Honolulu tours

Things to do in Honolulu

Welcome to Honolulu, a city where the harmony of swaying palms and the ocean's gentle lull create a timeless symphony. Beyond Waikiki's golden shores, the aloha spirit invites you to explore its hidden depths. With a local guide, Honolulu unfolds as a series of personal stories. Wander through Chinatown's historic streets, taste the freshest island flavours on a culinary tour, and uncover cultural treasures that hide in plain sight. Skip the line at the Bishop Museum to immerse yourself in Hawaii’s rich history. Your guide’s warmth and insights help you weave your own memories into Honolulu’s vibrant tapestry of cultures and landscapes. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Honolulu. Explore Honolulu your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Honolulu tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Honolulu for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Snorkel the calm, fish-rich waters of Hanauma Bay with tips on reef etiquette, or hike to Manoa Falls’ jungle cascade and watch for native birds. In season, your guide can time a Makapu‘u Lighthouse trail walk to spot humpback whales breaching offshore and show you respectful sea turtle viewing on the North Shore. Layover tours: Get picked up at HNL, stretch your legs with a quick Diamond Head lookout stop, then grab warm malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery before a stroll along Waikīkī Beach. If time allows, fit in the USS Arizona Memorial visit or an Iolani Palace photo stop, with luggage handled and a smooth return to your terminal. History tours: Visit Pearl Harbor’s key sites—USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri—while hearing stories that bring the events to life. Continue to Iolani Palace, Kawaiaha‘o Church, and Chinatown’s historic markets to learn about monarchy, mission era, and immigrant communities. Waikīkī and the city centre are walkable, and TheBus provides reliable public transit across O‘ahu; reaching multiple sites in a short window can be slow by bus, so you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide about tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Honolulu inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover Honolulu's neighborhoods on a private walking tour, where your local guide helps you uncover the city's unique charm. Here are a few you might consider for your itinerary: - Waikiki: Famous for its beaches and vibrant nightlife, this area is a must for first-time visitors. It caters to all ages with its mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options right by the ocean. - Chinatown: Dive into a cultural experience with its bustling markets, art galleries, and authentic eateries. Perfect for cultural tourists and those seeking to explore the city's diverse heritage. - Kaka'ako: A hub for art lovers and foodies, this neighborhood is known for its colorful street art and trendy restaurants. It's a great spot to experience Honolulu's modern vibe and make meaningful connections. Day trip ideas from Honolulu If you want to see more of Oahu beyond the city, plan a few day trips to nearby coasts and small towns that show off calm bays, surf breaks, and easy local food stops, and you can shape your tour to match beach time, hikes, or photography. - North Shore and Haleiwa: watch expert surfers at Pipeline in winter, find gentler swimming spots in summer, grab shrimp from roadside trucks, and wander Haleiwa’s laid-back main street, which works well if you are into surf culture, casual eats, and sea life viewing. - Kailua and the Windward Coast: paddle calm water in Kailua Bay, walk the short pillbox trail for big views, and cruise scenic lookouts near the Pali, a good fit if you like light hikes, beaches with soft sand, and a quieter town feel that keeps the pace easy. - Waianae Coast and Ko Olina: relax in protected lagoons that are great for kids, head out on a snorkel boat for turtles and, in winter, whales offshore, and stay for a west side sunset, which suits wildlife lovers and anyone who wants an unrushed swim day with simple logistics. - Kaneohe Bay and Valley of the Temples area: take in the green cliffs around Kaneohe, visit Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden for scenic roads and short walks, and cruise the coast past Waimanalo for wide open beaches, ideal if you like nature, photos, and low-key coastal drives with your tour setting the pace. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Honolulu most travellers miss.