The 7 Self-Guided Tours on Oahu That Earn Their Price

1.Chief’s Official Pearl Harbor Self-Guided Multimedia Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 407 reviews · 1 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $9Our pick

Explore Pearl Harbor at your own pace with an affordable audio tour, free admission, and practical tips for the USS Arizona Memorial.

“This self-guided audio tour was disappointing and not worth the comparatively reasonable cost. At each tour stop you needed to add the three digit number corresponding to it. At least a third of the stops we’d enter the numbers only to see that no audio was available. Extremely frustrating. What should have been an awe-filled couple of hours were marred by the experience.”

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2.Self guided Hike Trail to Nature Walk & Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 283 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $79

Hike lush Manoa Falls, learn about Oahu plants and history, then take in Waikiki and Diamond Head from Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park.

“Gorgeous Hike! Beautiful. Our tour guide was sweet, kind, helpful and cautious. She talked WAY too loud (on microphone the entire time in small van) and WAY too much. She did not breathe. It took away some of the enjoyment of the trip. She had a lot of good info just WAY too much of it. No chance to engage and ask questions without interrupting.”

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3.Self-Guided Kayaking Discovery in Kailua, Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 249 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $110Top rated

Paddle Kailua Bay to the Mokulua Islands at your own pace with kayaks, snorkeling gear, bikes, permits, and beach gear included.

“Loved this! My husband and I really enjoyed paddling out to the islands and snorkeling. Gorgeous scenery and views!”

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4.Manoa Falls Rainforest & Self-Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 227 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Hike through Oahu’s lush Manoa rainforest to a 150-foot waterfall with Waikiki pickup, water, bug spray, and a walking stick included.

“If you’re looking for a simple way to explore the Manoa rainforest without a formal guide, this self-guided tour does the trick. The rain was on and off, which is expected in a rainforest, and while the ground was a bit muddy, it was manageable with decent footwear. The trail was a little busy but offered a nice, relaxed hike through beautiful scenery. The transportation included a couple of quick points of interest: the driver noted Obama’s first job at Baskin Robbins and pointed out the hospital that issued his birth certificate on the way to the trailhead. From there, you’re free to hike at your own pace. The trail…”

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5.Diamond Head Official Self-Guided Narrated Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 212 reviews · 1 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $8Best value

Review of Diamond Head’s $8.99 narrated audio hike, with practical advice on entry tickets, parking, timing, value, and summit views.

“We were headed up to Diamond head and heard we needed tickets for entry. We thought this was it- it was not. You buy Diamond head tickets right from their site. We are going back but this tour was worthless because we couldn’t get I . I know it was part my error for not reading g carefully but it felt deceptive. I inquired about a refund but h e not checked email to see if I have received one. We haven’t used the your because we were t able to enter.”

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6.Kaneohe Self-Guided Sandbar Kayaking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 17 reviews · 4 hours - 570 minutes · from $96

Kayak Kaneohe Bay to its famous sandbar, snorkel by coral reefs, and enjoy Ko'olau Mountain views on this self-guided Oahu outing.

“100% worth it every penny for every moment was fantastic! We saw a majestic turtle near the sandbar and the reefs were full of life! Loved it! The gentleman the works there was very courteous and knowledgeable.”

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7.Half-Day Kaneohe Bay Sandbar Self-Guided Kayaking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $96

Paddle from He’eia Kea Boat Harbor to Oahu’s wide Kaneohe Sandbar with a tandem kayak, snorkel gear, dry bag, and four hours to explore.

“Very cool self guided experience. Great for little ones as well! Beautiful and secluded areas with very few tourists.”

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