Oahu Tours

Guided tours can be an informative and entertaining way to experience Oahu,Frommer's: Oahu Guided Tours but Frommer's recommends renting a car to see the "unknown" areas of the island if time permits.Frommer's: Beyond Honolulu: Exploring the Island

1. Pearl Harbor: Fodor's states that the USS Arizona and the USS Missouri "bookend" U.S. involvement in World War II.Fodor's: Battleship Missouri Memorial Review The Arizona still rests at the bottom of the harbor where it sank after the 1941 attack,Frommer's: USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor while the Missouri—which hosted Japan's surrender in the war—has been transformed into a museum memorial.Frommer's: USS Missouri Memorial
2. 'Iolani Palace: Once the residence of Hawaii's last monarch, Queen Lili'uokalani, the palace is now a museum with many of its rooms and artifacts still intact.Lonely Planet: 'Iolani Palace
3. Bishop Museum: The "world's greatest collection" of Hawaiian artifacts is showcased in this museum, which is considered a "must-see" by Frommer's.Frommer's: Bishop Museum Tours, planetarium shows and hula performances are also offered.Bishop Museum: Daily Schedule
4. Chinatown: A "mixed plate" of Chinese culture, the neighborhood is filled with restaurants and "cultural attractions."Fodor's: Top Oahu Experiences

Frommer's suggests four walking tours that focus on the Waikiki/downtown Honolulu area. Landmarks like 'Iolani Palace and the Hawaii State Capitol are featured, but some tours require trips on TheBus to get to their starting points.Frommer's: Oahu Walking Tour 3

Fodor's offers several "great 1-day itineraries" for travelers who want to go outside Honolulu. For most of the excursions, especially those that venture to the North Shore or the town of Kailua, either a rental car or bus pass is required.Fodor's: Great 1-Day Itineraries

If planning a trip, please see Oahu Vacation, Oahu Hotels and Oahu Restaurants.