’s North Shore! Your trained nature guide will drive you over the rugged Ko’olau Mountains to the windward side of the island where you’ll unearth several treasures. First stop: the mythical Valley of the Temples. Here, at the base of splendid 2,000-foot green cliffs, you’ll discover the enchanting Byodo Temple. The charm of this temple will fool you into thinking you’ve crossed into another era. Then you’ll cruise along the beautiful shores of Kahana Bay and arrive at Laie Point – an excellent place to learn about native plants. You’ll continue north to catch sight of beautiful Sunset Beach and its impressive waves. A most unique site comes up next; Hale O Lono heiau, one of Oahu’s best preserved ancient temples. Deep inside the flourishing Waimea Valley, this distinctive temple houses years of secrets and your guide will explain its importance to the Hawaiian religion. Turtle Beach, the historic village of Haleiwa and the sacred Kukaniloko Birthing Stones (Hawaii’s “Stonehenge”) wrap up your extensive exploration of Oahu’s North Shore. Highlights Visit the Byodo Temple and the enchanting Valley of the Temples. Cruise the beautiful shores of Kahana Bay to Laie Point. Visit Hale O Lono heiau, one of Oahu’s best preserved ancient temples. Includes visits to Turtle Beach, the historic village of Haleiwa, and Kukaniloko Birthing Stones. The place where royal chiefs of the islands were born for over 800 years! This is an easy tour with minimal amounts of walking. This tour uses smaller vehicles; maximum of 25 guests per trip. This tour departs at 12:30pm and will have you back at your hotel at approximately 6:00-6:30pm. Lasts approximately 6 hours. Getting to Your Activity Waikiki pickup is provided for all guests at no extra charge. For this particular tour, select centrally located meeting points in Waikiki are available for you to choose from.
$45 USD Per Person -
Manoa Waterfall Exploration
Hawaii is famous for its characteristic lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, vivacious plants, and impressive unique species. This excursion helps you explore all of these natural jewels Hawaii is famed for! Under the care of your Oahu Nature Tours professional guide, you’ll traverse a lush rainforest trail that takes you deep within an ancient landscape. Soon you’ll be rewarded with a grandiose site; the tallest accessible waterfall on Oahu. Along the way you’ll learn about the state’s striking plants, one of a kind birds, and vast environmental history. You will also discover traditional Hawaiian uses for various plants. This is an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge of Hawaii’s dynamic natural treasures. Highlights Explore the tallest accessible waterfall on Oahu. Follow a lush rainforest trail, learning about Hawaii’s natural treasures and environmental history. This is a moderate tour. Tours with this designation involve moderate physical activity such as walking over uneven / unpaved surfaces, dirt roads and roots, or occasional mildly steep terrain. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. This activity operates Monday-Friday. The a.m. tour departs at 8:00am and will have you back at your hotel at approximately 12:30pm. The p.m. tour departs at 2:00pm and will have you back at your hotel at about 6:30pm. Approximately 4 hours. Getting to Your Activity This tour offers Waikiki hotel pick up. Central pick up points may be used.
$48 USD Per Person -
Discovering the Natural Treasures of Oahu
Your introduction to Oahu’s delights begins with a trip to the island’s southeast volcanic coastline, where you’ll visit legendary Hanauma Bay and the Kahauloa tuff cone. Then, you’re off to Halona Cove, where you’re likely to catch sight of the striking Green Sea Turtles and Humpback Whales that call these pristine waters home. Grab hold of your camera, because next you’ll travel to Makapu’u Lookout where expansive, gorgeous views of offshore islands await you. Dynamic landscape, vibrant colors and tropical scents tease your senses at every stop, including one at colorful tide pools and the 25,000 year old Kaupo lava flow. There’s even a stop at Waimanalo Bay, where you’ll discover tropical fish swimming in aquamarine waters and a visit to Enchanted Lake Bird Sanctuary, a leading birdwatching location that boasts a number of rare Hawaiian birds. Your tour wraps up as you travel to the ancient Hawaiian Temple, Ulupou Heiau and the Pali Lookout, where you’ll be treated to impressive views of Kaneohe Bay and the cliffs of Koolau volcano. Highlights Visit legendary Hanauma Bay and the Kahauloa tuff cone. Stop at Halona Cove, where you’re likely to catch sight of green sea turtles and humpback whales. Visit Makapu’u Lookout with gorgeous views of offshore islands. See the 25,000 year old Kaupo lava flow. Tour Waimanalo Bay. Visit Enchanted Lake Bird Sanctuary, home to a number of rare Hawaiian birds. Includes stops at Ulupou Heiau, the ancient Hawaiian Temple, and the Pali Lookout. Your professional nature guide will show you rare species of native Hawaiian coastal plants and a variety of colorful seabirds. This tour uses smaller vehicles for a maximum of 12 guests. Minimal amount of walking required; suitable for all ages. Departs at 1:00pm and will have you back at your hotel at approximately 6-6:30pm. Lasts approximately 5 hours. Getting to Your Activity Roundtrip transportation to and from most Waikiki hotels. Central pick up points may be used.
