Hawaii · HISTORICAL TOURS

Top 15 Historical Tours in Hawaii

24 tours  ·  from $57 a head

Good historical tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in a tight 80 minutes
Historical Tours, Island Highlights Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island, Volcanoes National Park Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in the Big Island

Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

1.Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,569 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $264Our pick

This 11-hour small-group tour circles the Big Island from Kona or Waikoloa, pairing Kona coffee, Punaluʻu Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, lava tubes, waterfalls, and Waipio Valley. A guide such as Chris, Drew, or Kevin adds island history and cultural context while you ride in a Mercedes Sprinter with lunch included.

“Prepare yourself for a full day of walking and climbing. Do some research and be prepared to interact with the tour guide. Our guide, Henry was absolutely amazing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Oahu: Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia's Forgotten History - Arrive Early for the Hands-On Activities
Historical Tours, Luaus & Shows, Tour Reviews, Tours in Oahu

Oahu: Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia’s Forgotten History

2.Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia’s Forgotten History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,013 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $145

At Coral Crater Adventure Park, you’ll enjoy an all-you-can-eat Polynesian buffet, hula lessons, weaving, Maori games, cooking activities, and a large outdoor show. The performance explores the Battle of Kipapa, King Kamehameha I, and traditions from Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands. Transportation from Waikiki and the cruise port is available.

“This was a top notch experience! Super friendly staff and performers. Great food. The show itself was amazing! Loved it. Worth every penny.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay - Following the Kona Coast to Kealakekua Bay
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Experiences, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

3.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,279 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Board Body Glove’s catamaran at Kailua Pier for a three-hour sunset cruise to Kealakekua Bay. A local historian explains Kona’s landmarks, legends, and culture while you enjoy pupus, dinner, live Hawaiian-style music, and one complimentary cocktail. Bring a light wrap, since the boat can get windy and cool.

“Un unforgettable experience. Everything was perfect: music, food, and the detailed history of the island:”

Check availability →Read our full review

Pearl Harbor History Remembered Tour from Ko Olina - Walking aboard the USS Missouri
Historical Tours, Pearl Harbor Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Oahu

Pearl Harbor History Remembered Tour from Ko Olina

4.Pearl Harbor History Remembered Tour from Ko Olina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,009 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $154

Travel from Ko Olina to Pearl Harbor in an air-conditioned mini-coach with hotel pickup, a narrated Honolulu drive, USS Arizona Memorial access, and time aboard the USS Missouri. Guides such as Steve, Kimo, Aaron, and Nani Popolo are known for adding local history and humor. Expect about eight hours, walking, and a tightly managed schedule.

“Very knowledgeable about area. I appreciated the extra details from Mo. She was considerate of our time and provided opportunities to explore the area.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee - Key points to know before booking
Farms, Historical Tours, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island, Turtle Snorkeling Tours

Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee

5.Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 324 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $149

From Kailua Pier, visit a Kona coffee farm, St. Benedict’s Painted Church, a local lunch stop, and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. You may see green sea turtles near a white-sand beach. Guides such as Kelvin, BJ, Rusty, and Marissa are praised for clear local stories and personal help.

“Coffee farm was interesting; history of the island was good; lunch at a local place was tasty; sea turtles were cool - just wish there were more than 3.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Hawaii: Historical Dinner Cruise Tour to Kealakekua Bay - Approaching Kealakekua Bay
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Experiences, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island

From Hawaii: Historical Dinner Cruise Tour to Kealakekua Bay

6.Historical Dinner Cruise Tour to Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 190 reviews · from $201

Cruise 12 miles of Kona coast from Kailua Pier with a local historian, live slack-key music, a complimentary drink, and dinner. Look for dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and seasonal whales before admiring Captain Cook’s Monument at Kealakekua Bay. Guide Chris has been praised for lively stories about Hawaii’s landmarks and past.

