Hawaii · PRIVATE
Good private tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
From Captain Max Boat Tours’ Ala Moana meeting point, a small crew takes up to six people by fast zodiac to Turtle Canyon. Guides such as Max, Sophia, Santiago, and Chris offer gear, safety help, and close-up turtle spotting during about an hour on the water.
“Great trip with very knowledgeable and helpful guides. We saw several turtles within minutes of getting in the water!”
Book a private, air-conditioned transfer between Honolulu Airport, the cruise port, and Waikiki hotels. Your driver contacts you the evening before, waits up to 60 minutes after an airport arrival, and takes only your group of up to three passengers.
“Our driver was so awesome!! His driving was extremely good and his knowledge of the history was very interesting! We couldn't have been happier with our experience”
Meet your driver in Honolulu Airport’s baggage claim, receive a fresh orchid lei, and ride privately to your Waikiki hotel. Expect pre-arrival texts, luggage help, and a roughly 30-minute transfer. Drivers such as James, Yuan, Ethan, and Danny have handled recent pickups.
“Very professional. Our driver was waiting for us as promised and was very polite. I would recommend this to anyone!”
Meet Stoke Drift at Ocean Patio B for a 90-minute Waikiki surf lesson. You’ll spend 15 to 30 minutes learning safety and technique, then about an hour catching waves with an instructor such as Justice, Keith, Joey, or Cole. Swimming ability is required.
“It was an incredible experience being on the water. My husband and I have injury’s from old age and Cole was awesome and accommodated us. He was so cool and understanding! Will definitely be back! 😊”
Spend 6 to 8 hours touring Oahu in a private, air-conditioned Mercedes mini van with guides such as Ama, Kila, Greg, or June. Shape the day around beaches, temples, farms, waterfalls, food stops, and scenic lookouts. Honolulu pickup, bottled water, fuel, and parking are included.
“Greg was excellent! He was extremely knowledgeable about island history, vegetation and birds. We were lucky to see large waves on the north shore and had a delicious meal at Tanaka’s”
Meet at Ohana Surf Project near the Waikiki Beach Marriott, gear up, and ride to the beach for a roughly two-hour lesson. Your instructor adjusts the coaching to your level, helps you catch waves, and keeps safety in view. Luke, Jayden, Jake, Tyler, Cole, and Marcus are among the instructors praised for patient teaching.
“Super chill, great experience. Shoutout to Marcus for being super chill and helping me catch some waves!”
Spend four to five hours with a private guide at Pearl Harbor, downtown Honolulu, Diamond Head, and Punchbowl. Guides such as Ama and Eva bring local Hawaiian history to life, adjust the pace for your group, and handle hotel or harbor pickup in a minivan.
“We learned so much about the history of the island and the culture. Gained appreciation and the knowledge of our tour guide was amazing. Loved every minute.”
Book a private minivan for up to five people between Honolulu Airport and your Waikiki hotel. Your driver tracks the flight, meets you at baggage claim with a sign, handles luggage, and provides a direct 30 to 45-minute transfer. James, Ethan, and Stan are among the named drivers.
“Driver was early and pleasant being that it was 5am. He put out luggage into the vehicle and we were on our way to the airport. Definitely recommend this experience.”
Take a private, roughly one-hour helicopter flight around Oʻahu with two or three people from the same group. Expect doors-off views, live commentary, Waikīkī, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Kualoa, and the North Shore. Pilots such as Jake, Mike, Lorenzo, and Clay are praised for calm flying and clear island stories.
“Chris was our pilot and he was fantastic. Flew nice and steady for the trip and was giving insightful information about the island. This was our first time in a helicopter and we could have enjoyed the expedience any more. Thank you!”
From Waianae, Aloha Ocean takes up to six people along West Oahu’s coast aboard a comfortable powerboat. Guides such as Shanti, Koa, Brooke, and Stef help you look for wild dolphins, sea turtles, reef fish, monk seals, and whales. Snorkel gear is included, and the tour returns to its starting point.
“FABULOUS experience! Captain Lauren and crew Rebecca were amazing. #girlpower#badasschicks We swam w momma and her babies which I understand never happens. Saw turtles too. So much fun. Intimate setting. Highly recommend!”
Spend 8 to 9 hours touring Oahu in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with guides such as Ryan, Auntie Kelly, JK, or Ionnis. Taste coffee, fruit, macadamia nuts, pineapple, and local food, then add snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, or Waimea Falls when conditions and timing allow.
“We were so lucky to have selected this tour. Booking it was very easy and we were picked up from our hotel by Ryan.”
Build your own Oahu day with a private guide such as Eddie, JP, Conroy, John, Tiho, or Sean. Expect hotel, residence, or cruise-pier pickup within 20 miles of Waikiki, a cooler with water, child seats, and a flexible island route covering sights, food stops, beaches, and local history.
“Tiho, our guide, was a pleasure to spend our day exploring the island with. We relied on him to recommend the must-sees; although being certain we experienced what we wanted. Botanical garden, Coffee farm, macadamia stand, snorkeling by the turtles, food trucks and learning the history of various sites were on the agenda. Great day, would recommend.”
Meet at Moku Hawaii on Koa Avenue for a 90-minute private Waikiki lesson. You’ll cover safety, balance, paddling, and board position on land, then walk to the beach with your instructor. Max is often praised for calm, clear coaching, while Wil also teaches select lessons.
“Max was an amazing surf instructor! He's super friendly, warm and full of positive energy - exactly what you need when you're taking your first surf lesson and feeling a bit nervous. I was a little scared at first, but with his help i learned quickly and has so much fun!!”
Spend 6 to 7 hours circling Oahu with a private guide, free Waikiki pickup, and a flexible route. Choose from beaches, viewpoints, surf towns, farms, food stops, and cultural sights. Guides such as Tyler, Nasia, Lucas, and Heather are known for adjusting the day to suit each group.
“The sights: Diamond Head, the blowhole/eternity beach, waterfalls, the wild waves of North Shore were all fantastic. The food: Malasadas, food trucks, farmers markets were great! Tour guide: Sierra was fabulous. Knowledgeable with great insight into island life and culture from a native’s perspective. And a great driver!”
Arrange a private, air-conditioned transfer between Honolulu International Airport, the cruise terminal, and Waikiki hotels. Drivers such as Jay, Gary, Johnny, and Jason provide flight tracking, pickup instructions, luggage help, and spacious vans for groups of up to 12.
“Jay was our driver, he communicated with us often, he was on time and very friendly! Very smooth transfer to the airport”
Pick a coast, a reef or a ridge.
