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Best Oahu Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: Beaches, History & More

7 Reviews | Oahu, USA

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4 to 6 hours (approx.)

Mobile ticket

Instant confirmation

Overview

Welcome to the beautiful Hawaiian island of O’ahu! Featuring the vibrant city of Honolulu, lush jungles that have appeared in blockbusters like Jurassic Park, and the most stunning beaches in the world, O’ahu has a little bit of everything. Cruise around this tropical paradise, hike its best trails, and learn about its incredible conflict-strewn history… all from the comfort of your vehicle or rental!

Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

What's Included

Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

See 5 more See 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Arizona Memorial Place
Honolulu, HI 96818, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Kamehameha Highway
Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA

What To Expect

Arizona Memorial

Get ready for a totally comprehensive tour of Hawaii's most populous island: O'ahu. Home to the city of Honolulu, this island is chock full of culture, natural beauty, and fascinating history--all of which you'll experience during your drive!NOTE: This 88.5-miles-long tour covers the essentials of the Oahu Grand Circle in 4 - 6 hours.Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Pearl Harbor

The tour begins in Pearl Harbor, where a surprise attack on December 7th, 1941 changed the course of history.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Honolulu

As you drive through Honolulu, you'll learn about the city's unexpectedly humble origins, and how it became the hub it is today.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bishop Museum

One of the first landmarks you'll pass is the Bishop Museum. This isn't just the largest museum in Hawaii, but also has a surprisingly sweet love story behind it!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Aloha Tower

Get a good look at the Aloha Tower next. This iconic waterside tower once greeted all travelers arriving in Honolulu, because everyone arrived by boat.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

King Kamehameha Statue

Next, you'll pass the impressive Iolani Palace, once home to Hawaiian royalty, as well as a statue of King Kamahamaha, a hero you'll hear plenty about along the way.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ala Moana Beach Park

The first beach you'll see is Ala Moana Beach, a pristine stretch of sand which, believe it or not, used to be a garbage dump! But don't worry, it's perfectly clean now, and great for swimming.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

King David Kalakaua Statue

Next, you'll pass a statue of King David Kalakaua, Hawaii's last king.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Waikiki Beach

The next beach you'll reach is Waikiki Beach, made famous by the legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Duke is responsible for bringing surfing to the world at large and bringing major recognition to this beach.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kapiolani Park

Your route takes you next past Kapi'olani Park, another beautiful space which was once little more than a soggy bit of marshland.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Diamond Head State Monument

After that, you'll come to Diamond Head State Monument, an immense crater left by a volcanic explosion. It's now become Hawaii's most popular park!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Diamond Head Beach Park

You'll also see Diamond Head Beach, which sparkles unlike any other beach around. Back in the 1800s, explorers actually thought the calcite crystals in the sand here were diamonds!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

China Walls

As you continue, you'll reach the China Walls, an impressive formation of natural walls which some say rival the Great Wall of China!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hanauma Bay Road

Get some unbeatable views up next at Hanauma Bay Lookout, and don't forget to snap a few pictures while you're there!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lanai lookout

Lanai Lookout is next, and it's especially good if you're trying to get away from the crowd.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Halona Blowhole Lookout

The next lookout, Halona Blowhole Lookout, offers views of a peculiar rock formation which shoots water into the air when waves crash against it.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Pele's Chair

If you trek along the shore a bit, you'll come to Pele's Chair, a natural formation which some believe to be the chair of Pele, a volcanic goddess.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline

Up next is Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, which is exactly what it sounds like. If you're a fan of ocean views, this makes for a wonderful stroll.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Rabbit Island

As you drive, you'll catch sight of Rabbit Island. Once home to a rabbit farm, this island is now mostly untouched by humans.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Waimanalo Beach

Travelers seeking a pristine beach that doesn't see the same crowds as others will love Waimanalo Beach, a stretch of white sand sheltered by a wall of ironwood trees.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kailua

Up next is the unassuming town of Kailua. Unassuming, that is, except for the fact that former president Barack Obama spent his winters here!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kailua Beach Park

Your route takes you next to Kailua Beach, a favorite spot among kayakers and swimmers alike.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site

Next, you'll pass the Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site. This increidble archaeological site is home to an ancient Hawaiian temple called a Heiau, which is almost 500 years old!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

After that, you'll arrive at Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, a splendid vista which is also right near a trail leading to some sparkling waterfalls.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lulumahu Falls

