3 Must-Try Tours & Experiences In Oahu

Discover the top tours in Oahu, from haunted Honolulu walks to Pearl Harbor aviation history and USS Arizona memories. Find your perfect experience today.

Oahu isn’t just about stunning beaches and surfing waves — it’s also a place rich with stories, history, and even a little ghostly mystery. We love how many of the tours on this list offer more than just sightseeing; they give you a chance to learn, experience, and even get spooked a bit. Take the Honolulu Haunts: Ghosts and Spirits Walking Tour, for example, which dives into the darker corners of Honolulu’s historic downtown. It’s a great way to see the city’s past with a twist, hearing ghost stories and exploring haunted sites like Iolani Palace, Red Rainbow, and Atlas Insurance. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate a dash of supernatural intrigue mixed with history.

For those interested in military history, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum offers a hands-on look at WWII fighter planes, with exhibits on Ford Island and the history that shaped the Pacific Theater. And if you want a more reflective experience, the USS Arizona Memorial Deluxe Tour provides narrated insights plus access to explore the sunken battleship’s deck and underwater resting place. Whatever your interest — history, aviation, or ghost stories — Oahu has something to offer.

1. Honolulu Haunts: Ghosts and Spirits Walking Tour

Honolulu Haunts: Ghosts and Spirits Walking Tour

At number one, this one-hour walking tour is a unique blend of history and spooky stories. It explores Honolulu’s historic downtown, taking you past landmarks like Iolani Palace and Red Rainbow, with a focus on ghost sightings and supernatural activity. The guides do a great job of weaving in stories about ancient Hawaiian warriors, night marchers, and the city’s darker moments, including episodes of disease and crime. The tour is well-researched, and the guides’ personal stories add a memorable touch.

The tour’s highlights include the chance to trace haunted streets and hear tales of ancient and modern haunting, making it perfect for anyone interested in Hawaiian culture’s mystical side. Reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge and storytelling flair, with one even noting that “Kathryn’s personal story made it extra intriguing.” The price point of $27 per person makes it an affordable way to spend an evening, especially if you love history with a supernatural twist.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those curious about Honolulu’s ghostly legends and local lore, this tour offers a one-of-a-kind look at the city’s haunted secrets.

2. Oahu: Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Entry Ticket

Oahu: Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Entry Ticket

Ranking just slightly above the others, this general admission ticket grants access to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, housed on Ford Island. It’s a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts or anyone wanting a meaningful WWII experience. The museum features historic fighter planes, including exhibits in Hangar 37 and Hangar 79, along with the Shealy Restoration Shop. It’s an immersive way to explore the role of aviation in shaping the Pacific and US history.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of interactive displays and tangible artifacts. The flight simulators are especially popular with kids and adults alike. Visitors appreciate the accessible layout and the storytelling that accompanies the exhibits—one reviewer called it a “very educational experience” that was “handicapped accessible from blind to deaf to physically disabled.” The $28 price is reasonable for a full day of exploration. Keep in mind, the ticket is valid for one day, so plan to spend several hours here.

Bottom Line: Ideal for history lovers or families, this museum offers a detailed, hands-on look at WWII aviation with engaging displays and educational value.

3. Oahu: USS Arizona Memorial Deluxe Tour

Oahu: USS Arizona Memorial Deluxe Tour

At number three, this deluxe tour provides a deeper dive into the USS Arizona’s story through narrated commentary and digital archives. The tour includes walking the decks of the battleship and exploring the wreck site in Pearl Harbor. It’s a more comprehensive experience—perfect if you want to understand the significance of this memorial beyond just viewing the site.

The narration, provided by the National Park Service, enriches your visit with context about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the ship’s historical importance. Access to the Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Center adds an immersive element, making the history come alive in a new way. The tour is thoughtfully designed for those who want a meaningful, educational experience without the crowds. With reviews noting the “excellent narration” and “well-organized access,” it’s clear that this tour is a favorite among history-minded travelers. The price of $21 makes it a good value for a full day of learning.

Bottom Line: Best suited for history buffs wanting a more detailed and interactive experience of Pearl Harbor’s pivotal moments.

How to Choose the Right Tour for You

When deciding between these tours, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend. The Honolulu Haunts tour offers a quick, entertaining peek at the city’s spooky side — ideal for a relaxed evening walk. If your passion is military history or aviation, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum provides an in-depth look at WWII aircraft and history, with plenty of interactive exhibits. For a reflective, comprehensive experience of the USS Arizona, the deluxe tour combines storytelling with access to the wreck site, offering a deeper connection to the tragedy and heroism.

Think about your budget and schedule: the ghost tour is the most affordable, while the Pearl Harbor Museum offers a full day’s worth of activity. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred times and avoid disappointment.

Final thoughts

Oahu’s tours span from creepy stories and ghostly legends to powerful war memorials and aviation history. For a quick dose of Honolulu’s dark side, the Honolulu Haunts offers an engaging, well-reviewed experience. If you’re more interested in WWII history, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum provides an interactive and educational visit. And for those looking to honor the USS Arizona’s story, the USS Arizona Memorial Deluxe Tour delivers a meaningful, immersive experience.

No matter your interests, early booking helps ensure you get the most out of your trip. Whether you prefer stories of ghosts, military planes, or a hauntingly beautiful memorial, Oahu has something to captivate every traveler.