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Honolulu is known for its beautiful beaches, tropical scenery, and historical relevance to the turning point in WWII. Honolulu, Hawaii, spans over 60 square miles and offers a variety of tourist hot spots.
The best way to explore the city and its surrounding areas is by taking walking tours. Walking tours allow you to immerse yourself in the culture and take in spectacular views that you cannot otherwise.
With so many walking tour options, it’s hard to pick which to take and which to pass up. Luckily, we have compiled a list of the best Honolulu walking tours to give you a variety of what the city has to offer to make the most of your trip to The Big Pineapple.
The 8 Best Walking Tours in Honolulu
Several tours on this list allow you to explore independently, while others have a guide to help you understand the area’s significance and navigate through the terrain to stay on track.
Whether you are looking for free walking tours of Honolulu or walking tours with a price tag on them, this list will give you options to find the best fit for your personal walking tour preferences.
1. Ghosts of Old Honolulu Tour
Price: $40 per person
About: This Honolulu walking tour takes you back in time to discover the ghosts that haunt the area. This tour takes you on a journey to discover the realms of restless spirits that live in downtown Honolulu.
Designed as a haunting experience, this tour embarked on Thursday and Saturday nights to heighten the 2-hour experience.
Groups are limited to 25 guests and offered on select dates, so ensure to make your reservation ASAP if a haunted tour is your forte.
2. Shaka Guide Historic Downtown Honolulu Walking Tour
Price: $4.99 per person
About: The Shaka Guide Historic Downtown Honolulu Walking Tour is a self-guided tour that you can take at your own pace, only requiring you to the tour on your smartphone. The tour includes a map, directions, and the history of the various stops along the route.
This tour starts at the King Kamehameha Statue and ends at Iolani Palace. For an additional cost, the Shaka Guide Downtown tour offers an audio tour of the Iolani Palace.
Popular stops on this tour include:
- Ali’ialoni Hale
- Kawaiahao Church
- King Lunalilo’s Tomb
- Honolulu Hale
- State Library
- Iolani Palace
A historical downtown walking tour of Honolulu gives you the chance to learn some of Hawaii’s royal history and provides you with the perfect opportunity to try some local restaurants to get an authentic Hawaiian experience.
3. Koko Crater Hiking Trail
Price: Free
About: A trip to Hawaii is not complete without a hike. Honolulu hiking tours range from difficult to mild, with the Koko Crater hiking trail being one of the most difficult. This trail is accessible year-round and gains the attention of over 500,000 hikers a year.
While this hike is challenging and should only be completed by those in good physical health, the panoramic views at the top are well worth the effort. The 1,000 steps that make up the hike to the top of the mountain are old railroad ties put in place back in WWII by the military.
The purpose of this railway was to transfer cargo to the top for storage in the inactive volcano.
A mix of history, rewarding views, and a sense of pride for completing the challenging hike are what draw visitors to this hiking trail.
4. Kaena Point Hiking Trail
Price: Free
About: If you are in Honolulu for a relaxing vacation and want a more relaxed hike, the Kaena Point hike is a noble option. Kaena Point is a state park accessible from both the west and north sides of Oahu island.
This state park offers scenic views of the ocean and the mountains, giving you a unique Hawaiian experience. Little shade on the trail makes for the most challenging part, so ensure to bring lots of water and sunscreen.
A 3.5-mile hike takes you from one end of the park to the other. Depending on your walking pace, this hike can take up to 4 hours to complete.
5. Off The Beaten Path Hawaii Food Tour
Price: $130 per person
About: Off the Beaten Path Hawaii Food Tour is an excellent option for those tourists who desire to take in Hawaiian culture while eating some of the local delicacies. This Honolulu walking food tour consists of a small group walking to 5 – 8 different food stops within a mile radius.
This tour includes the convenience of transportation to and from your hotel or short-term rental. It can take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the crowd conditions. Because this is a walking tour, cancellation may occur if weather conditions are not favorable.
Reservations are required, and tours only take place on weekdays.
6. USS Arizona Memorial Deluxe Tour
Price: $12.50 per person
About: The USS Arizona Memorial Deluxe Tour is a comprehensive tour that allows you to immerse yourself in the history surrounding the famous battleship and the pivotal role Pearl Harbor played in WWII.
This tour includes an audio tour, Pearl Harbor WWII archives, and admission to the Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Center. This is a self-guided tour that lasts approximately 3 hours based on your pace.
If you are in search of a historical WWII tour where you can take your time and not feel rushed by a tour guide, this tour is an excellent choice.
7. Honolulu Like a Local: Customized Private Tour
Price: Starting at $37.34
About: If you want to explore Honolulu like a local and prefer a more secluded scene, this tour is for you. With your personal tour guide and an itinerary catered to your specific interests, this tour gives you exactly what you are looking for, whether it’s beaches, historic sites, hiking trails, or volcanos.
Because this is a private tour, you have flexible departure times while also being able to pick how long you stay at a specific location. Better yet, your guide will pick you up and drop you back off at your hotel, so you do not have to find alternative transportation.
8. Manoa Waterfalls Hike
Price: $42.67 per person
About: Manoa Waterfall is an excellent hiking option for those adventurous vacationers that like to put in a little extra work to reap the reward. Guides are available to lead you along the 2.5-mile trail by either hiking or running.
The reward of this hike is immaculate as the trail through bamboo forests leads you to a spectacular 150-foot waterfall.
This guided tour begins at 8 am and ends at the departure point. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours depending on your pace and how long you prefer to enjoy the waterfall.
Things to Consider Before Your Tour
The historical and tropical tours of Honolulu are exhilarating. However, they can also distract you from taking care of your body and providing it with what it needs to stay healthy.
Therefore, it is vital to prepare yourself for your touring adventures, especially the tours that have you walking for several hours.
Before embarking on your walking tour of Honolulu, whether it requires a brisk walk or a leisurely stroll, here is a packing list for Hawaii.
Sunscreen
Sun exposure in Hawaii is not to be taken lightly. Ensure to pack sunscreen and reapply when necessary, as most walking tours require you to be in direct sunlight.
Water
Walking in the sun can cause dehydration if you are not prepared. Ensure to bring plenty of water to drink along the way, especially if taking an aggressive hiking tour.
Comfy Clothes
When taking a walking tour, it’s essential to wear clothing that you will remain comfortable in so you can enjoy the tour without the worry of uncomfortable clothing rubbing against your skin.
Supported Shoes
If your feet are not adequately supported, walking can quickly become unenjoyable. Make sure to wear shoes that give you ample support to protect your feet and back.
Snacks
Snacks are not necessary for all walking tours, especially if joining a food tour. However, keeping snacks handy for those tours where you are secluded and away from any convenience stores is necessary.
Camera
Whether you are into photographing your adventures or prefer to fully immerse yourself in the moment, taking something to snap a quick photo is a good idea.
Research the Tour
Every walking tour is different. Before taking your tour, make sure to research what the tour offers and the requirements to embark on that tour. Some tours may have age restrictions or even reservations made in advance.
Explore Honolulu & Explore The Rich History Of The Island
Vacations are a time to relax and enjoy some time away from work and the responsibilities of everyday life. When vacationing in Honolulu, walking tours are a great option to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture and experience views and history that you won’t get from a motorized vehicle.
Why are you waiting? Book your walking tour in Honolulu today!
Featured Image Credit: By AbElena
