The 9 Best Historical Tours in Honolulu

1.Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia’s Forgotten History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,013 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $145Our pick

Spend about four hours at Coral Crater Adventure Park with an all-you-can-eat Polynesian feast, hula, weaving, Maori games, fire-knife dancing, and stories of the Battle of Kipapa and King Kamehameha I. Hotel pickup is available, and the outdoor show suits families, couples, and first-time luau visitors.

“Our 10-yr Anniversary choice of event. Of course, the wife wanted up-close seats so we got the $200 package. I can say it was worth it. The chief was funny and the amenities were nice too. 10/10”

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2.Pearl Harbor with USS Arizona and Hawaiian Kingdom History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 184 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $57Best value

Ride from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor for the USS Arizona Memorial, Navy film, and Visitor Center exhibits, then see Honolulu landmarks such as Iolani Palace, Kamehameha Statue, and Kawaiahao Church with a local guide.

“Our tour guide was nice and knowledgeable. It rained a good bit during our tour and we wanted to leave early. We went back to the bus and could not find her. I texted the operator and they did not respond back to me. We saw her pull in about 20 mins before our departure time with another group of folks. When we left the bus we were told we couldn’t take bags inside the memorial. She assured us our belongings would be safe and secure. How are they safe and secure when other folks were picked up in the same bus. My husband’s wallet was inside my bag and…”

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3.Pearl Harbor [Early Access], USS Arizona & Historic Honolulu Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 87 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $79

Start with early access to Pearl Harbor, where you explore the museums and take a Navy boat to the USS Arizona Memorial when tickets are available. Then ride through Honolulu and walk among ʻIolani Palace, royal statues, the Capitol, Aloha Tower, and other historic sites with guides such as Christine, Sierra, and Matthew.

“Matt was an exceptional tour guide!!! He was genuinely enthused and gave us a ton of information. Guests had random questions and he had all the answers. Felt like we were hanging out with friends the whole time!! Very pleasant and comfortable experience!!”

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4.History & Culture Tour in Honolulu via Segway

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $254

Ride a Segway from Kakaʻako through downtown Honolulu, Iolani Palace, Chinatown, Honolulu Harbor, and Kakaʻako Waterfront Park. Guides including Jeanne, Michael, and Zach share Hawaiian history through headsets and two-way radios. The small group is capped at eight people, with Waikiki transfers available for $20.

“Our tour guide was amazing with so much knowledge of Honolulu! We will absolutely be recommending to our friends and family.”

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5.Semi Private Honolulu Historical Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $144

Spend about 5 to 6 hours tracing Honolulu’s royal, missionary, military, and Native Hawaiian past. Your private group rides in an air-conditioned minivan with a local guide such as Ama, Simina, Melissa, or Eva, visiting Diamond Head, Iolani Palace, and Bishop Museum, with pickup from your Honolulu hotel, airport, or harbor.

“We had a great day exploring the history of Hawaii, and learning about the years of monarchy. Our guide Simina took us to historical sites, and shared a lot of info as we were traveling through the city. Having done all the “regular” attractions during previous trips, it was great to have the opportunity to deep dive into the culture and history of this amazing place. This was an absolutely unique experience!”

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6.Best Of Pearl Harbor: USS Arizona Memorial & Historic Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 10 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $75

Spend about four hours visiting Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, Punchbowl, Iolani Palace, and the King Kamehameha Statue. Pickup is offered in an air-conditioned vehicle, with guides such as Kama, Kenny, and Cousin Pe reported for friendly local insight. Confirm the Arizona boat ticket before booking.

“We enjoyed our tour. Kama our driver was excellent knowledge about the area and humorous. We enjoyed his many comical insights on the various sites and history. It was better than driving to the site with no interpretation.”

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7.Arizona Memorial & Historic Honolulu City Tour from Waikiki Area

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $75

Travel from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor for the USS Arizona Memorial, then tour downtown Honolulu, Punchbowl, Iolani Palace, and Kawaiahaʻo Church. Guides such as Leena Bush, Jeremiah, and Jorge add local history and practical help during this six-hour small-group outing.

“For the price it should offer more. The driver was very knowledgeable. I don't have anything else to say”

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8.Historic Downtown Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 hours · from $155

Ride a Segway from Kewalos Basin Park through Kakaʻako murals and historic downtown Honolulu, with stops near Iolani Palace, Chinatown, Aloha Tower, and Ala Moana Beach. Guides speak English and Japanese. Timo is praised for clear instruction, Japanese fluency, and taking photos at scenic stops.

“Timo was an amazing tour guide! He tailored the tour to our wishes and explained everything in detail!”

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9.Premier Pearl Harbor and Hawaii Kingdom History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 5 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $57

Ride from Waikiki in a small air-conditioned shuttle with a local guide, visit the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, then see Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha Statue. The guide handles entry and transport, but Pearl Harbor is largely self-guided.

“They may want to have a rain poncho in case they need it to sit on. For the boat ride to the Arizona memorial”

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