Oahu Tours & Activities — Discount Adventures in Waikiki, Pearl Harbor & the North Shore

Oahu is where most Hawaiian vacations begin — and for good reason. As the home of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, and Pearl Harbor, this island packs an incredible amount of diversity into 597 square miles. In a single day, you can watch the sunrise from Diamond Head, snorkel with sea turtles at Turtle Canyon, pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial, shave ice at Matsumoto’s on the North Shore, and watch the sunset from a catamaran off Waikiki. And we can help you do all of it for less.

Cheap Hawaiian offers discounted tickets and tours for every type of Oahu experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor looking for a guided circle island tour or a returning traveler ready to try something new — helicopter skydiving, anyone? — our team has been helping travelers explore Oahu for over a decade, and we know this island inside and out.

Top Oahu Tour Categories

Pearl Harbor Tours are the most historically significant experience in all of Hawaii. The USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, Pacific Aviation Museum, and USS Bowfin Submarine are all located within the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. We offer half-day, full-day, and combo tours that include Waikiki hotel pickup, expert historical narration, and skip-the-line access where available. For visitors staying on other islands, we even offer day trip packages from Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai that include round-trip flights and guided ground transportation.

Oahu Snorkeling Tours take you to some of the clearest waters in the Pacific. Turtle Canyon is the most popular destination — we offer catamaran cruises that include snorkel gear, lunch, and an open bar, with guaranteed turtle sightings. For a more adventurous experience, our West Oahu dolphin and turtle snorkel sails explore the less-touristy Waianae Coast, where spinner dolphins are frequently spotted. Self-guided snorkel rentals at Sharks Cove and Hanauma Bay are also available for budget-conscious visitors.

Oahu Luaus range from intimate beachside gatherings to grand Polynesian dinner spectacles. Our most popular options include the Paina Waikiki Luau (right on the beach in Waikiki), the Mauka Warriors Luau (a unique mountain setting), and the Aloha Kai Luau. We offer multiple seating tiers — from classic rear seating to royal front-row VIP packages — and can arrange luau transportation shuttles from any Waikiki hotel.

Oahu Circle Island Tours are the best way to see the entire island in one day. Our guided bus tours visit up to 21 locations including Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay lookout, the Halona Blowhole, Makapuu Point, the windward coast, Kualoa Ranch area, the North Shore surf beaches, Dole Plantation, and the Byodo-In Temple. Available in half-day (6-hour), full-day (9-hour), and extended (12-hour) options, with Waikiki hotel pickup included.

Oahu Helicopter Tours give you a perspective of the island that no ground tour can match. Soar over the lush Ko’olau mountains, Sacred Falls, the North Shore surf break, and Diamond Head crater. We offer 30-minute to 60-minute flights, doors-on and doors-off options, and combo packages that pair helicopter tours with Pearl Harbor visits or Big Island volcano day trips.

Oahu Surfing & Water Sports put you in the water on the very beaches where the sport was born. Our certified instructors offer surfing lessons, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and bodyboarding in Waikiki’s gentle waves — perfect for beginners. Semi-private and private lesson options are available, many with GoPro video packages so you can relive the experience.

Oahu Kayaking & E-Bike Tours explore the island’s stunning windward side. Paddle to Popoia Island or the Mokulua Islands from Kailua Beach, kayak to the famous Kaneohe Bay sandbar, or explore the Kahana River rainforest. E-bike food tours through Kailua combine cycling, culture, and cuisine.

Oahu Boat Tours & Sunset Cruises range from BYOB sunset sails to deluxe whale watching excursions (seasonal, December through April), Friday night fireworks cruises, and private charters. Whether you want a romantic evening on the water or a family-friendly daytime adventure, we’ve got options at every price point.

Private & Custom Oahu Tours let you design your perfect day. Choose your own itinerary, travel in a luxury vehicle, and explore at your own pace with a dedicated local guide. Available in 6-hour, 9-hour, and 12-hour options, with themes including Pearl Harbor focus, North Shore focus, circle island, food tours, and more.

Jeff’s Oahu Insider Tips

“If it’s your first time on Oahu, the circle island tour is the best single day you can spend — you’ll see the whole island and figure out which spots you want to come back to on your own. For Pearl Harbor, book early and go first thing in the morning. And don’t skip the North Shore, even if you’re not a surfer. The food trucks alone are worth the drive.” — Jeff Gitlin, Founder