Are you considering booking one of the many Hawaii tours in the islands? There’s a lot to do when you’re in Hawaii, and much of it doesn’t require much planning at all. Beach days, sightseeing, and shopping are easy to do. But other must-do activities are best enjoyed as part of a guided tour.
Whether you want to see Hawaii by land, air, or sea, you can’t beat the experience of a guided tour. That’s why we’re highlighting our favorite Hawaii tours along with our favorite tips for making the most of your excursion.
Why You Should Book a Hawaii Tour
There are so many benefits to booking a tour while in Hawaii. All types of travelers can appreciate the ease of planning and valuable insight that comes from an experienced guide. Here are a few of the top reasons why you should book a guided Hawaii tour:
- You won’t have to sight-see from behind the steering wheel.
- Tours ensure you go to places that are safe and legal to visit.
- They take the guesswork out of planning.
- Your group won’t need to agree on stops or restaurants – you can simply go with your tour guide to the pre-planned places.
- Many tours take you to spots that are otherwise inaccessible.
- Good tour guides can offer unique insight and information about places you visit and things you see.
The Top Hawaii Tours
Ready to experience Hawaii with local guides who will simplify planning and sightseeing? Keep reading to discover our best types of Hawaii tours and what to expect from them.
Oahu Circle Tour
If you’re vacationing on Oahu, you’ll want to see as much of the island as possible. There is plenty to do in the island’s resort areas. But the true beauty awaits beyond the borders of Waikiki, where there is so much untamed wilderness, breathtaking vistas, and scenic beaches, along with small towns and great dining spots.
If you want to see the best of Oahu, a guided circle tour will allow you to see it without worrying about driving, planning stops, or timing things right.
Check out this Ultimate Oahu Circle Tour that includes stops at places like Diamond Head, a North Shore shrimp truck, local farms and fruit stands, and top beach parks. This is a fantastic Hawaii tour for anyone who wants to see as much as possible in one day without worrying about what they’re missing. Plus, it’s all led by a local guide who will bring incredible insight and fun info into every spot.
Hawaii Food Tours
You can spend hours on Yelp trying to figure out the best spots to eat, or you can book a Hawaii food tour and know you’re hitting up the best places. We think the best Hawaii food tours include hole-in-the-wall restaurants, many of which may not even appear on an online search.
Your guide will help you visit many spots in a smaller time frame, sampling iconic local foods that you may never have had before.
If you love trying Hawaii’s local food and want to do it in a fun way, this Hawaii Food Truck Tour could be perfect for you. With a maximum of 4 guests and a thoughtful and expert-level approach to Hawaii food, you’re sure to get the best taste of Hawaii. And it’s led by Emmy-winning entertainer Lanai Tabura.
Road to Hana
On Maui, there’s one activity that feels both essential and nerve-wracking: driving the Road to Hana. You’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world as you travel along this narrow, winding road – but not if you’re the one driving.
That’s why we really encourage you to book a guided tour of the Road to Hana. Your entire group can enjoy the trip as passengers, which helps keep everyone safer and allows you to better enjoy the whole experience.
There are all kinds of tours for all sizes of groups. We typically think smaller tours are better, especially since they can park more easily and offer a more personalized touch. But bigger buses come at a lower cost.
Na Pali Coast Tours
When you visit Kauai, the Na Pali coast will likely lure you with its glistening waters and towering sea cliffs. But unless you’re an expert hiker, the best way to see the Na Pali Coast is by taking a boat tour.
Boat charters of all sizes will take you along the coastline to explore sea caves, snorkel in calm coves, and marvel at the scenery. Catamarans are the most popular vessel to see the Na Pali Coast, but you can also book a tour on a speedy zodiac raft, a kayak, or even a helicopter.
Helicopter Tours
Have you ever considered seeing Hawaii from above? If you get excited looking out the window of your airplane as you fly into the islands, you’ll likely love taking a Hawaii helicopter tour. Most islands offer these tours, allowing you to see top sights from a unique vantage point.
