Honolulu is a city that’s perfect for exploring on foot. Its mix of lush green landscapes, historic sites, and lively neighborhoods makes walking tours a great way to see the city up close. Whether you’re interested in scenic hikes to waterfalls, uncovering ghost stories, or customizing your own experience, Honolulu offers options that suit every type of traveler. We especially love the Hike Trail to Waterfall & Nature Walk for its combination of nature, history, and stunning views. It’s a small-group outing that combines short hikes with panoramic lookout points, giving you a well-rounded experience of Oahu’s natural beauty.
If spooky stories are more your speed, the Waikiki Night Marchers Ghostly Walking Tour offers an eerie, entertaining look into Hawaii’s haunted past, complete with tales of legendary night marchers. For those who want to explore Honolulu’s dark side during daylight, the Ghosts of Old Honolulu Walking Tour delivers chilling stories from the city’s quieter past. And if a fully customizable experience sounds best, the Private Guided Tour lets you tailor your route, spending as much time as you like exploring the city’s most interesting corners.
Below, you’ll find a detailed rundown of each tour, highlighting what makes them unique and helpful insights to decide which is best for your trip.
1. Hike Trail to Waterfall & Nature Walk
For around $119, the Hike Trail to Waterfall & Nature Walk hits the mark for travelers looking to combine outdoor activity with sightseeing in Honolulu. This half-day tour features a short guided hike to Manoa Falls, the tallest accessible waterfall on Oahu at 150 feet. The trail winds through the lush, rain-soaked Rainbow Valley, where rainbows are often seen after showers—a perfect backdrop for photos and nature lovers alike.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of accessible hikes and panoramic views. After the waterfall hike, you’ll visit Puu Ualakaa State Park for the iconic Tantalus Lookout, offering sweeping views of southern Oahu, including Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and hotel pickup in Waikiki makes logistics simple. Reviewers love the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guide, and many say that the scenery, combined with the chance to learn about local flora and fauna, makes this a memorable outing.
The inclusion of admission tickets to Manoa Falls adds value, and the mixture of rainforest sights and city views provides a well-rounded outdoor experience. It’s best suited for those who enjoy light hiking, natural beauty, and a bit of history.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a manageable hike with spectacular scenery and a knowledgeable guide, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or those wanting a break from beaches.
2. Waikiki: Waikiki Night Marchers Ghostly Walking Tour
At just $40 per person, the Waikiki Night Marchers Ghostly Walking Tour is a budget-friendly way to experience Hawaii’s spooky side. Voted Best Ghost Tour in the Nation by USA Today’s 10Best, this 1.5-hour tour focuses on the legendary night marchers, spirits said to parade through Waikiki’s streets.
Led by master storyteller Lopaka Kapanui, the tour brings to life true accounts of paranormal activity and historical hauntings. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a good ghost story with a cultural twist. The tales are rooted in local legends, and Lopaka’s engaging storytelling makes the spooky tales both fun and informative.
While the tour is short, it offers a rich dose of Honolulu’s legends, blending history with supernatural tales. It’s ideal for travelers looking for an evening activity that’s both entertaining and eerie, especially during the cooler, darker hours.
Bottom Line: This tour is a top pick for fans of ghost stories or anyone wanting to hear Honolulu’s haunted tales from a skilled storyteller. It’s a fun, quick experience that leaves a lasting impression.
3. Ghosts of Old Honolulu Walking Tour
For $28, the Ghosts of Old Honolulu Walking Tour offers a slightly longer explore the city’s haunted past. Also recognized as Best Ghost Tour in the Nation by USA Today’s 10Best, this 1.5-hour walk explores Honolulu’s eerie secrets through well-told stories of spectral sightings and haunted locations.
Your guide shares true documented accounts of paranormal activity, weaving in local legends and tales of spirits lingering in historic sites. This tour is great for those interested in the supernatural but who prefer daytime or early evening explorations. The stories are detailed, and the guide’s storytelling skills keep you engaged, making history feel alive through ghostly encounters.
Perfect for history buffs and ghost story lovers alike, it offers a balance of entertainment and education. It’s also reasonably priced, making it an accessible introduction to Honolulu’s haunted lore.
Bottom Line: Ideal for curious travelers who want to combine history with ghost stories, this tour offers an engaging look at Honolulu’s haunted history without needing to stay out late.
