Top Activities on the Ground in Hawaii

Diamond Head State Monument is one of Oahu’s largest visitor attractions. Because Diamond Head Visitor Center does not offer guided tours, this audio hiking tour is an absolute must. On this self-guided tour, you’ll easily navigate your own hike to the summit while having a personal park ranger informing you of the sights. You'll also get the official 'I Hiked Diamond Head' certificate as a souvenir. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. This Tour does NOT include the Park Entrance or Parking Fees.

If you’re looking for a grand adventure while in Kauai, book this Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) Kayaking and Hiking Half-Day Tour. First, follow a guide who knows the area well on the Wailua River by kayak for a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) paddle adventure. Then, hit the shore for a hike through the rainforest-like setting all the way to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) to take in the amazing views of the falls.

Explore the natural beauty of Kauai on a 5-hour tour that combines a lovely kayaking trip with an moderately easy hike to Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls. Your experienced guide provides a paddling lesson and guided kayak tour in the Wailua River Valley, following gorgeous waterways through the lush Kauai landscape. Then hop out of your kayaks and take a 45-minute hike to Secret Falls where you can cool off in the clear waters before returning to the Wailua marina the way you came.

Get a new perspective on Kauai as you soar through lush forests and over the Waita Reservoir on the island’s longest ziplines. While cruising across the 8-track course near Koloa, hang on to the handlebars or try some more daring acrobatic stunts with the hands-free ‘Flyin' Kauai'an’ harness.

Enjoy a traditional lei greeting and experience a luau on Oahu. Hosted by Chief Sielu, Original World Fire Knife Dance Champion, this event provides the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in island culture. Watch a Polynesian show, learn headband weaving before indulging in a Hawaiian feast, including pineapple glazed chicken and kalua pork. Upgrade to include priority access and convenient pickup, for a hassle-free experience.

Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau with sunset coastal views at Paradise Cove. Enjoy a welcome Mai Tai and authentic Hawaiian fare, including fresh seafood, kalua pork, and tropical fruit during this Luau experience. Watch the sunset and enjoy entertainment from Hawaiian musicians, hula dancers, and fire twirlers. Three dining packages are available to customize your experience, and round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels is available.

Discover the natural beauty of Kualoa Ranch on a self-drive UTV tour of Ka’a’awa Valley. Following a guide, traverse the lush valley in an open-air 4WD vehicle to check out filming sites from Hollywood movies such as "Jurassic Park." Plunging over streams and through the mud to reach remote areas, this adventure is a great way to see more of Oahu outside the resort and beach areas. UTVs hold two to six people, depending on the number of kids in your party.

The Big Island of Hawaii has a diverse ecosystem unlike anywhere else on the planet, and on this day-long nature tour, experience the beauty of its black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you’re lucky, find Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the coast. Since the tour only requires a moderate amount of walking, it's an educational adventure for travelers of all ages, with snacks and refreshments included.

View dolphins in their natural habitat and swim within safe viewing distance to turtles and green sea turtles on this popular Oahu snorkel cruise from Honolulu. Sail into waters home to spinner dolphins, and then glide alongside colorful fish. Snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddle boards are available onboard to help you get the most of this outing. Hotel transport included.

Experience the natural beauty of the Oahu’s North Shore countryside during a 1.5-hour horseback ride from a ranch near Laie and Kahuku. Your guide matches you with a suitable horse, then leads you along a scenic mountain trail with ocean views. Stop for photo ops at a lookout point and learn about the life of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) on this family-friendly tour.

While visiting Honolulu, take a half-day tour of Pearl Harbor that details the history of World War II in Hawaii. Visit the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument and Battleship Row with a guide who shares informative commentary about Oahu during the war in the Pacific.

Explore Oahu's waters on this submarine-style glass-bottom boat ride aboard the Atlantis Submarine. During this family-friendly adventure, learn about the local fish, coral and other animals in this marine habitat through your guide's informative commentary. Please be aware all passengers must be 36" or taller to ride. Descend 100 feet (30 meters) under the surface of the water without getting wet. 

Experience a traditional Hawaiian Luau in a scenic location. The evening begins with a variety of cultural activities ideal for all ages. Learn to play the ukulele, string flower lei, or dance hula, and then sit down for a buffet dinner with a large selection of Hawaiian specialties like Kalua pork and grilled Mahi Mahi. Then settle in for the main event: an award-winning Polynesian fire dance performance.

