Best Oahu Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: Beaches, History & More

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  Get ready for a totally comprehensive tour of Hawaii's most populous island: O'ahu. Home to the city of Honolulu, this island is chock full of culture, natural beauty, and fascinating history--all of which you'll experience during your drive! NOTE: The tour is over 88.5 miles long, with more than 78 audio stories, and takes about 4-5 hours to complete. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2

  The tour begins in Pearl Harbor, where a surprise attack on December 7th, 1941 changed the course of history.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3

  As you drive through Honolulu, you'll learn about the city's unexpectedly humble origins, and how it became the hub it is today.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4

  One of the first landmarks you'll pass is the Bishop Museum. This isn't just the largest museum in Hawaii, but also has a surprisingly sweet love story behind it!

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5

  Get a good look at the Aloha Tower next. This iconic waterside tower once greeted all travelers arriving in Honolulu, because everyone arrived by boat.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  King Kamehameha Statue

  Next, you'll pass the impressive Iolani Palace, once home to Hawaiian royalty, as well as a statue of King Kamahamaha, a hero you'll hear plenty about along the way.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7

  The first beach you'll see is Ala Moana Beach, a pristine stretch of sand which, believe it or not, used to be a garbage dump! But don't worry, it's perfectly clean now, and great for swimming.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 8

  Next, you'll pass a statue of King David Kalakaua, Hawaii's last king.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 9
  Waikiki Beach

  The next beach you'll reach is Waikiki Beach, made famous by the legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Duke is responsible for bringing surfing to the world at large and bringing major recognition to this beach.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 10
  Kapiolani Park

  Your route takes you next past Kapi'olani Park, another beautiful space which was once little more than a soggy bit of marshland.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 11
  Diamond Head State Monument

  After that, you'll come to Diamond Head State Monument, an immense crater left by a volcanic explosion. It's now become Hawaii's most popular park!

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 12
  Diamond Head Beach Park

  You'll also see Diamond Head Beach, which sparkles unlike any other beach around. Back in the 1800s, explorers actually thought the calcite crystals in the sand here were diamonds!

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 13

  As you continue, you'll reach the China Walls, an impressive formation of natural walls which some say rival the Great Wall of China!

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 14

  Get some unbeatable views up next at Hanauma Bay Lookout, and don't forget to snap a few pictures while you're there!

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 15
  Lanai lookout

  Lanai Lookout is next, and it's especially good if you're trying to get away from the crowd.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 16

  The next lookout, Halona Blowhole Lookout, offers views of a peculiar rock formation which shoots water into the air when waves crash against it.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 17

  If you trek along the shore a bit, you'll come to Pele's Chair, a natural formation which some believe to be the chair of Pele, a volcanic goddess.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 18

  Up next is Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, which is exactly what it sounds like. If you're a fan of ocean views, this makes for a wonderful stroll.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 19

  As you drive, you'll catch sight of Rabbit Island. Once home to a rabbit farm, this island is now mostly untouched by humans.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 20
  Waimanalo Beach

  Travelers seeking a pristine beach that doesn't see the same crowds as others will love Waimanalo Beach, a stretch of white sand sheltered by a wall of ironwood trees.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 21

  Up next is the unassuming town of Kailua. Unassuming, that is, except for the fact that former president Barack Obama spent his winters here!

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 22

  Your route takes you next to Kailua Beach, a favorite spot among kayakers and swimmers alike.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 23

  Next, you'll pass the Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site. This increidble archaeological site is home to an ancient Hawaiian temple called a Heiau, which is almost 500 years old!

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 24

  After that, you'll arrive at Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, a splendid vista which is also right near a trail leading to some sparkling waterfalls.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 25

  Looking for more waterfalls? You'll find one at the end of a trail up ahead, which leads to the gorgeous, secluded Lulumahu Falls.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 26

  Up next is the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, home to a staggering 400 acres of tropical flora from all over the world. There's even a campground within the garden!

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 27

  Continuing on, you'll reach the town of He'eia and hear the wild legend behind its name.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 28
  The Byodo-in Temple Hawaii

  You won't want to miss the next stop, an elaborate Buddhist temple called the Byodo-In Temple. It was built as an exact to-scale replica of the temples one would find in Japan!

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• Kualoa Ranch (Pass by)

  As you drive, you'll pass Kualoa Ranch, a sprawling jungle ranch which has been the filming location for countless Hollywood hits, including Jurassic Park, Hawaii Five-O, and Lost!

  Admission ticket free
• 29

  Kualoa Rock Beach, up next, offers some great lounging opportunities, though swimmers will find the rocky shore a bit uncomfortable to wade along.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 30

  The next beach, Kahana Bay Beach, isn't just a great stretch of sand, but is also packed with history! Archaeologists have found all sorts of pre-contact relics buried in the sand here.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 31

  Ahupua'a 'O Kahana State Park is next, offering plenty of lush greenery and stunning hikes for those looking to stretch their legs.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 32

  Those looking to stop for a snack or a souvenir will want to stop at the next landmark: Hukilau Marketplace. This iconic market styles itself just like a classic 1950s Hawaiian market would.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 33

  Beach campers will absolutely want to stop at the next spot, Malaekahana State Recreation Area. This shoreline camping area makes for some seriously memorable mornings!

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 34

  After that, you'll pass Gunstock Ranch, where you can take a ride on horseback if you want to change up your travels a bit!

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 35

  Next is the James Campbell Wildlife Refuge, where you'll learn the legend of how some of O'ahu's most recognizable birds got their iconic plumage.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 36

  After that is Turtle Beach, which is exactly what you'd expect. If you're here at the right time, you're bound to see some sea turtles!

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 37

  Continue driving to Kawela Bay Beach, home to some of the calmest waters on the island thanks to an offshore reef.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 38
  Sunset Beach Park

  If the day is winding down, one of the best spots to be is your next stop: Sunset Beach. This is, hands down, one of the best spots on the island to catch a proper Hawaiian sunset.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 39
  Banzai Pipeline

  As you drive, you'll pass the infamous Banzai Pipeline. This death-defying surf break has challenged some of the most famous surfers around for years, and not all of them survive it.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 40
  Shark's Cove

  After that is Shark's Cove. Don't worry though, it gets its name not because sharks infest the waters, but instead because it looks a little bit like a shark when viewed from above.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 41

  One of the last beaches on your tour is Waimea Bay. This isn't just any beach, but has been featured in high-octane Hollywood adventures like Point Break!

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 42

  The final beach you'll see is Hale'iwa Beach, which has some BBQs and picnic tables for folks looking to wind down with a picturesque picnic.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 43
  Dole Plantation

  Your final stop is at the historic Dole Plantation, a window back in time which also features a train ride and the world's largest maze for some fun family activities. The tour concludes here.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
• How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
• Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you

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