Oahu is a beautiful island and what better way to experience the majesty than going on an Oahu eco-tour? An eco-tour is a guided trip that highlights the natural landscape of the area, often in remote and hard-to-access places. Since it is a tropical island, Hawaii is known for its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and immense biodiversity, and going on an eco-tour is a popular way to experience its natural beauty.
Popular Oahu Eco Tours
There are many types of eco-tours on Oahu. Whether you are seeking the thrill of adventure, or a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, there is something for everyone.
Sea Life
Is the ocean calling your name? Ocean Joy Cruises offers exquisite views of the Waianae coastline for your chance to view sea turtles, dolphins, and even whales. If you’d like to get in the ocean, there are options to go snorkeling as well.
Hiking
Perhaps the land is more your speed. Oahu Nature Tours offers a variety of hiking options, including excursions that focus on waterfalls, wildlife, or the geologically unique Diamond Head Crater.
Photography
For the creative spirits out there, a guided photography tour is a perfect way to bring home memories of your trip to Oahu. Oahu Photography Tours will bring you on a guided excursion and help photographers of all levels capture the perfect image. They even offer guided moonlight tours for something a little different!
Tips for going on an eco-tour
After reading through the options, you may be thinking, “what’s next?” The tips below will help you get the most out of your Oahu eco-tour.
- Reserve your tour early: Oahu is a popular place, and these tours fill up fast. As soon as you find one (or more!) that you’d like to go on, reserve your spot right away.
- Wear the right clothes and shoes: The type of clothing and shoes you will want on your tour will depend on the type of excursion. In general, if you’re going to get wet, bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes. If you will be walking around, be sure to wear appropriate shoes. And don’t forget to pack a hat!
- Bring sunscreen and water: We recommend bringing your own sunscreen and water, even if the tour provides them. This will ensure you are fully prepared for the hot Hawaiian sun. And remember, Hawaii recently updated their rules on sunscreen! Read about it here.
- Pack food (if necessary): Many, but not all, of the tours listed above provide food. Be sure to check with your tour operator ahead of time to see if you need to bring your own lunch and/or snacks.
- Prepare your camera: Make sure your camera is fully charged before heading out. You may even want to look into options to for waterproofing your camera or phone so you won’t have to worry about ocean splashes or a bit of rain.