“great live music, great staff, great drinks. and we saw whales”

Check availability →Read our full review

Pearl Harbor with USS Arizona and Hawaiian Kingdom History Tour - Downtown Honolulu explains the Hawaiian Kingdom
Historical Tours, Pearl Harbor Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Oahu

Pearl Harbor with USS Arizona and Hawaiian Kingdom History Tour

7.Pearl Harbor with USS Arizona and Hawaiian Kingdom History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 184 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $57Best value

Spend about five hours visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, then see Honolulu landmarks including ʻIolani Palace, Kamehameha Statue, the State Capitol, Mission Houses, and Kawaiahaʻo Church. Waikiki pickup, transportation, narration, and the USS Arizona ticket are included.

“Excellent and engaging Guide. Enough time if you don't add submarine museum and tour, which would make you hurry a bit.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Waterfall, #1 On The Road to Hana, With Chocolate tour Historical - Walking the first waterfall route toward Hana
Farms, Historical Tours, Road to Hana Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Maui, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Maui

Waterfall, #1 On The Road to Hana, With Chocolate tour Historical

8.Waterfall, #1 On The Road to Hana, With Chocolate tour Historical

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 88 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $139

Walk a short, sometimes wet trail through a private Haiku rainforest estate with guides such as T, Jiva, JoJo, or Ryan. You’ll see a waterfall, native and invasive plants, ancient royal artifacts, cacao trees, and unusual dinosaur ferns, then make and taste organic chocolate. Groups can reach 12 people, though some departures feel almost private.

“Jiva was our knowledgeable tour guide who was engaging and entertaining. He shared lots of information about the jungle, while answering our questions about the history and the plants as we wound our way to the waterfall. The chocolate portion of our tour was very enjoyable as we learned more about cacao and sampled white, milk, ruby and dark chocolates. Remember to use your bug spray! Thank you Jiva!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Pearl Harbor [Early Access], USS Arizona & Historic Honolulu Tour - Entering Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Historical Tours, Pearl Harbor Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Oahu

Pearl Harbor [Early Access], USS Arizona & Historic Honolulu Tour

9.Pearl Harbor [Early Access], USS Arizona & Historic Honolulu Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 87 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $79

Start early from Waikiki with a group of no more than 14. At Pearl Harbor, explore the museums and memorial grounds on your own, then try for the Navy boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. Finish with a guided look at Iolani Palace, royal statues, the Capitol, Aloha Tower, and central Honolulu.

“I would definitely recommend this tour. They were very helpful arranging this trip ie meeting site etc. My friends who hadn’t been here before enjoyed the addition of Honolulu sites to the pearl harbor tour. Heather our tour guide from Daniel Hawaii was excellent. She made us feel comfortable and provided great information.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kona Tour: Bee Farm, Kona Coffee, and National Historical Parks - Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook’s final chapter
Farms, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island

Kona Tour: Bee Farm, Kona Coffee, and National Historical Parks

10.Kona Tour: Bee Farm, Kona Coffee, and National Historical Parks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 78 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $198

Spend about seven hours exploring Kona’s coast, historic Hawaiian sites, Big Island Bees, and a Kona coffee farm. Your certified guide leads the way in a minivan for up to 12 people, with hotel pickup, lunch, honey and coffee tastings, and time to look for turtles and monk seals. Guides such as Dreu, Kai, and Oni Oni have been especially praised for their storytelling.

“We had Dreu and he has gone to great lengths to educate himself about the entire tour, so he can share a fountain of details that made this tour the best I’ve had anywhere! He thought about taking care of us with knowledge that would take years to acquire, but his “Tree” best qualities were patience, passion and drive for making his version of the tour the most memorable and rewarding to us!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Maui Historical Island Tour - Kepaniwai Park shows Maui’s many cultures
Historical Tours, Island Highlights Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Maui

Maui Historical Island Tour

11.Maui Historical Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $200

Explore central Maui with Jonas of Limo Jonas LLC in a small-group stretch limousine tour. Visit Kepaniwai Park, Maui Tropical Plantation, Bailey House Museum, and more. Expect local fruit, drinks, snacks, island history, and flexible stops. The Bailey House Museum is closed weekends, and whale watching is seasonal.

