6 Self-Guided Tours on Oʻahu, Compared

1.Chief’s Official Pearl Harbor Self-Guided Multimedia Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 407 reviews · 1 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $9Our pick

Use a provided multimedia device and take-home earphones to explore Pearl Harbor National Memorial at your own pace. Chief’s narrated tour, featuring Jamie Lee Curtis, explains the December 7, 1941 attack and points out key sites. Admission is free, but the USS Arizona Memorial boat ticket costs $1 and must be reserved separately or obtained through standby.

“Very emotional yet fantastically informative exhibit on such a personal part of our history. You owe it to yourself, whether you are from the United States or Japan to experience this adventure.”

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2.Self guided Hike Trail to Nature Walk & Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 283 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $79

Hike through Manoa Valley’s rainy rainforest to a 150-foot waterfall, then visit Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park for sweeping views of Diamond Head and Waikiki. Expect a three-hour outing, select Waikiki pickup, a group of up to 14, and guides such as Robert, Arlaine, Hema, and Chris sharing local plant, history, and trail knowledge.

“Gorgeous Hike! Beautiful. Our tour guide was sweet, kind, helpful and cautious. She talked WAY too loud (on microphone the entire time in small van) and WAY too much. She did not breathe. It took away some of the enjoyment of the trip. She had a lot of good info just WAY too much of it. No chance to engage and ask questions without interrupting.”

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3.Self-Guided Kayaking Discovery in Kailua, Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 249 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $110Top rated

Start at Kailua Beach Adventures on Kailua Road, collect a single or double kayak, snorkel gear, life jacket, dry bag, and beach equipment, then paddle toward Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands. This self-guided outing suits confident beginners and experienced paddlers, but wind, waves, and the walk to the launch point matter.

“Nice staff, very helpful. We had a great time and fun adventure. We had plenty of time to see the islands and snorkel from the beach. Would definitely do this again.”

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4.Manoa Falls Rainforest & Self-Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 227 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Ride from select Waikiki hotels to Manoa Falls, then follow a self-guided 0.8-mile rainforest trail through eucalyptus trees, stream crossings, rocks, and mud. Kaimana Tours provides water, bug spray, directions, and walking sticks. Drivers such as Matthew, Steve, Orlando, and D share local facts along the way.

“Amazing hike, steeper than indicated but worth the effort. Will take the full two hours. Some sections are a fast incline.”

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5.Creative Soul Scavenger Hunt of Waikiki Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Tara’s Creative Soul Scavenger Hunt turns Waikiki into a private, team-based game. Using WhatsApp, you’ll follow creative missions, take photos and videos, and learn the Vibe Test for meeting friendly locals. The roughly 2-hour-15-minute experience begins and ends near Duke Kahanamoku Beach and suits families and groups more than solo visitors.

“Unique experience to learn more about the island from the local perspective. About 1.5 hours is a good time. If it would start earlier in the day, that would be better as the heat was pretty warm about noon”

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6.Awesome Scavenger Hunt: Royal Views Of Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $12

Use the Let’s Roam app to explore downtown Honolulu at your own pace, solving riddles and completing photo challenges at the Hawaii State Capitol, Iolani Palace, Aloha Tower Marketplace, and Ali‘iōlani Hale. Choose a player role, track your score, and receive digital copies of your hunt photos. No guide is included.

“Really enjoyed the historical significance of the stops. The challenges were fun. Will definitely do a hunt in another city (although the Honolulu rain sort of sucked :))”

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