4. Honolulu: Downtown Ghostly Night Marchers Walking Tour
At $28 per person, the Downtown Ghostly Night Marchers Walking Tour revisits the legendary night marchers’ stories in Honolulu’s historic core. Also recognized as the Best Ghost Tour in the Nation, this tour offers a nighttime peek into the city’s supernatural tales—particularly the spirits said to march through the streets during certain moon phases.
Led by Lopaka Kapanui, this experience emphasizes documented accounts of hauntings and incorporates Honolulu’s historic sites, giving you a vivid sense of the city’s unseen inhabitants. The nighttime setting enhances the spooky atmosphere, making it especially compelling for those interested in local legends and paranormal activity.
This tour is perfect for night owls and those fascinated by Hawaii’s spiritual stories. It also offers a different perspective of Honolulu’s historic downtown, blending ghost stories with the city’s architecture.
Bottom Line: If you’re intrigued by Honolulu’s legendary night spirits and want a spooky experience after dark, this tour is a prime choice.
$28 per person
5. Island of the Gods Daytime Walking Tour
For $35, the Island of the Gods Daytime Walking Tour takes you through Honolulu’s landmarks and stories of Hawaiian royalty. Lasting about an hour, this tour is designed to immerse you in the island’s cultural and historical legacy.
The guide shares fascinating stories behind the statues of Hawaii’s Kings and Queens, bringing Honolulu’s royal past to life. It’s a relaxed walk, perfect for those who want a quick but meaningful overview of Hawaiian culture, legends, and significant sites. This tour is great for travelers who prefer daytime outings or want to combine sightseeing with light historical storytelling.
While it doesn’t explore ghost stories or nature hikes, it offers a solid introduction to Hawaiian heritage, making it suitable for history enthusiasts or first-time visitors wanting a gentle walk.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, engaging tour that brings Honolulu’s royal stories to life, perfect for travelers with limited time or those interested in Hawaiian culture.
$35 per person
6. Honolulu: Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour)
If you prefer a fully personalized experience, the Custom Walking Tour offers complete flexibility. Starting at $127.21 per person, this private tour can last from 2 to 8 hours, depending on your interests. Your local guide will craft a route based on your preferences, whether that’s historic sites, local eateries, shopping districts, or hidden spots.
This tour suits travelers who want to steer their own course and get an authentic, insider view of Honolulu. The guide’s passion for the city shines through as they share tailored recommendations, tips, and stories. It’s a good choice for those with specific interests, high-energy explorers, or travelers who want to avoid cookie-cutter tours.
While more expensive, the value lies in the flexibility and personal connection. It’s especially helpful if your group has particular sites or themes in mind or if you want to maximize a limited time in Honolulu.
Bottom Line: For a highly personalized experience and tailored itinerary, this private tour offers the most flexibility and a friendly local touch.
$127.21 per person
How to Choose Your Honolulu Walking Tour
When picking the right tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical fitness. If you love outdoor adventures, the Hike Trail to Waterfall & Nature Walk offers a blend of scenery and light exercise. For those craving ghost stories and supernatural tales, Waikiki Night Marchers and Ghosts of Old Honolulu provide spooky, entertaining insights, with the former perfect for nighttime thrill-seekers.
If culture is your priority, the Island of the Gods Daytime Walking Tour is a quick, meaningful way to learn about Hawaiian royalty. For those with specific interests or large groups, the Private Guided Tour gives you complete control over your itinerary.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, as popular tours can fill up fast. Think about the style of experience you want—nature, history, ghosts, or personalized—and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Honolulu offers a surprising variety of walking tours that go beyond just beaches and resorts. From scenic hikes to ghostly legends, there’s something to satisfy every curiosity. If you’re after an active outdoor experience, the Trail to Waterfall & Nature Walk is a top pick. For paranormal enthusiasts, both ghost tours provide spooky stories with cultural flavor, while the private tour suits those who want a fully tailored day.
No matter what you choose, these walking experiences help you see Honolulu through different lenses—whether it’s lush landscapes, haunted streets, or royal landmarks. Booking early can ensure you don’t miss out on these engaging ways to explore Oahu’s capital. Prepare to walk, learn, and maybe even shiver a little, all while discovering Honolulu’s authentic character.