For example, on Maui, you can see waterfalls that are otherwise inaccessible. Or head toward Molokai, where you can cruise alongside the world’s tallest sea cliffs.
A Helicopter tour is a big adventure, and it’s certainly not for everyone. But if you’ve ever wanted to fly by helicopter, Hawaii is one of the most scenic places to do it.
Whale Watching Tours
If you visit Hawaii during the winter months, you’ll want to keep an eye out for whales. From November through March (and beyond), Hawaii’s waters are teeming with these amazing sea creatures.
You can see whales from many vantage points across the islands, but to see as many as possible – as up close as possible – you’ll want to book a whale-watching tour.
Board a catamaran or raft (or a kayak!) and head out to sea, where experienced tour guides know how to find whales and can share lots of interesting info about their behavior.
Guided Hikes
Many visitors resist booking a guided hike while in Hawaii. Since you can access most trails for free (or nearly free), they may not see the value in paying for a hike. But a guided hike offers a totally unique experience that will help you see Hawaii’s hiking trails in a new way.
A Hawaii hiking tour is especially helpful if you’re an inexperienced hiker. They’ll help you get to the trailheads and guide you to the best places along the trail – all in a way that values safety and the environment.
But even if you feel like you know how to hike, you’ll find a lot of value in joining a tour. Learn more about where you’re walking and what you’re seeing and gain a better appreciation for Hawaii’s wilderness.
Most hiking tours in Hawaii are small groups and have options for all fitness levels. Access waterfalls, mountain peaks, and deep jungles while an expert leads you the correct way, keeping an eye out for the weather.
FAQ About Hawaii Tours
If you’re considering booking a tour in Hawaii, you likely have some questions. After all, these are big investments and you want to get it right.
Will I feel cramped on a Tour?
Many people worry they’ll be herded like cattle during a Hawaii tour, and some big bus tours can make you feel that way. However, a smaller tour in a comfortable vehicle will feel more like a luxury. No cramped quarters, no long lines, just a relaxed and easy way to see Hawaii.
Will kids enjoy a Hawaii Tour?
It depends on your kids and their interests. Kids who get restless on car rides may have a hard time making it through the Road to Hana or the Oahu Circle, even with an engaging guide. But if your kids are okay with sightseeing, they will love being chauffeured around the islands.
If your kids are more restless, a more active tour could be better for them. Perhaps a snorkel tour or guided hike will allow them to get their energy out while you see some of Hawaii’s best beauty.
I enjoy exploring at my own pace, so is a guided tour right for me?
The best Hawaii tours don’t feel rushed. They do time things so you can see as much as possible within the timeframe, but the guides are very experienced in how much time people need in every location.
If you love making detours and unplanned stops, then you’ll miss that during your guided tour. But that’s a good trade-off for saving the energy it takes to plan your stops and try to make it back to your hotel in a decent time.
Are Hawaii Tours expensive?
Everyone has different budgets when visiting Hawaii, and many visitors will find that a tour is a splurge. And if you are tight on funds, hiring someone to drive you around the islands may not be the best investment.
But nearly everyone who books a tour really appreciates its value, so even if it feels expensive, it could still be a good fit for your vacation.
What Tours aren’t worth it?
There are some tours that aren’t worth the investment. Not necessarily because they’re bad tours, but because they aren’t a good fit for you.
If you don’t like being on water, don’t book a boat tour. If you don’t like to be stuck in a car, don’t book a driving tour. There’s no need to go on a tour just because you think you should – you should go because you want to!
How do I book a tour?
To book a tour that’s a good fit for you, contact Hawaii Aloha Travel. We can help you book an all-inclusive Hawaii vacation or simply pick out an island tour that’s a good fit for you.
We recommend booking tours early, as spots do fill up. You’ll also want to plan for earlier in your vacation. If boat or helicopter tours are canceled due to weather, you’ll want several days to try to reschedule.
And, of course, when you contact one of our Hawaii-based travel agents, we’ll be able to answer your questions so your tour fits perfectly into your vacation plans.
