7 best Hawaii tours + more tours that are worth it!

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7 best Hawaii tours

When it comes to decided which tours to do in Hawaii, it’s hard to choose! In this list, I will share 7 best Hawaii tours. These are the tours that are worth spending money on. If you’re new around here, I’m Amy. I’m a Hawaii Travel Agent and travel blogger who lives to share my favorite things in Hawaii with you! Find out more about why to use a Travel Agent.

You can do most of the following tours on every island, and I’ve highlighted my favorite on each island. Some of the trips are unique to a particular island, and I’ve noted those as needed.

If you want someone on your side to handle all of the details so that you can relax during your vacation, feel free to contact me! I provide VIP services for my clients, such as putting together an itinerary, confirming appointments, exclusive extras, and more!

If you prefer to book yourself, I have included links to all of my favorite tours on each island. I like to book through Viator. Viator offers a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the tour. They also have a price matching policy. If you (or your Travel Agent) finds a better price, Viator will match it. You can always book yourself and email me later for help if you need it!

1. Helicopter tour

A helicopter tour is a must-do on any of the islands! All of the islands have areas that can only be accessed by air. Kauai, for example, is only about 10% accessible by car. To truly see all of the beauty of the islands, you will need to take a helicopter tour. While this can be a splurge, all of my clients have told me that it was worth every penny. Here are my favorite tours on every island:

• Kauai
• Big Island
• Maui
• Oahu

Check out my review and see pictures of a Kauai helicopter tour.

2. Snorkel Tour

A snorkel tour is one of the best things to do in Hawaii. Even if you aren’t a strong swimmer, you’ll enjoy the boat tour, food, and also the snorkeling with the assistive devices that many tour companies provide. Most tour companies offer life jackets and other floatation devices, and many have glass bottom boats. These tours are perfect for the whole family and so much fun!

• My favorite tour on Maui is a Molokini Snorkel Tour. You can read about my own Molokini Snorkeling experience, or check out this top-rated tour company.
• You may have heard that Ni’ihau is the forbidden island, but did you know that you can take a tour from Kauai and snorkel there? It’s true! This unique experience is my favorite Kauai snorkeling tour.
• One of my favorite places to snorkel on the Big Island is Kealakekua Bay. One of my favorite ways to explore the bay is with a deluxe snorkel cruise that includes breakfast and lunch.
• On Oahu, you can snorkel two different reefs with my favorite sail and snorkel cruise.

3. Shark dive

This tour is exclusive to Oahu, but I had to share it on the list of the best Hawaii tours because it’s unique and worth it! Head up to Haleiwa on Oahu’s beautiful North Shore and hop in a cage to see some sharks. If you aren’t comfortable in the water, you can watch the sharks from the boat. This Oahu Shark Dive is one tour that you won’t want to miss.

If you’re interested in learning more about shark conservation or diving without a cage (yes, you read that correctly!) check out One Ocean Diving. They are doing amazing things to save sharks.

4. Luau

While a luau may not be a “tour,” it is a popular activity, and I thought it was worth of the list. Please keep in mind that some of the more popular luaus do sell out, particularly during the summer months. I always recommend that my clients book their luaus early to ensure that they get to go to the one they want. Here are my favorite luaus on every island.

Oahu: Polynesian Cultural Center, Paradise Cove Luau (Kapolei), and Rock-a-Hula Luau (Honolulu.)

Maui: Feast and Lele and Old Lahaina Luau

Big Island: Island Breeze Luau 

Kauai: Smith Family Luau and Luau Kalamaku

5. Na Pali Coast dinner cruise

Here is another tour that is exclusive to one island, but I promise that the best Hawaii tours list wouldn’t be complete without it. Take in the beautiful views of the stunning Na Pali coast on a sunset dinner cruise. Remember that this tour is weather dependent and may not be available during the winter months as the surf is very high. 🙂

6. Manta Ray Snorkel

The Manta Ray snorkel is only available on the Big Island, but it’s easily one of the best tours of all of the islands combined. You can snorkel with these gentle giants at night for a truly unique experience.

7. Whale watching tour (seasonal)

Coming in last on the list of best Hawaii tours is seasonal whale watching tours. The good news is that these tours happen year-round, but you’ll only see whales in the winter. In the summer, you’ll have the opportunity to do things like swim with (or near) dolphins, snorkeling, and other activities. Many of the activities mentioned above could also include whale sightings in the winter.

The best Hawaii whale watching tours by island:

Oahu: Oahu Wildlife Cruise, snorkeling and buffet.

Kauai: Kauai whale watching cruise.

Big Island: Whale watch excursion with Body Glove.

Maui: Whale watching from Lahaina.

Honorable mentions

You might be wondering why I didn’t include must-do Hawaii adventures like the Road to Hana or visiting Pearl Harbor. Honestly, the reason I do not recommend a tour for those is that you can do them on your own! As a Travel Agent, I never recommend a tour to get a commission. I only recommend tours that are truly worth it and most often, things that you can’t do on your own.

I understand that some people do not wish to drive to Road to Hana or prefer a guided tour so that I will link some options for those, but in general, I would recommend doing both on your own.

• Road to Hana day trip from Kahului
• Half-day Pearl Harbor Excursion
• Go Oahu Card (This is well worth it, but remember that everything must be booked in advance!)

One more honorable mention is a Haleakala Sunrise Tour. Now, this is something that can be done on your own. However, many of my clients have enjoyed the tour. You can choose from a sunrise tour with breakfast or if you’re feeling more adventurous, bike down Haleakala! If you love biking, this is the perfect tour for you.

Are these Hawaii tours worth it?

So, what do you think? Did your favorite Hawaii tours make the list? If you’re planning a Hawaii trip, I’d love to help you plan the perfect vacation with hand-picked activities exclusively for you. Make sure to contact me or fill out my Custom Travel Request to get started.

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