There are many different ways to tour the Hawaiian island of Oahu. You can, of course, explore the exciting island on your own or you can sign up for one of numerous guided tours. Let’s look at a few of the options tourists to the island of Oahu have when it comes to tours.
Helicopter Tours
What could be more exciting than floating over the island in a helicopter? You’ll be picked up from your hotel and whisked away to Honolulu Airport where you’ll board a luxurious, climate controlled helicopter for an unprecedented tour of the breathtaking island of Oahu. Not only will you see sights such as Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head, among others, but your pilot will narrate the high points of your cruise. A helicopter tour gives you a view like no other and you’ll see spectacular sights and learn about some of the famous sights you’ve only seen in movies.
Pearl Harbor Tours
More than 1.5 million people visit the historic location where 1177 men lost their lives more than 60 years ago when the United States entered World War II. Whether or not you were alive when the historical events took place, visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor is a meaningful experience. There are some tour companies that combine tours of Pearl Harbor with other Oahu highlights for a full day of touring or you can opt for the hour long tour of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.
Keep in mind that there are security restrictions in place when you tour these areas. For example, purses and backpacks are not allowed, nor are any bags that offer concealment. Although you can take a camera, camera bags that are larger than the camera itself are not allowed. Be sure you are aware of what is and is not allowed before you embark on one of these tours as you will not be allowed to go if you have these items with you. You can either leave them in your hotel, in your car, or there are some places that do offer storage as well.
Tour Iolani Palace
Built in 1882, Iolani Palace was once a royal residence and today is one of Hawaii’s most treasured landmarks. Visitors have the option of taking a docent-guided tour or a self-guided tour of the palace. Self-guided tours include audio so you can still learn all about the interesting history of the palace. You can also take a self-guided tour through the Palace Galleries, where you’ll see the crown jewels and other historic artifacts. Keep in mind that docent-guided tours do require reservations so be sure and call ahead.
The above-mentioned tours only scratch the surface of the numerous tours available to visitors of Oahu. There are so many things to see and do that you will want to do as many of them as possible. Have a great time as you explore the exciting island of Oahu.