Oahu & Lanai: Beaches, Nature & History

Oahu, Hawaii’s third largest island, has a rich cultural history, stunning beaches and pristine tropical landscapes. Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital, and the naval base of Pearl Harbor are located here. Iconic Waikiki beach overlooks Diamond Head crater, and has a buzzing nightlife, as well as plenty of dining and shopping spots. Visit Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the USA, and Bishop Museum, where you can witness a hula performance. Go snorkeling in Hanauma Bay to discover splendid marine life. Explore the Windward Coast’s emerald valleys, dotted with rustic ranches, pineapple and sugarcane fields. Walk through the world’s largest pineapple maze at the Dole Plantation and relish a delicious Dole Whip. At Pearl Harbor National Memorial, you can learn about the history of the US involvement in World War II. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center to participate in Ali’I Luau, a traditional feast with local dishes like imu (pit oven roasted) pork and lomi-lomi (salad with cured salmon), accompanied by lively entertainment.

Explore Pearl Harbor and learn about the historic events that took place in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. This tour begins at the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center. Visit two museums – Road to War and Attack and Aftermath. View multimedia and interactive exhibits. Stroll along the shore and view the submarine, USS Bowfin. Cross Pearl Harbor aboard a naval vessel that takes you to the Arizona Memorial on Ford Island. It marks the resting place of the USS Arizona with more than 1,100 sailors and marines interred within. Next, go on a docent-led tour of the USS Missouri, nearby. The Surrender Ceremony, which ended World War II, took place on this ship’s deck. Later, pay your respects to the veterans laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located at Punchbowl Crater. Driving through Honolulu’s historic district, see Iolani Palace, home of Hawaii’s erstwhile monarchy, and Kawaiahaʻo Church. End the tour at King Kamehameha’s Statue. (Duration: full day; Time: 0630 hrs; Available only on Fridays; Not operational on Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day; Shared activity & transfers from Waikiki hotels only; Pick up times may vary; Group size: max 16 ppl; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Please wear comfortable clothing and use sunscreen)

Lanai is the smallest inhabited and publicly accessible island in the Hawaiian chain. It is known locally as the Pineapple Island because the entire island formed a pineapple plantation in the past. To reach Lanai, you can take a short ferry ride from Maui or fly into the airport. The island remains largely undeveloped and has few paved roads. Historic Lanai city, located in the central highlands at an elevation of 1700 ft, is the only noteworthy community. It contains a handful of shops and businesses that you can browse for clothing or art works. There are three golf courses on the island, two private and one public. Given the lack of roads, the best way to get around the island is to hire a four-wheel drive vehicle. Some hotels also have shuttles that will take you to popular attractions. Visit The Garden of the Gods, or Keahiakawelo, an otherworldly bright orange landscape that is strewn with boulders and rock towers invoking the planet Mars. Stroll along Shipwreck Beach to see wrecks of stranded World War II ships. You can also explore the13-mile long Munro Trail, where a lookout point offers panoramic views of all six major Hawaiian Islands.

Oahu, Hawaii’s third largest island, has a rich cultural history, stunning beaches and pristine tropical landscapes. Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital, and the naval base of Pearl Harbor are located here. Iconic Waikiki beach overlooks Diamond Head crater, and has a buzzing nightlife, as well as plenty of dining and shopping spots. Visit Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the USA, and Bishop Museum, where you can witness a hula performance. Go snorkeling in Hanauma Bay to discover splendid marine life. Explore the Windward Coast’s emerald valleys, dotted with rustic ranches, pineapple and sugarcane fields. Walk through the world’s largest pineapple maze at the Dole Plantation and relish a delicious Dole Whip. At Pearl Harbor National Memorial, you can learn about the history of the US involvement in World War II. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center to participate in Ali’I Luau, a traditional feast with local dishes like imu (pit oven roasted) pork and lomi-lomi (salad with cured salmon), accompanied by lively entertainment.

Get a taste of the flavors of Hawaii during this gastronomical experience. Set off with your knowledgeable local guide to try a variety of dishes authentic to the region, from opihi and poke to spam musubi. Visit a local poke shop and sample a range of fresh seafood dishes. Next, savor a Hawaiian plate lunch tasting. Learn how the island is home to a diverse set of cultures and ethnicities including Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese, to name a few, from your guide. After eating your fill, head to your final stop for a refreshing dessert of shaved ice. Through this delicious food tour, get a different perspective of the Hawaiian islands. Please note that no two tours are alike and exact food stops are subject to change. (Duration: half day; Time: 1000 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Group size: max 6 ppl; Meals included: food tastings; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes, bring drinking water and a camera; Min age: 2 yrs; Depending on the weather condition, the timing and date of this activity may change at a very short notice; Not available on July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, & New Year’s Day)