$40 USD Per Person -
Enchanting Valley of the Rainbows Tour
Your journey begins with a visit to the world famous Lyon Arboretum, a highly regarded botanical garden. Your professional guide will lead your small group through this 200 acre rainforest garden, where 5,000 species of plants and a variety of tropical birds thrive. As you meander under colorful blossoms, and past remarkable orchids, the sound of birds singing will serve as the backdrop to your guide’s narration. He or she will discuss the flora and fauna that surround you and offer information about the garden’s fascinating history and efforts to save some of the world’s rarest plants. Next, your trained nature guide leads you to a flourishing rainforest nestled deep within the enchanting Valley of the Rainbows. You’ll discover that mountains of lush greenery and vibrant flowers envelop you, and the bouquet of moist landscape is unmistakably refreshing. You’ll learn intriguing mythology and captivating history of the Valley, including the many farming uses of the Valley floor. Next you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Oahu, from the perch of famous Pu`u `Uala-ka`a located 1,048 feet above Waikiki. From this vantage point you’ll not only bask in amazing views stretching from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor, you may even be treated to a lovely double rainbow stretching across the Valley of the Rainbows far below. Highlights Visit the Lyon Arboretum, a highly regarded botanical 200 acre rainforest garden. Tour the flourishing rainforest within the Valley of the Rainbows. Visit the Pu`u `Uala-ka`a vantage point, with views from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor. Smaller vehicles are used on these tours; maximum of 12 guests per trip. There is a total walking time of about 1.5 hours on this tour. Not suitable for children under 5. This tour departs at 1:00pm and will have you back at your hotel at approximately 5:00pm. Compatible with most cruise ship shore-leave durations. Getting to Your Activity This tour offers pick up at most Waikiki hotels. Central pick-up points may be used. If you are on board a cruise ship, you can meet the tour at the Ala Mona Hotel, a short taxi ride away from the cruise ship terminal.
$48 USD Per Person -
Morning Exploration of Diamond Head Crater
Visit one of Honolulu’s most fascinating viewpoints. Your seasoned guide adequately preps you for an exploration of Diamond Head Crater by imparting details of this famous volcano’s geological, Hawaiian and military past. Walk through a 200-foot-long tunnel and ascend curving trails. Rugged, dark volcanic rock meets the backdrop of lush greenery and tranquil ocean blue creating the perfect photo opportunity. Don’t worry, photo breaks are encouraged! Along the way, you’ll learn why King Kamehameha’s warriors attacked Oahu, the location of ancient heiaus (human sacrificial altars and burial caves), and how the crater got its name. Then you’ll climb a shaded spiral staircase and peek out into the light. The moment arrives: you’ve reached the 763-foot summit. You’re rewarded with dynamic views of Waikiki and the vast, gorgeous Pacific Ocean. You’ll have no trouble imagining why this famous volcanic creation has played a monumental role in Hawaiian history. Highlights Explore Diamond Head Crater. This fully guided tour will teach you about Diamond Head’s natural and human history, from ancient times to present day. This tour uses smaller vehicles and has a maximum of 14 guests. The Diamond Head Trail is a graded and well-maintained dirt road. Time spent walking is approximately 1.5 hours. Total activity length is approximately 3 hours. Not suitable for children under 5. Two departure times are available. Pick up for the 6:00am tour will have you back at your hotel by approximately 8:45am. Pick up for the 9:30am tour will have you back to your hotel at approximately 12:30pm. The 9:30am departure is compatible with most cruise ship shore leave schedules. Getting to Your Activity This tour will pick you up from your Waikiki hotel. Central pick up locations may be used. If you are on board a cruise ship, you can meet the tour at the Ala Mona Hotel, a short taxi ride away from the cruise ship terminal.