“This was a great way to experience the island. Our host Jonas was absolutely great!! He had the limo stocked with water and other beverages and also snacks. Very informative at each stop but you can tell he loves his job and his customer service is top notch!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cruise Ship Shore Excursion of Historic Kona - Key points at a glance
Cruises & Boat Tours, Historical Tours, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island

Cruise Ship Shore Excursion of Historic Kona

12.Cruise Ship Shore Excursion of Historic Kona

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 33 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $79

This small-group Kona tour takes Pride of America passengers from Kailua Pier to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, St. Benedict’s Painted Church, and a Kona coffee stop. Expect an air-conditioned vehicle, a local guide, and about three and a half hours on the road. Guides such as Kawika and Lincoln have earned especially warm praise for their humor and local insight.

“Great tour. You saw how coffee beans were grown and dried and had an opportunity to buy Kona coffee products. Painted church was interesting to see. You had time to walk at your leisure at the city of refuge. It is hot and quite a bit of walking which was fine,but I was not aware of that before going on the tour. Saw a lot of the city and had a great tour guide that pointed out plants and spots of interest.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Historic Hilo Bay and Coconut Island Guided Kayak Adventure - Reaching Moku Ola, the Island of Life
Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in the Big Island

Historic Hilo Bay and Coconut Island Guided Kayak Adventure

13.Historic Hilo Bay and Coconut Island Guided Kayak Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 28 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $160

Paddle Hilo Bay with a guide from Hilo Ocean Adventures on a two-hour, small-group trip to Coconut Island, or Moku Ola. You’ll hear stories about healing waters, ancient refuge, Queen Liliuokalani Gardens, and Hilo’s Japanese heritage. Guides such as Isaiah, Jake, Devon, and Adam have led past trips. Expect rain, a short walk with the kayaks, and a moderate workout.

“It poured rain and that made it even more fun! Definitely recommend! Easy for the whole family. We saw a sea turtle too!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kailua-Kona Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour - Kamakahonu and the final years of Kamehameha
Ghost Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in the Big Island, Walking Tours

Kailua-Kona Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour

14.Kona Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 27 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

This two-hour evening walk begins and ends at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Guides such as Heather, Gabby, Tricia, and Cosmin have led it with a mix of Hawaiian history, culture, legends, and ghost stories. Expect eight downtown stops, plenty of chances to ask questions, and a spooky mood that is more spiritual than scary.

“We had a great time learning about the history of the Kona Inn and that King Kamehameha that brought peace and equal rights to the people of the Hawaiian islands. The tour was great. You have to sign a waiver because there is a bit of talk about human sacrifice, but it wasn't told in a gory way. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

History & Culture Tour in Honolulu via Segway - King Kamehameha and the royal district
Historical Tours, Segway Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Oahu

History & Culture Tour in Honolulu via Segway

15.History & Culture Tour in Honolulu via Segway

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $254

Ride from Kakaʻako through Honolulu’s royal district, Chinatown, downtown, Aloha Tower, and the waterfront. You’ll hear guides such as Jeanne, Michael, and Zach through a two-way headset while covering far more ground than on foot. The 2.5-hour tour is limited to eight people, with Waikiki transfers available for $20 per person.

“What an enjoyable morning learning about the history of the islands. Michael, your were entertaining, knowledgeable and interesting to have as our guide. Thank you for being our photographer as well. The small group was fun to be with. No one was lost at the end of the single file. We definitely will do more Segway tours.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Historical Tours

★ 4.5Waimea Historical and Cultural Shared Tour5 reviews
★ 4.0Premier Pearl Harbor and Hawaii Kingdom History TourFrom $575 reviews
★ 5.0Historic Hilo Bay & Coconut Island SUP AdventureFrom $1006 reviews

Keep browsing

Luaus & Shows57Farms76Food Tours11Food & Drink33Pearl Harbor Tours117City Tours32Walking Tours13
Scroll to Top

Explore Hawaii

Pick a reef, a crater or a coast road.

On the water

SnorkellingTurtle WaterMolokiniSunset SailsWhale Watching

Inland and up

Volcano ParkCrater SunriseHana RoadWaterfallsMauna Kea

In the air

Helicopter ToursNa Pali and WaimeaParasailingZip LinesATV Country

Evenings

LuausDinner CruisesManta NightsFarms and CoffeeFilm Locations