5 Best Oahu Half-Day Tours to Fill Your Itinerary

Oahu offers travelers to Hawaii an incredible array of experiences. Best of all, there are many tours that you can enjoy in just half a day, leaving plenty of time to soak up the sun and relax for sundown.

Whether staying in Honolulu or exploring the island, these five half-day Oahu tour ideas ideally maximize your Hawaiian adventure without consuming an entire day.

 

1. Pearl Harbor & Honolulu Half-day Tours

These tours visit the iconic USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. The site pays homage to the courageous soldiers, civilians, and marines lost during World War II. Many providers will also explore downtown Honolulu and the Punchbowl National Cemetery, where you can view peaceful and uniquely Hawaiian surroundings, including a volcanic crater, the Theatres of Operation in WWII, and panoramic views of Honolulu.

  • Getting there: 1 Arizona Place, Honolulu, HI 96818 (a 20-minute drive from Waikiki Resort Hotel). Some tours offer hotel pickup in Waikiki.
  • Highlights:
    • USS Arizona Memorial
    • State Library & 18-foot statue of King Kamehameha
    • Punchbowl Crater
    • National Memorial Cemetery Of The Pacific
    • Iolani Palace

 

2. Mauka Warriors Lūʻau

Get ready for a cultural adventure at Mauka Warriors Lūʻau! This is not your typical tourist show — It's a full-on journey into the heart of Polynesian culture. Enjoy traditional dishes, watch mind-blowing performances, and explore the legendary Battle of Kīpapa site. Coming to Hawaii and missing this cultural eye-opener is a lost opportunity to connect with the Oahu of Hawaii and be inspired by Hawaii's incredible story.

 

  • Getting there: 40-minute car ride via the I-H-1 W from Waikiki Resort Hotel
  • Highlights:
    • Seashell lei greeting
    • An all-you-can-eat Polynesian buffet
    • Learn about King Kamehameha with battle re-enactments, fire-knife dancing, and more

 

3. Hawaii Five-O Tour 

If you're a fan of the action-packed police show Hawaii Five-O, these tours are for you. Hawaii Five-O is a popular TV show filmed extensively in Oahu, and several tour companies offer fan experiences showcasing filming locations from the original series (1968-1980) and the modern reboot (2010-2020).

  • Getting there: Many tour groups in Waikiki offer hotel pickup. Check with your provider where they'll start.
  • Highlights:
    • Picnic lunch at the iconic McGarrett's House
    • Meet and hear personal stories from “Cousin Flippa” (Shawn Kauaʻawa Garnett) from the show.
    • Tour South Oahu to spot familiar locations from the show
    • Visit the H5-O Headquarters (aka. The State Supreme Court) and the old Headquarters (Iolani Palace)
    • Drive by the current Hawaii Film Studios and sets

 

4. Foodie Tours in Waikiki

 

Whether on bike or foot, many tour providers offer foodie adventures. Eat like a local with an insider's top picks on where to find the best malasadas, poke, food trucks, and more. Interested in learning how to cook local delicacies? Then, search for a cooking class to fill your afternoon. 

  • Highlights:
    • Customizable tours
    • Various distances for a range of fitness levels
    • Safety gear and bikes are provided
    • Visit hidden gems and experience homemade and local cuisine
    • For cooking classes, receive hands-on cooking opportunities with a professional or home chefs

 

5. Outdoor and Ocean Adventure Tours

The options are endless when it comes to adventure tours. Visit tour provider sites and search for the activity that tickles your fancy. Here are some of the many options:

 

Bottomless Oahu Adventures

Half-day tours offer the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation. Choosing experiences that match your interests will create unforgettable memories of Oahu's diverse landscape and rich culture. Remember to pack your camera and get home with ample stories.

Ready to explore Oahu? Tease your wanderlust with some of the scenic spots mentioned on our blog.