Why choose this Oahu tour ?
The surf’s always up with this self-guided walking tour of the Waikiki neighborhood of Honolulu! Stroll along the shimmering sand of Waikiki Beach and take in the vibrancy of Hawaii’s famed shoreline. Along the way, you’ll uncover Waikiki’s surfing legacy and follow the riveting life story of Duke Kahanamoku, the man who spread surfing around the world! Plus, uncover a murder mystery at Waikiki’s first hotel, learn about Hawaiian royalty, and so much more.
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.
New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Make the most of your Oahu adventure
What makes Honolulu’s Waikiki Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour a unique experience ?
This hunk of concrete goes all the way back to 1904, when President Taft demanded that a “Ring of Steel” be built around Hawaii’s coast to protect it from attacking battleships.
NOTE: This 1.3 miles-long tour covers the essentials of Waikiki in 1-2 hours.
These waters have been the lifesource of the Hawaiian people since ancient Polynesians first settled here between 400 and 1100 CE.
Deeper blues surround a strip of light blue, where the bottom of the ocean is a clean slate of sand. This marks one of the four ancient healing sites in Waikiki.
Waikiki has seen plenty of famous figures, but one of its most beloved was Hawaii’s last heir to the throne, Princess Kaiulani.
When Princess Ka’iulani passed in 1899, another Hawaiian hero began to rise in her stead. He was Duke Kahanamoku, the surfing legend of Hawaii. His story begins in the shadows of the palm trees – or rather, on the crest of a breaker in the distance.
One of Hawaii’s most iconic landmarks, this hotel debuted in 1927. Since then it’s hosted celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, presidents like Franklin Roosevelt, and legendary Waterman Duke Kahanamoku himself!
Built in 1901, the Moana featured the first electric-powered elevator in Hawaii, which is still in use today! But it’s more famous as the site of one of America’s greatest unsolved mysteries: The murder of Jane Stanford.
In the early 1900s, most people had never seen anyone surf. And then here came one of the greatest surfers of all time to show them how it was done! Nearly everyone who watched Duke surf immediately wanted a piece of the action. Duke kicked off a surfing fever that swept across the world!
We’re approaching Kuhio Beach, one of the best beaches in town. Doesn’t this spot seem perfect for relaxing? If you’re into snorkeling or bodyboarding, this is the spot to do it! With both sides of this beach enclosed by concrete walls that stretch into the ocean, it’s also a calm wading pool for families with children.
This is Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole, the youngest son of a high Hawaiian priest. He lived in a home on this very spot in Waikiki with his wife, princess Elizabeth Kahanu.
Off to our right stands the Waikiki Wall. At first glance, this concrete wall kind of looks out of place sitting in this tropical paradise. But the walls have been here for so long, they’ve become part of the scenery.
By the time Duke retired from the Olympics in 1932, he’d earned three gold and two silver medals. Later, he fought in World War II, served multiple terms as Sheriff of Honolulu, and did so much more to bring fame and honor to Hawaii.
This statue is “Makua and Kila,” a young surfer and his unlikely friend: A Hawaiian monk seal. Greet them with aloha! They’re always glad to see visitors. They’ve been sending aloha to folks like you since they first came to this beach.
The spirit of Duke and everything he stood for is alive and well in Waikiki. People surf and swim. They laugh and love. And until his death in 1968, all Duke hoped was that these things would live on.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
- How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Walking Tours: couples can share one using headphones.
- Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
- Comprehensive Tour Experience: • The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
- Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- Honolulu’s Waikiki Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour
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Honolulu’s Waikiki Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Not Included
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Trending Oahu Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out
Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by History with Action.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Pacific/Honolulu.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 4 Stars based on 3 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.
You’re not done yet! It’s time to set up the tour you purchased.
Follow these steps now, while in wifi/signal. Do NOT wait until your travel date or while onsite.
1. Find the tour setup instructions:
>> Email: search for the phrase “Your tour operator sent you a message” OR “Set up your Action Tour Guide self-guided tour now.” If it’s not in Inbox, check All Mail.
>> Viator App Messages: open the app, check Bookings, select View Voucher, and click on Contact Tour Operator
>> TripAdvisor App Messages:
open the app, check Account, select Messages
>> Text: check for a text from 415-980-4997
>> Can’t find it? Ask us to resend: https://actiontourguide.com/redeem/
2. Follow the set up instructions NOW, not later:
>> MUST do this before traveling to site. Requires WiFi/signal.
>> Do NOT wait until your travel date to access the tour for the first time. The tour is not tied to your travel date.
>> If you’ve reserved the tour for multiple participants (e.g., four people), the same password can be redeemed multiple times (e.g., four times).
3. Not familiar with our self-guided audio tours? Watch this quick tutorial: https://actiontourguide.com/tutorial
⚠️ Important Note:
Your purchase is for the audio tour ONLY. It does not include entrance tickets to parks or attractions.
Have a question – We’re here to help! For quick answers, visit the app’s FAQ section or our website at actiontourguide.com/faq. If you need further assistance, please call us at 1315-291-0634, chat with us online, or email us at support@actiontourguide.com. We’re committed to providing you with the support you need every step of the way!