Looking for more waterfalls? You'll find one at the end of a trail up ahead, which leads to the gorgeous, secluded Lulumahu Falls.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

Up next is the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, home to a staggering 400 acres of tropical flora from all over the world. There's even a campground within the garden!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Heeia

Continuing on, you'll reach the town of He'eia and hear the wild legend behind its name.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Byodo-in Temple Hawaii

You won't want to miss the next stop, an elaborate Buddhist temple called the Byodo-In Temple. It was built as an exact to-scale replica of the temples one would find in Japan!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kualoa Ranch (Pass By)

As you drive, you'll pass Kualoa Ranch, a sprawling jungle ranch which has been the filming location for countless Hollywood hits, including Jurassic Park, Hawaii Five-O, and Lost!

Kualoa Rock Beach

Kualoa Rock Beach, up next, offers some great lounging opportunities, though swimmers will find the rocky shore a bit uncomfortable to wade along.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kahana Bay Beach Park

The next beach, Kahana Bay Beach, isn't just a great stretch of sand, but is also packed with history! Archaeologists have found all sorts of pre-contact relics buried in the sand here.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park

Ahupua'a 'O Kahana State Park is next, offering plenty of lush greenery and stunning hikes for those looking to stretch their legs.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hukilau Marketplace

Those looking to stop for a snack or a souvenir will want to stop at the next landmark: Hukilau Marketplace. This iconic market styles itself just like a classic 1950s Hawaiian market would.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Malaekahana State Recreation Area

Beach campers will absolutely want to stop at the next spot, Malaekahana State Recreation Area. This shoreline camping area makes for some seriously memorable mornings!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Gunstock Ranch

After that, you'll pass Gunstock Ranch, where you can take a ride on horseback if you want to change up your travels a bit!

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge

Next is the James Campbell Wildlife Refuge, where you'll learn the legend of how some of O'ahu's most recognizable birds got their iconic plumage.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Turtle Beach

After that is Turtle Beach, which is exactly what you'd expect. If you're here at the right time, you're bound to see some sea turtles!

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kawela Bay Beach Park

Continue driving to Kawela Bay Beach, home to some of the calmest waters on the island thanks to an offshore reef.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sunset Beach Park

If the day is winding down, one of the best spots to be is your next stop: Sunset Beach. This is, hands down, one of the best spots on the island to catch a proper Hawaiian sunset.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Banzai Pipeline

As you drive, you'll pass the infamous Banzai Pipeline. This death-defying surf break has challenged some of the most famous surfers around for years, and not all of them survive it.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Shark's Cove

After that is Shark's Cove. Don't worry though, it gets its name not because sharks infest the waters, but instead because it looks a little bit like a shark when viewed from above.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Waimea Bay Beach Park

One of the last beaches on your tour is Waimea Bay. This isn't just any beach, but has been featured in high-octane Hollywood adventures like Point Break!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Haleʻiwa Beach Park

The final beach you'll see is Hale'iwa Beach, which has some BBQs and picnic tables for folks looking to wind down with a picturesque picnic.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Dole Plantation

Your final stop is at the historic Dole Plantation, a window back in time which also features a train ride and the world's largest maze for some fun family activities. The tour concludes here.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 42 more stops

Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.

Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
For the best experience, make sure your device meets these requirements: iPhones running iOS 13 or newer, and Android devices with version 9 or newer. For iPads or tablets, only models with GPS and cellular connectivity are recommended for navigation.
Tsunami Warning: Due to a massive earthquake in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning has been issued for Hawaii. For the most up-to-date information, visit: tsunami.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Best Oahu Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: Beaches, History & More?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (HST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-259665P10

Reviews

4.14

7 reviews

Average 4.14 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars

4

4 stars

1

3 stars

1

2 stars

1

1 star

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The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Best Oahu Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: Beaches, History & More?

A:

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (HST).

Apr 2025

Q: What's included in the price?

A:

The following is included:

Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!.
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!.
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!.
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!.
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!.
Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!.
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone.

The following is NOT included:

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations.

Apr 2025

Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?

A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025

Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?

A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025

Q: Is this an accessible tour?

A:

Accessibility information for the Best Oahu Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: Beaches, History & More is as follows:

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Apr 2025

Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?

A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Best Oahu Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: Beaches, History & More will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

Mar 2024