The 8 Best Historical Tours in Hawaiʻi

1.Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,569 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $264Our pick

Spend about 11 hours touring the Big Island in a small Mercedes Sprinter van. Visit Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Thurston Lava Tube, Rainbow and Akaka Falls, Waipio Valley, and a Kona coffee farm. Guides such as Chris, Drew, Dave, and Kavika are known for lively history and culture talks.

“It is a FULL day! It is absolutely THE way to see everything amazing on Hawai’i in one shot. Everything we wanted to see was on this tour! Kona Chris was amazing! A font of knowledge about the whole island and answered every question we threw at him! I am leaving the island actually knowing what this beautiful place is about. Do it! You won’t be disappointed.”

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2.Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia’s Forgotten History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,013 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $145

Spend about four hours at Coral Crater Adventure Park for an all-you-can-eat Polynesian feast, cultural activities, hula, music, and a fire-knife show. The program covers the Battle of Kipapa, King Kamehameha I, and traditions from Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands. Hotel pickup is available for an added fee.

“Fun memories for our honey moon . The show was incredible and the food was delicious. Definitely would come back”

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3.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,279 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Sail 24 miles round trip from Kailua Pier to Kealakekua Bay aboard a catamaran with a local historian, live Hawaiian music, sunset views, and dinner. Captain Erika and the crew are known for warm service, while the narrator points out coastline landmarks hidden from land. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals require 48 hours’ notice.

“Food was good, crew were amazing and attentive with bringing drinks and offering to take photos. We spotted whales and two manta ray which was an added bonus. There was live music, but it was a hodge podge blend of music that didn’t fit well together and didn’t match the vibe of the boat. A soundtrack would’ve been more enjoyable. It was very overcast and cloudy so we didn’t really witness the sunset at all, but still had a lovely time and enjoyed the ride tremendously. My tip is to not cancel your trip based on weather, as it was still very enjoyable.”

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4.Pearl Harbor History Remembered Tour from Ko Olina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,009 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $154

Spend about eight hours traveling from Ko Olina to Pearl Harbor, with hotel pickup, a narrated Honolulu drive, the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor exhibits, and the USS Missouri. Guides such as Steve, Kimo, Aaron, and Nani Popolo have led this small-group tour. Bring ID, wear sturdy shoes, and leave bags behind.

“It definitely is a once in a lifetime experience. It's making me type more than I want to for a review.”

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5.Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 324 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $149

From Kailua Pier, ride with a local guide to a Kona coffee farm, St. Benedict’s Painted Church, a casual local lunch stop, and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. The turtle walk crosses easy but uneven ground, and sightings are never guaranteed. Guides have included BJ, Kelvin, Rusty, Marissa, and Jessica.

“A good tour but if we had gone to the turtles later maybe they would have been out of the water. Edmond was an excellent driver and guide. Recommend this tour”

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6.Historical Dinner Cruise Tour to Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 198 reviews · 3 hours · from $199

Spend three hours aboard Body Glove Cruises, sailing from Kailua Pier along Kona’s coast to Kealakekua Bay. A local historian explains sites linked to Captain Cook, King Kamehameha, and Hawaiian traditions while you enjoy live slack-key music, dinner, one complimentary drink, and sunset views.

“great live music, great staff, great drinks. and we saw whales”

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7.Kailua-Kona: Haunted History Ghost Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 8 reviews · 2 hours · from $64Best value

Walk Kailua-Kona with an English-speaking paranormal guide, following the shore from Kailua Pier past royal sites, Huliheʻe Palace, Mokuʻaikaua Church, and Kamakahonu Beach. Expect Hawaiian and Asian folklore, reported spirit encounters, UFO stories, and plenty of local history. Guide Gabby has led some departures.

“Thanks Gabby for the great tour! It was nice to hear about the history and legends of Hawaii. We learned a lot of new things. It was also nice to see the flying fishes as well.”

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8.Honolulu: Historic Downtown Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 hours · from $155

Join Sidewalk Surfing Tours for a two-hour Segway ride through Honolulu’s Kakaʻako murals, historic downtown, Chinatown, and Ala Moana Beach. Guides speak English and Japanese, and Timo is praised for patient instruction, careful riding, and taking photos at scenic stops. The group is limited to seven people.

“Timo was an amazing tour guide! He tailored the tour to our wishes and explained everything in detail!”

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