$29 USD Per Person
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Sightseeing
Whether you want to stay in the city or hop on a tour to one of the outlying areas, there’s a lot to see in and around Honolulu. Some of Hawaii’s most popular sightseeing destinations are right in the city, including the Pearl Harbor military base, home to several memorials, and Hanauma Bay, a sheltered reef that is teeming with tropical fish. The Honolulu Zoo is also a popular spot, as is nearby Diamond Head Crater, a State Monument and busy hiking destination. Many scenic tours of attractions around Honolulu and the rest of the island of Oahu depart from here, many of which offer free pick up from Waikiki hotels.
Starting at $29 USD -
Nature Tours
Despite it being a heavily urbanized area, Honolulu is also in close proximity to a lot of natural beauty. Hikes up Diamond Head Crater, a well-known Honolulu landmark, are a popular pastime, and snorkel and dive tours of Hanauma Bay are a must-do, although visitors should be aware of the park restrictions and ensure they are booked with a reputable tour company. Lots of tours that explore the rest of Oahu, stopping at places like the scenic north shore, hidden waterfalls or filming sites for shows such as “Lost” or “Hawaii Five-O,” depart from Honolulu. There are lots of on-the-water options for nature tours, too, such as winter humpback whale watching, dolphin swims and more.
Starting at $29 USD -
Pearl Harbor Tours
The largest natural harbor in Hawaii and the site of the December 7, 1941 attack that thrust America into World War II, Pearl Harbor is the top tourist destination in Hawaii with over 1.5 million visitors each year. The harbor, which is still an active military base, is home to several sites that folks may want to visit, the most popular being the USS Arizona Memorial, built above the sunken wreck of the USS Arizona, and its accompanying visitor center. Guests can also visit the USS Missouri (an American battleship where Japan surrendered to the Allies in 1945), the USS Bowfin submarine, the USS Utah Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Given that Pearl Harbor is Hawaii’s #1 attraction, it’s not surprising that a wide range of tours are available. Some only visit select sites in Pearl Harbor, or combine a visit to the harbor with other sightseeing excursions around the island. Do some research to ensure you’re choosing the tour that visits all the spots you want to see.
Starting at $30 USD -
Cruise-Friendly Tours
Visiting Honolulu on a cruise? Many of our activities are short in duration and offer pick up points a short distance from the cruise ship terminal. If you're comfortable hopping in a taxi and meeting at a central hotel pick-up point a few minutes away, activities such as the <a href='/places/47/activities/879'>Valley of the Rainbows tour</a>, <a href='/places/47/activities/874'>Diamond Head crater hike</a>, <a href='places/47/activities/894'>Hanauma Bay snorkel</a> or <a href='/places/47/activities/893'>Dolphin Swim excursions</a> operate during hours that most cruise ships offer shore leave. Just be sure to double-check your schedule and ensure you'll have enough time to get back on the ship before booking.
Starting at $29 USD
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Oahu Nature Tours was founded over 15 years ago as a family run business with the goal of helping visitors explore Oahu’s amazing landscape, impressive geology, native wildlife, and intriguing mythology and history. Today, they boast a full staff of professionals who narrate a variety of tours, ranging from a rainforest hike to a historic sites tour. And group size is kept small, to provide each guest an intimate tour experience. For your convenience, your Oahu Nature Tours eco-tour guide will pick you up at your Waikiki hotel and drop you back off once your Oahu tour is complete!