Get into vacation mode instantly with a relaxing transfer to your accommodations in Waikiki, Kahala, Turtle Bay, Ko'olina, or the Honolulu Cruise Terminal from Honolulu International Airport.  A driver will pick you up directly from baggage claim and bring you to your hotel in an air-conditioned, 12-person shuttle. Upgrade to the lei option and receive fresh island flowers to wear around your neck. Please note that you must select a hotel that coincides with the areas in the Itinerary section below.

An exciting journey of discovery through the beautiful Amelia Earhart Point on the ocean-facing slopes of Diamond Head Crater (drive-by), the famous Halona Blowhole, “From Here to Eternity” beach, Makapu’u Point (drive-by), visit Valley of the Temples, colorful Byodo-in Temple and scenic Mokoli'i Island. This full day tour includes a delicious lunch at the famous Fumi’s Shrimp Stand on the North Shore where you'll be served your choice of various sautéed shrimp plates. *Chicken and Vegetarian options are also available. After your delicious lunch, you will visit the world famous Waimea Valley, the Arboretum and see an incredible Waterfall, followed by the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Your expert nature guide will provide a fascinating narration about Hawaii's bird and plant species, geology, history and culture. Tour includes a 152-page Gift Book "Guide to Nature on Oahu" as a souvenir to take home!

Sail on a catamaran down Oahu's western coast during this cruise from Ko Olina. Glide through the unspoiled waters on this side of the island in search of dolphins and whales, then dive in for a snorkeling experience in a hidden local spot rich with marine life. Enjoy a Hawaiian buffet, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, before heading back to shore. Choose from three daily departure times.

Go parasaling over Maunalua Bay on this 1-hour adventure from Honolulu. Choose from two flights that take you 500 feet (152 meters) or 700 feet (213 meters) in the air for views of the Ko'olau Mountain Range, Koko Head and the Hawaii Kai coastline. GoPro videos and digital photos of your tandem flight and dip in the warm ocean water are available upon return to land.

Oahu's North Shore is a picturesque location mainly known for its surfing. Join a small group and take a relaxing horseback ride along mountain trails just as the sun is beginning to set. While you ride, enjoy peeks of the ocean below and stop at a scenic lookout for panoramic views.

Share the warm Hawaiian waters with green sea turtles, tropical fish, and more on a 2-hour snorkel excursion from Waikiki. No need to wear your flippers and mask on the plane, as all necessary gear is provided. Under the careful guidance of a tour leader, discover the vibrant sea life of Turtle Canyons. Above water wildlife sightings may include spinner dolphins, flying fish, and - in winter months - humpback whales.

Fly over the sparkling waters of Oahu on 1-hour parasailing adventure in Waikiki. Hop aboard your 12-person boat, soaring up into the skies with one or two other people for 10 minutes. Then, spend the rest of your hour gliding across the ocean, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins, tropical fish and sea turtles.

Snorkel with green sea turtles in Oahu's Turtle Canyon on this 2- to 3-hour tour departing from Waikiki. Board a power catamaran and sail along the shore of Oahu towards the island's best place to spot the resident turtles. Turtle sightings are guaranteed; if a turtle is not sighted, you will be given a free second cruise. After snorkeling, enjoy lunch (if option selected ) and two provided drinks while you keep your eyes peeled for passing marine life like dolphins and migrating whales.

Spend an afternoon immersed in Hawaiian culture with dance performances, dinner, and entrance to Waimea Valley. Hike to Waimea Falls and swim in the pool at the bottom (life jackets provided). Explore lush botanical gardens and see the colorful blooms that make your flower lei. Sit down for dinner and be dazzled with traditional Polynesian dancing and cultural performances while you taste Hawaiian specialties and sip tropical cocktails.

Make your Oahu visit even more magical with this 45-minute scenic helicopter ride. Experience the island like you’ve never seen it before, flying above island landmarks including Sacred Falls, Diamond Head, Maunalua Bay, the Ko'olau Mountains, Ka'a'awa Valley, Pearl Harbor, and more. Trips includes a choice of ‘doors on’ or ‘doors off’ flights.