Honolulu is the first stop for most tourists heading to Hawaii. It’s the gateway for popular neighborhoods like Waikiki and further-out Oahu destinations, but also has unique districts like its historic downtown and Chinatown areas.
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Even if you spend most of your time lazing around Waikiki (fair enough), you might want to strike out further into Oahu, from the North Shore to Turtle Canyon.
The best way to find great nature tours in Oahu is to speak directly with your hotel’s concierge or the activity coordinator. (Many hotels have a separate role for helping guests book tours.) They can help you get tickets to big shows, reserve a table at a fine dining restaurant, and book your place on major tours.
And what are the most popular tours in Oahu? Nature tours. If you’re on the hunt for fantastic experiences around Oahu, here’s where to go. First up: riding a submarine scooter around tropical reefs.
Best nature tours in Oahu: on the water
- Ride a submarine scooter underwater: Step inside a self-propelled submarine scooter, then head out into the water on a catamaran. Your guides will stop you in a spot where you can see sea turtles before heading to Diamond Head Crater for a dip. No need to swim—the scooter does all the work.
- Embark on a submarine adventure: You can board an actual submarine and head into Oahu’s stunningly clear waters. A guide will point out fish, coral, and more as you cruise underwater at a depth of 100 feet.
- Sail the South Shore with a glass-bottom boat: Prefer to stay above-water? Head out on this glass-bottom vessel along Oahu’s South Shore. You can spy on reefs, schools of fish, and other marine life as you enjoy the calming ride. It’s also a BYOB experience.
- Snorkel in Hanauma Bay: Head to Oahu’s famous Hanauma Bay conservation area, where you’ll get to learn about the area’s marine life and volcanic craters. This tour includes transportation and snorkel gear, letting you experience Hanauma Bay without worrying about parking.
- Explore Turtle Canyon (semi-private): Get more out of your Turtle Canyon experience with this semi-private group tour. Because it maxes out at six people, you’ll have more freedom to swim with the sea turtles without intimidating or stressing out these gentle creatures.
- Sip on cocktails on a sunset sail: Board a Moana-themed sailboat as the sunset begins. You’ll cruise into the horizon of the Pacific Ocean while keeping Waikiki in sight. You might also see dolphins swimming as you pass Diamond Head.
- Swim with dolphins on the West Coast: Look out for pods of dolphins on this tour of the West Coast. Hopefully, you’ll get to snorkel with them as you head into the water. If not, expect to see other marine life, like fish, octopi, and more.
- Dive with the sharks on the North Shore: If you’re feeling fearless (possibly immortal), head to the North Shore on this boating trip. When the time is right, you’ll be invited to head into a large cage (it’s big enough for five) where you can watch sharks zip by. Some are as long as 12 feet.
Best nature tours in Oahu: on land and by sky
- Hike to Manoa Waterfall: Hike to one of Oahu’s most famous sites: the 150-foot Manoa Waterfall. (You might recognize it from Jurassic Park.) The tour comes with a healthy lunch made from local, organic products. Your guide will also share stories about Hawaiian legends and culture, letting you learn a bit along the way.
- Explore Big Island volcanoes from a helicopter: Take to the skies to fly from Oahu to Hilo, where you’ll have a Big Island adventure. This tour includes visits to Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, and the Nahuka Lava Tube, which are done on land after you reach the Big Island via helicopter.
Best nature tours in Oahu with more than one stop
- Explore Waimea Falls + Byodo-In: Visit both Waimea Falls and Byodo-In on this group tour. You’ll have the chance to explore multiple locations along Oahu’s famous Circle Island Drive, which also includes the Dole Plantation and Nu’uanu Pali.
- Small group waterfall tour: Take a tour of Oahu—one that includes a few lesser-known stops. This tour takes you to the North Shore, a local coffee plantation, Haleiwa and Waimea Falls, and the lookout spots of Pali and Makapuu. You also get to see the gorgeous Byodo-In Temple.
- Half-day tour of scenic lookouts: If you’re in it for the views and photo ops, this tour takes you around to Oahu’s most famous lookout spots. The half-day tour takes you to seven locations where the views are guaranteed to make your jaw drop.
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