O‘ahu Highlights Private Guided Tour: Landmarks & Architecture

Honolulu , United States

O‘ahu Highlights Private Guided Tour: Landmarks & Architecture

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(10 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Just arrived and don’t know what to see first? Take a relaxing 3-hour ride to Honolulu’s most iconic landmarks followed by jaw-dropping views as the venture continues across Southern O‘ahu’s mountainous highways.

Our tours are private and just for your group!

Available options

O‘ahu Highlights Private Guided Tour: Landmarks & Architecture

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Kalākaua Avenue – Waikīkī’s main passage is home to several historic hotels, iconic statues, and landmarks. From its shopping to its breathtaking beaches, there is something for everyone.

Stop 2 Pass by

Diamond Head Road – Breakaway from sea level on a trip around the steep southern face of Diamond Head State Monument. Have your camera ready for a beautiful view down the rocky cliffs into the crystal clear ocean.

Stop 3 Pass by

I‘olani Palace – Built at the request of King David Kalakaua in 1879, this royal palace was completed in 1882. He spared no expenses. For the time, it had it all. It featured the world’s latest innovations, including indoor plumbing, telephone, and electric lights (before the White House even had electricity). To this day, it remains the only royal residence in the United States.

Stop 4 Pass by

Kawaiahaʻo Church – Early missionaries not only brought Christianity to the Islands, but Neoclassical-Mediterranean Revival architectural influences as well. Being O‘ahu’s oldest church (completed in 1842), it was originally built as a place of worship for the royal family. Its main walls are made from 1,000-pound slabs of coral.

Stop 5 Pass by

Aliʻiolani Hale – This former seat of government of the Kingdom of Hawaii and Republic of Hawaii, Aliʻiolani Hale (“House of the Heavenly Kings”) is now the home of Hawaii’s Supreme Court. Completed in 1874, it was originally designed by Kamehameha V to be the royal palace. He would later recommission it for his expanding Hawaiian government. More recently (2010-2020), it was featured as Honolulu’s Police Headquarters in the TV show, “Hawaii Five-0.”

Kamehameha V Statue – Front and center in the Aliʻiolani Hale Courtyard stands the gold-leafed statue of “Kamehameha the Great.” This statue’s history is unlike any other. The king’s ionic statue is a must-see for many tourists and heavily featured in print, television, and movies.

Stop 6 Pass by

Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout – Breathtaking coastal, cliffs, and mountain views steeped in History and folklore. The site of one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history

Stop 7 Pass by

Interstate H-3 – Hawaii’s newest highway and the Island’s main Eastside-Westside thoroughfare through the Ko‘olau Mountain Range. One might pinch themselves to make sure it’s not a dream after exiting the 5,165-foot-long Tetsuo Harano Tunnel onto O‘ahu’s Windward side. Extremely rugged, yet beautiful...‘Have your camera ready.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Animals are not allowed

We do not allow the special requirements note without prior approval

Important notes

About Honolulu

Honolulu, the vibrant capital of Hawaii, is a unique blend of urban sophistication and tropical paradise. Nestled along the coast of Oahu, it offers stunning beaches, historic sites, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Top Attractions

Waikiki Beach

One of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki Beach offers golden sand, clear waters, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

Beach Half day to full day Free (activities and rentals vary)

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

A significant historical site, Pearl Harbor is where the attack on December 7, 1941, brought the United States into World War II. The memorial includes the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Historical Half day to full day Free (timed tickets required for the USS Arizona Memorial)

Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head is an iconic volcanic crater offering stunning views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. The hike to the summit is moderate and rewarding.

Nature 2-3 hours $5 per vehicle parking fee

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Often served over rice or as a salad.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with various types of fish and is gluten-free if soy sauce is omitted.

Loco Moco

A hearty dish consisting of white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with vegetarian or vegan alternatives.

Shave Ice

Finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups and often served with a scoop of ice cream or sweetened condensed milk.

Snack/Dessert Vegan options available with plant-based syrups and toppings.

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking Snorkeling Scuba diving Parasailing Beachcombing Sunbathing Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the most popular time to visit due to the pleasant weather and whale-watching opportunities. Expect lush landscapes and occasional rain showers.

22-26°C 72-79°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-10:00 (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Honolulu is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's essential to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport • 10 km from city center

By bus

Honolulu International Airport, Downtown Honolulu

Getting around

Public transport

TheBus system covers all of Oahu and is affordable and reliable. Buses run frequently and connect major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Waikiki Downtown Honolulu Kakaako

Day trips

North Shore

50 km from Honolulu • Full day

The North Shore of Oahu is known for its stunning beaches, world-class surfing, and laid-back atmosphere. It offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring local attractions.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

15 km from Honolulu • Half day

Hanauma Bay is a stunning marine embayment formed within a tuff ring that is a partially submerged crater of the Koʻolau Volcano. It is a popular spot for snorkeling, with a variety of marine life and coral reefs.

Polynesian Cultural Center

30 km from Honolulu • Full day

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a living museum and luau that showcases the cultures and traditions of the Polynesian islands. It offers a variety of exhibits, shows, and activities, as well as a buffet-style luau dinner.

Festivals

Honolulu Festival • March (annually) Kona Coffee Cultural Festival • November (annually) Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival • June (annually)

Pro tips

Visit the beaches early in the morning to secure a good spot and avoid crowds
Book popular attractions and tours in advance, especially during peak season
Explore the local food scene by trying street food and visiting food trucks and markets
Be mindful of the ocean and its creatures, and always follow safety guidelines when swimming, snorkeling, or surfing
Respect local customs and traditions, and be open to new experiences and cultural exchanges